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There were some heartfelt speeches at the 41st annual Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Thursday, Oct. 23. Whether businesses are winning their first award or adding another to their trophy cases, it’s always clear how much it means to be recognized at the gala that brings people in the business community together at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre every year. And like every year, there were also plenty of laughs, particularly when winners went off-script with their acceptance speeches, by choice or by happenstance. When Kaleco Clothing won Retail Business of the Year, owner Amanda Homeniuk was out of town, and so Alison Ludditt of The Room Collection came up to accept the award on her behalf. Ludditt unfolded what she thought was Homeniuk’s speech and then let out a bemused sigh. “This is my kid’s progress report and not her speech!” she exclaimed, to a wave of laughter from the crowd. She took the chance to tell the crowd her kid had earned a stellar 86 per cent. “Her speech was lovely,” Ludditt said apologetically before recovering with a warm statement about the support retailers in town receive in the community, and about businesses helping other businesses, just as she had helped Kaleco Clothing by accidentally delivering the most entertaining speech of the night. The Rusty Spur has become one of Vernon’s most decorated businesses in recent Business Excellence Awards history, and took home two awards at this year’s gala, Employer of the Year and Medium Business of the Year — the latter showing the business’s steady growth, as Rusty Spur had won in the Small Business of the Year category two years ago. “Six years ago, we had two employees, my wife and I, in one little 1,500-square-foot spot in Lumby. Today we have 24 employees and we occupy three locations, one now in Vernon,” Rusty Spur co-owner Stuart Anderson said, accepting the Employer of the Year Award. “I look around the room and I think what a vibrant business community we have.” Julia Payson of the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon Branch (CMHA Vernon) gave an impassioned speech upon CMHA Vernon’s Diversity Excellence award win. “When we think about our work, we don’t want to be in business forever,” said Payson, who leads a team that provides mental health resources, housing services like the North Okanagan Rent Bank, counselling for youth and much more. “But we know that until we have inclusion, until we have equity, we will continue to see people who need more supports. “I ask that as you go through this world and we face such hard times as we are right now, that you just think, ‘How can I look at the seven people closest to me and make sure they feel included and safe and belonging no matter what.’” Proving you are never too young to get a start in business, 11-year-old Myrissa Henke was awarded Honourable Mention for the 2025 People’s Choice Award with over 500 votes. She was also a nominee for Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Myrissa’s Slushy Stand at Vernon Teach and Learn. Presented by Kal Tire, the Business Excellence Awards celebrated the brightest stars in the Greater Vernon business community with a commensurately bright gala. A crowd of about 300 people gathered for the Oscar-style ceremony with The Capital Goods Band keeping the crowd entertained with music throughout the night. “The atmosphere was electric, highlighting the importance of recognizing the dedication, innovation, and passion that drives the North Okanagan region,” said Chamber executive director Sonja Harkness. “The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, particularly presenting sponsor Kal Tire, and the entire community for their unwavering support of local business.” Hardware was handed out in 19 categories. Here is the full list of winners: Large Business of the Year: The Rise Resort Restaurant of the Year: The Edge Restaurant at The Rise Resort Medium Business of the Year: Rusty Spur Farm, Feed and Pet Employer of the Year: Rusty Spur Farm, Feed and Pet Small Business of the Year: Raven Hair Studio Agri-Business Excellence: Silverstar Veggies Diversity Excellence: Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District Branch Non-Profit of the Year: Community Dental Access Centre Business Leader of the Year: Deb White – White House Mortgages Professional Business of the Year: Steve Braun Coaching and Counselling Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Raising Stars Pre-school Trades Business of the Year: Applewood Heating and Air Conditioning Retail Business of the Year: Kaleco Clothing New Business of the Year: Rise Gymnastics Tourism Excellence: Grace and Flow Events Customer Service Excellence: Dr. Phone Fix People’s Choice Award (Business): Braden Kipp – Physiotherapist People’s Choice Award (Non-Profit): The Halina Activity Centre Chamber Champion Award: Tourism Vernon
