Kitimat’s annual Business Excellence Awards celebrated local heroes and thriving enterprises on Oct. 24, hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion by the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce. A warm gathering of 140 guests enjoyed the event’s new weeknight format, which wrapped up by 8 p.m., following a social hour with light refreshments before the awards ceremony. "It seemed to be a really good format," said Chamber Executive Director Laurel D’Andrea. "People are busy, and they want to spend their free time with their kids.”
Heather Masch, awarded Leader of the Year, was honoured for her 29 years of leadership at Pyramid Office Supplies, while Rainforest Wellness & Pharmacy took home Business of the Year. The Kitimat General Hospital Foundation received the Community Impact Award for its work in securing a CT scanner for the hospital.
A surprise Chamber Director’s Choice Award added to the evening’s community spirit, honouring longtime business owners Maria and Andy Towse for their decades of service and philanthropy, including an estimated $100,000 donated to local charities. Over nearly 40 years, the Towses have operated several local businesses, including Towse Waste Management, a driving school, and, most recently, Bradley’s Bait and Tackle, which they sold this year. The Towses, surprised by the recognition, were called up while volunteering at the event. "They’re just great people for the community," said D’Andrea, adding, “It was a really nice way to end the evening.”
Complete List of Winners
- Excellence in Service Award - Hospitality/Food/Beverage: Kitimat Lodge
- Excellence in Customer Service Award: Rainforest Wellness & Pharmacy
- Not-For-Profit of the Year: Tamitik Status of Women
- Excellence in Arts & Culture Award: Dance Kitimat
- Sustainability Champion Award: My Little Addiction Thrift Store
- Home-Based Business Award: Spruce Tree Media
- Emerging Entrepreneur Award: My Little Addiction Thrift Store
- Excellence in Tourism Award: Kitimat Lodge
- Excellence in Trades Award: DES Medeiros Construction Ltd
- Small Business of the Year: Blackfisk
- Medium Based Business: Emporium Builders Supplies Ltd
- Large Business Award: Daudet Creek Contracting Ltd
- Community Impact Award: Kitimat General Hospital Foundation
- Business of the Year: Rainforest Wellness & Pharmacy
- Leader of the Year: Heather Masch
- Director’s Choice Award: Maria & Andy Towse
