Business Nomination Region: Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, and Keremeos.
Not for Profit Organizations Not Eligible for Service Excellence, Hospitality Excellence, Community Builder Excellence, New Business and Business of the Year award categories.
For more information Nomination & Eligibility, FAQ, Hall of Fame (Past Winners)
Community Builder Excellence
Description
The Community Builder Excellence Award celebrates businesses of all sizes that collaborate with others to make a positive impact. Through partnerships, volunteering, financial or in-kind contributions, and community involvement, the recipient motivates their team to give back consistently. They don't just do business—they build community and foster meaningful connections that help local causes thrive.
Requirements
Business must be in continuous operation for a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
Open to businesses only — non-profit organizations are not eligible.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Business Collaboration | 25.0% |
| Community Support | 25.0% |
| Team Engagement | 25.0% |
| Impact & Outcomes | 25.0% |
Hospitality Excellence
Description
The Hospitality Excellence Award recognizes a business in the hospitality and tourism sector that delivers exceptional guest and visitor experiences while contributing to the South Okanagan's reputation as a premier destination. Open to businesses such as accommodations, restaurants, wineries, breweries, tour operators, attractions, and recreation providers, this award celebrates excellence in service, innovation, and regional impact.
Requirements
Business must be in operation a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
Open to businesses only — non-profit organizations are not eligible.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Guest Experience | 25.0% |
| Innovation & Creativity | 20.0% |
| Regional Impact | 20.0% |
| Commitment to Excellence | 20.0% |
| Partnerships | 15.0% |
Marketing & Communications
Description
Marketing and Communications are vital for the success of any organization. This award recognizes a business or organization that excels in how they communicate, connect, and promote — whether through marketing their own brand or providing expert marketing services to others.
Strong, strategic marketing and communications are essential for growth, visibility, and trust. The recipient stands out for their creativity, brand clarity, audience engagement, and ability to deliver consistent, impactful messaging.
Requirements
This award is open to all businesses that demonstrate excellence in their own marketing efforts, as well as those that specialize in marketing services.
To qualify, must have been in operation for a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Marketing Role Clarification | 12.0% |
| Strategy & Execution | 21.0% |
| Creativity & Innovation | 25.0% |
| Budget & Resource Management | 20.0% |
| Audience Engagement & Results | 22.0% |
Service Excellence
Description
Service Excellence Award recognizes a business that demonstrates exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding service at every level. Whether in retail, hospitality, or professional services, the recipient consistently exceeds customer expectations through innovation, professionalism, and a strong service-focused culture. They are recognized for their business success, attention to detail, and dedication to creating a positive and lasting customer experience.
Requirements
To qualify, businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
Open to businesses only — non-profit organizations are not eligible.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Customer Experience & Philosophy | 25.0% |
| Team Training & Development | 25.0% |
| Adaptability & Feedback | 20.0% |
| Service Impact & Business Success | 20.0% |
| Partnership for Service | 10.0% |
Workplace Culture Excellence
Description
The Workplace Culture Excellence Award recognizes organizations and businesses that prioritize diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and employee well-being. Through innovative practices and supportive policies, they create environments where all team members—regardless of age or background—can grow, succeed, and contribute. The recipient also strengthens community culture through creativity and engagement.
Requirements
To qualify, businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Diversity & Innovation Inclusion | 20.0% |
| Employee Empowerment & Fair Practices | 20.0% |
| Community & Cultural Contribution | 20.0% |
| Teamwork & Building Team Spirit | 20.0% |
| Partnership for Culture | 20.0% |
Not for Profit Excellence
Description
The Not-for-Profit Excellence Award recognizes a registered non-profit society or charity that has been incorporated for a minimum of two years and is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the South Okanagan through its unique mandate. The recipient demonstrates an outstanding record of achievement, adheres to the highest ethical standards, and shows genuine care and commitment to the community.
Requirements
Organization must be in operation a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
Not Eligible for Service Excellence, Hospitality Excellence, Community Builder Excellence, New Business and Business of the Year. ?
Organization will be required to provide registered charitable society or non-profit organization number when they complete their nominee submission form.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Vision, Mission & Core Values | 10.0% |
| Community Impact | 25.0% |
| Ethical Standards & Governance | 20.0% |
| Sustainability & Growth | 25.0% |
| Partnerships | 20.0% |
New Business Award
Description
The New Business of the Year Award celebrates the success of a rising leader making a strong early impact in their industry. This award recognizes a business that demonstrates innovation, sustainable practices, and measurable momentum in its first 3 years of operation.
*Business must be in operation for a minimum of ONE year and less then THREE years as of September 1, 2025.
Requirements
Business must have been in operation for a minimum of one year and less than three years as of September 1, 2025
Open to businesses only — non-profit organizations are not eligible.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Business Foundation & Organizational Profile | 20.0% |
| Planning & Sustainability | 20.0% |
| Differentiation & Innovation | 22.0% |
| Vision for the Future | 23.0% |
| Partnerships & Collaborations | 15.0% |
Young Business Leader of the Year
Description
The Young Business Leader of the Year Award honours an inspiring business and community leader between the ages of 19 and 39 (as of September 1, 2025) who is making a meaningful impact within their organization and the broader community.
Whether they founded the business or are part of its leadership team, this individual is recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and leadership. They demonstrate a clear vision for contributing to their community's growth and prosperity, and they are helping shape the future of business.
Requirements
To qualify, the nominee must have been in a leadership role for a minimum of TWO years as of September 1, 2025.
The nominee must aged 19 to 39 as of September 1, 2025 - will be required to verify their age.
Self-nominations are not accepted; candidates are encouraged to seek nomination through mentors or community leaders.
Business Leader of the Year
Description
The Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional business and community leader aged 40 or over (as of September 1, 2025) with a minimum of four years' combined experience in ownership, management, or leadership roles—across one or multiple businesses. The recipient demonstrates outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to innovation, integrity, and community engagement. They serve as a positive role model and contribute significantly to the success and growth of the South Okanagan business community.
Requirements
To qualify, the nominee must have been in a leadership role for a minimum of FOUR years as of September 1, 2025.
The nominee must be aged 40 and over as of September 1, 2025 - will be required to verify their age.
Self-nominations are not accepted; candidates are encouraged to seek nomination through mentors or community leaders.
Business of the Year
Description
Business of the Year Award Honouring a business that exemplifies excellence across every area — from customer experience and innovation to leadership, team culture, and community impact. This award recognizes a business that consistently performs at a high level and inspires others through its example. Must be in operation for at least five years as of September 1, 2025. Not-for-Profits are not eligible for this award.
Requirements
Eligibility & Requirements:
- In continuous operation for a minimum of FIVE years as of September 1, 2025
- Demonstrates sustained growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Exhibits a strong and positive workplace culture.
- Consistently prioritizes exceptional customer service.
- Innovates in products, services, or internal practices.
- Actively contributes to the local economy and community well-being.
- Open to businesses only — non-profit organizations are not eligible.
