Categories

Description

The Business of the Year 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

'Business Excellence Award Nominees must have been operation a minimum of 4 years (48 months) as of October 1, 2025.

• Self-nominations for one's business/organization are permissible;

Non-profit organizations are ineligible for this award.

Criteria

Criteria

Description

The Customer Service Excellence Award recognizes businesses that excel in customer service, celebrating their commitment to exceptional service delivery.

This demonstrates adaptability to customer needs, high service standards and training and regularly goes above and beyond expectations.

Requirements

*To qualify, businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of two years as of Oct 1, 2025

Criteria

Description

The Inclusive Employer 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.

Criteria

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.

Criteria

Description

This award honors the spirit of collaboration and connection in the Alberni Valley. It recognizes businesses or non-profits, who have made significant, tangible contributions to enhancing a community. The nominee consistently engages in meaningful community activities, sharing their time and expertise to advance local causes and initiatives or by hosting events. They demonstrate an ongoing commitment to building inclusive and diverse communities. They actively support efforts that foster community development and bring people together.

Criteria

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.

Criteria

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.

Criteria

Description

The New Business of the Year Award celebrates the achievements of a recently established business operating for less than three years as of July 31, 2026. This award recognizes the exceptional business performance achieved in a short period and aims to inspire other new ventures.

Criteria

Description

Named in honour of a strong community leader, this award recognizes a young person under 19 who is showing early promise as an entrepreneur. Whether through starting a business, launching an innovative project, or turning an idea into action, the recipient demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a drive to make things happen

Requirements

Nominees must be under 19 years of age by Oct 1, 2025

Criteria

Description

The Shop Pet of the Year Award shines a spotlight on those special animals who have become part of the fabric of a local business. Whether greeting customers at the door, keeping staff company, or simply adding a touch of charm to the workplace, these pets help create an atmosphere that is welcoming, memorable, and uniquely Alberni Valley. This award celebrates the furry (or feathered, or scaled) friends who bring smiles and warmth to our community's businesses.

Requirements

To be eligible, nominees must:

• Be a pet or animal regularly present in a business located in the Alberni Valley.
• Be cared for by, or belong to, the business.
• Be recognized by customers and staff as contributing to the business's character and customer experience.
• Help create a friendly, engaging, or memorable atmosphere.

Criteria

Description

The #PA_Influencer Award celebrates a business that harnesses the power of social media to elevate both their brand and the Alberni Valley. This award recognizes creative and impactful use of online platforms to engage audiences, showcase products or services, and highlight the community as a destination. Winners of this award demonstrate how social media can go beyond marketing, becoming a tool for connection, storytelling, and community pride.

Criteria