Rockets boss leads business winners

The recipients of the seven 2010 Business Excellence Awards were announced Wednesday evening at the Coast Capri Hotel as the 18 finalists, their guests and community leaders celebrated 23 years of business excellence in Kelowna.

Bruce Hamilton, Owner, President, General Manager and Governor of Kelowna Rockets Hockey Enterprises Ltd, was honoured as the 2010 Business Leader of the Year, the prestigious award sponsored by UBC Okanagan.

Prosper Media Group Inc. (Craig Brown) was the recipient of the 2010 Rising Star award sponsored by FortisBC. This award is for companies that have been in business less than three years.
Finalists: DollarSmartKids Enterprises Inc. and Mission Villas.

Small Business Award (1 - 10 employees) sponsored by TD Canada Trust
Recipient: Print Three (Alexandra Krieger)
Finalists: Roy’s Shoes, Boots and Repair, Speedpro Signs Kelowna

Mid-Size Business Award (11 - 30 employees) sponsored by BDO Canada LLP
Recipient: ASDAC C.N.C. Machining Ltd. (Garth Green)
Finalists: Artistech Newmedia Inc., Lakeview Market

Large Business Award (31+ employees) sponsored by MacKay LLP
Recipient: Grant Thornton LLP (Jim Grant)
Finalists: Arthon Construction, Disney Online Studios Canada – Club Penguin

Community Impact Award sponsored by Urban Systems
Recipient: The John Howard Society of the Central & South Okanagan (Shelley Cook)
Finalists: Central Okanagan Emergency Shelter Society, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (individual under 34 years of age) sponsored by Prospera Credit Union
Recipient: Aaron Young, Strategic Aviation Services Ltd.
Finalist: Mathew Dober, Business Law Group

“We salute those who have recognized a business opportunity, seized it and prospered,” says Wesley Shields, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President.

“The accomplishments and dedication of all the finalists honoured last evening are impressive and their stories inspire us all. We are proud of the contributions these exceptional business leaders have made in our community.”

Presented by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and Platinum Sponsors the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Farris, Vaughn, Wills and Murphy LLP, the popular Kelowna event is part of the annual Small Business Week® activities (October 17-23, 2010).

For the past 31 years, Small Business Week® has paid tribute to Canadian entrepreneurs and created opportunities for them to share success stories and innovative ideas with the active participation of members of the Chambers of Commerce and BDC branches across the country.