Our awards celebrate the work of everyone involved, with categories to showcase your particular contribution. We are proud to recognize the highest levels of achievement in the business community. The Alberni Valley represents some of the most innovative entrepreneurs, leaders, service providers, and professionals, driving success and growth across the region!
Business Excellence Award
Description
The Business Excellence Award recognizes exceptional businesses that embody excellence in leadership, innovation, community impact, and overall business performance. This prestigious award recognizes businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievements across various criteria, setting a benchmark for success and contributing positively to their communities.
Requirements
Leadership and Innovation:
- Celebrates businesses with visionary leadership and a strategic approach to innovation in products, services, or operational practices.
Community Impact:
- Acknowledges businesses that actively engage with and contribute to their local communities through initiatives, sponsorships, or volunteerism.
Employee Relations and Workplace Culture:
- Highlights businesses fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes employee well-being, growth, and inclusivity.
Customer Service Excellence:
- Commends businesses that prioritize exceptional customer service and satisfaction, utilizing feedback for continuous improvement.
Ethical Practices and Corporate Citizenship:
- Recognizes businesses operating with integrity, ethical standards, and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Innovation and Adaptability:
- Applauds businesses that demonstrate resilience and adaptability in response to market challenges, leveraging innovation and technology.
Business Investment Award
Description
Honouring a business that has made significant financial or resource investments to enhance their operations, facilities, or workforce. The award celebrates businesses that show confidence in the local economy through expansion, job creation, or sustainable growth.
Chamber Award
Description
Presented to a business or individual that exemplifies the mission of the Chamber of Commerce—fostering community connections, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall economic vitality of the region. This award honours long-standing commitment and active participation in Chamber initiatives.
Community Builder Award
Description
The Community Builder Excellence Award celebrates businesses that embody social responsibility by actively enhancing their communities. Eligible businesses, demonstrate exceptional commitment through tangible contributions
Active Community Involvement:
- Business and its employees are recognized for consistent and meaningful engagement in community activities.
- They contribute their time and expertise to support local causes and initiatives.
Commitment to Community Development:
- Business exhibits a sustained dedication to building diverse, inclusive, and cohesive communities.
- Actively seeks opportunities to support initiatives that promote community development and social integration.
Promotion of Corporate Philanthropy:
- Business fosters a culture of giving by investing in community welfare beyond its core business goals. This includes initiatives that create lasting positive impacts on society.
Gillian Trumper Memorial Youth Award
Description
Named in honour of a beloved community leader, this award highlights a young person under 19 who is making a difference. Whether through volunteerism, leadership, or community involvement, the recipient demonstrates a commitment to improving the world around them while excelling in personal pursuits such as education or sports.
Sustainability & Regeneration Award
Description
This award recognizes a business or organization that leads in environmental stewardship, sustainability initiatives, and regenerative practices. The recipient prioritizes reducing environmental impact while contributing to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem and community.
Diversity and Inclusion
Description
The Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Award recognizes organizations that lead the way in creating exemplary workplace environments. These organizations emphasize the overall well-being of their employees, championing diversity, inclusivity, safety, and ongoing professional growth. Through innovative practices, they establish workplaces where every team member is empowered to succeed and contribute meaningfully.
Diversity and Inclusion:
- Actively promoting equal opportunities for employees of all backgrounds, including abilities, ages, ethnicities, genders, religions, and sexual orientations, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination.
Employee Well-being:
- Supporting both mental and physical health through comprehensive wellness programs and resources that foster a balanced work environment.
Learning and Growth:
- Committing to continuous education and skill development through robust training initiatives and professional development opportunities.
Team Collaboration:
- Cultivating a collaborative and supportive environment where teams can flourish, fostering innovation and collective success.
Fair Employment Practices:
- Offering competitive and equitable employment packages that include fair compensation, benefits, and career advancement opportunities aligned with industry standards.
Rising Star Award
Description
The Rising Star Award celebrates the achievements of a recently established business operating for less than two years as of Sept 1, 2024. This award recognizes the exceptional business performance achieved in a short period and aims to inspire other new ventures.
Customer Service Excellence
Description
The Service Excellence Award recognizes businesses that excel in customer service, celebrating their commitment to exceptional service delivery, customer loyalty, and community engagement.
Adaptability to Customer Needs:
- Demonstrates proficiency in meeting evolving customer demands, ensuring products, services, and interactions remain relevant and valuable.
High Service Standards and Training:
- Maintains superior service standards through effective staff training, equipping employees with skills and resources to consistently deliver exceptional service.
Exceeding Expectations:
- Regularly exceeds customer expectations, building a reputation for outstanding customer experiences and leaving a lasting positive impression.
Customer Feedback and Reviews:
- Consistently receives positive feedback and reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction and exemplary service quality.
Requirements
*To qualify, businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of two years as of Sept 1, 2024
Business Innovation Award
Description
This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated creativity and ingenuity in solving industry challenges or enhancing their business model. The recipient stands out for introducing innovative products, services, or processes that drive forward-thinking progress.
Volunteer of the Year
Description
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to volunteer work in the community. Their selfless contributions of time, energy, and expertise have made a significant impact on local organizations and initiatives.
Woman of Influence Award
Description
Honouring a female leader who has made substantial contributions to her industry and community. This award celebrates her achievements in breaking barriers, inspiring others, and demonstrating leadership, mentorship, and business acumen.
Indigenous Business Excellence Award
Description
Recognizing an Indigenous-owned business that has demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership. This award honours cultural preservation, economic success, and positive contributions to the local community through traditional knowledge and modern business practices.
Creative Spirit Award
Description
Celebrating a business or individual that has made remarkable contributions to the arts and culture community. This award recognizes creativity, artistic innovation, and a commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene in the region.
