The final results for the Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Excellence Awards are in.
Winners in 17 categories were announced at the chamber’s annual gala held last night at Terrace’s Best Western Hotel.
This year, more than 1,000 community members voted for their top pick out of three nominees for each category and nominees and sponsors alike gathered to hear the announced winners and enjoy food and entertainment.
“The voting went well,” said the chambers executive director Carol Fielding. “The chamber is very pleased with the nominees that were nominated this year.”
The volunteer of the year award goes to the Thornhill Fire Department, which received more votes than nominees Brian Downie, and Ron & Mavis Ramsey.
The Contributor to the Arts Award goes to the Skeena Diversity Society. Art in Motion Dance Studio and Cathy van Dyk were rival nominees.
For Rookie of the Year, Pita Pit took first place over My Fitness Centre and Shiny Hansen’s.
Ranjit Dhillon, who works at Tim Hortons downtown, won the 2012 employee of the year award. Ranjit beat out rivals Bruce Champion of Sight and Sound and Shauna McGinlay of Silvertip Promotions and Signs.
All Season Source for Sports won the Retailer if the year award with Cafenera and the Flying Fish as its contenders.
The Executive of the Year Award went to Kelly Gingles of National Car Rental. Lael McKeown and Shannon McAllister were contenders.
The Skeena Valley Therapeutic Massage Clinic won 2012’s Home-Based Business Award. Also nominated were Cleaning Solutions and Straight up Doors.
Northwest Escapes Ltd. Took first place out of three for the Tourism Excellence Award, for which Kitselas Canyon and Split Mountain Adventures were also nominated.
This year’s Community Booster Award went to the Skeena Valley Fall Fair. Bruno Belanger and Tony Demelo of Sight & Sound contended for the spot.
The Customer Service Award of the year was won by Sonbadas Steak House. Dr. Vincent Drouin DDS and Totem Furniture were nominated.
The overall Company of The Year Award was taken home by Cambria Gordon Ltd. Contenders were Bear Creek Contracting and McElhanney Consulting.
For making headlines this year, Bosa Properties was awarded the Newsmaker of the Year Award. Enbridge for its Northern Gateway Pipeline Project and Valard Construction were contenders.
The Family Friendly Business Award went to Dairy Queen which topped the votes of Cambria Gordon and the Terrace Bowling Alley.
Northwest Community College’s trades department won this year’s Excellence in Innovation award. Also nominated were Coast Mountain Wireless and Spirit Stones.
And for being one of the top Welcoming and Inclusive Workplaces in Terrace, the Canada Safeway location won above Kitsumkalum’s Kalum Quarry and Northwest Training.
Editor's note: An earlier published version included the Green Award, which was declined by its winner Skeena Wild Conservation Trust.