2026 Business Excellence Awards
Nominate a Local Business, Leader or Organization
The Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, organizations and community leaders who contribute to the strength and success of our community.
Nominations for the 2026 Business Awards are open from August 17 to September 28, 2026.
This is your opportunity to recognize a business, individual or organization that is making a difference through leadership, innovation, customer service, community involvement and excellence.
Take a moment to tell us why your nominee deserves to be recognized.
Before You Nominate
Please review the award categories and eligibility requirements before submitting your nomination.
- Nominations are open from August 17 to September 28, 2026.
- You may nominate a business, organization or individual, depending on the award category.
- Please provide specific examples and details to support your nomination.
- You may submit a separate nomination for more than one category.
- Self-nominations are welcome.
- Nominees must meet the eligibility requirements of the category for which they are nominated.
- The Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to verify information provided in a nomination.
- Nominations will be reviewed as part of the 2026 Business Awards selection process.
2026 Award Categories
Business Excellence
Recognizing a business that has been in operation for more than three years and consistently offers outstanding service and/or products to its customers while demonstrating a strong commitment to community involvement.
Nomination question:
Why does this business deserve to be recognized for Business Excellence? Please provide specific examples of its achievements, customer service, business practices and community involvement.
Customer Service Excellence
Presented to a business committed to high standards of customer service. This business delivers exceptional service, supports and develops its staff in customer relations, and continually works to improve the customer experience through communication, problem-solving and innovation.
Nomination question:
What makes this business stand out in customer service? Please provide specific examples of exceptional service, staff practices, communication, problem-solving or innovative approaches that improve the customer experience.
Business Person of the Year – Owner
Presented to an individual who is a dedicated leader and contributor and embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. The recipient and their business must demonstrate strong ethics, quality and service while projecting a positive image within the community.
Nomination question:
Why does this individual deserve to be recognized as Business Person of the Year? Please describe their leadership, entrepreneurial achievements, business practices and contributions to the community.
The Green Award
Recognizing a business that demonstrates environmental responsibility through leadership, innovation and action. The nominee demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship beyond minimum government requirements and encourages others to act responsibly toward the environment.
Nomination question:
How has this business demonstrated leadership in environmental responsibility? Please provide examples of sustainable practices, environmental initiatives, innovation or ways the business has encouraged others to make environmentally responsible choices.
Professional Services Award
Recognizing a professional services business that exemplifies innovation, professionalism and integrity.
This category is intended for professional service companies and does not apply to individual employees, independent contractors or retail stores.
Nomination question:
Why does this professional services business deserve recognition? Please provide examples of its professionalism, integrity, innovation, customer service and contributions to its industry or community.
Contractor of the Year
Recognizing a company that provides construction services, employs tradespeople and/or contracts labour in the industrial, commercial, institutional, residential or civil sectors.
Nomination question:
Why should this company be recognized as Contractor of the Year? Please provide examples of quality workmanship, professionalism, safety, customer service, innovation, leadership or contributions to the local construction industry.
Tourism Development
Recognizing a business, organization or individual that supports Castlegar by creating awareness, developing programs or providing experiences that encourage visitors to see Castlegar as a must-see destination.
Nomination question:
How has this nominee contributed to tourism development in Castlegar? Please provide examples of initiatives, experiences, promotions, partnerships or other efforts that attract visitors and enhance our community as a destination.
Young Entrepreneur Award
Recognizing an entrepreneur between the ages of 19 and 39 as of December 31, 2026, who is an owner or manager and has been actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company.
The recipient demonstrates ethical business standards with customers, employees and suppliers while contributing to the quality of life in the community.
Nomination question:
Why does this entrepreneur deserve to be recognized as Young Entrepreneur of the Year? Please describe their leadership, entrepreneurial achievements, business practices and contributions to the community.
Eligibility confirmation:
I confirm that the nominee will be between 19 and 39 years of age as of December 31, 2026 and meets the eligibility requirements outlined above.
Community Social Award
Recognizing an organization in the non-profit sector that contributes significantly to the social well-being of the community, groups or individuals.
The organization should have an established reputation for delivering high-quality programs and/or services, along with a strong track record of efficient and effective management.
Nomination question:
How has this organization made a meaningful difference in our community? Please provide examples of its programs, services, community impact, leadership and contributions to social well-being.
Home Based Business Award
Recognizing a home-operated business that consistently demonstrates excellence and quality in its service and/or merchandise.
Nomination question:
Why does this home-based business deserve recognition? Please describe the quality of its products or services, customer experience, achievements and contributions to the community.
Manager of the Year Award
Recognizing a manager who creates a positive, fair and supportive environment for employees while maintaining and exceeding employment standards and safety policies.
The recipient demonstrates integrity, strong communication and effective leadership.
Nomination question:
What makes this individual an outstanding manager? Please provide examples of their leadership, communication, employee support, workplace culture, safety practices and contributions to the success of their team or organization.
Restaurant Award
Recognizing a restaurant that demonstrates excellence in food quality, service, hospitality and overall customer experience.
The restaurant should have knowledgeable and well-trained staff and demonstrate consistency in food, service, amenities and customer satisfaction. Positive customer feedback and an overall commitment to quality are important considerations.
Nomination question:
Why should this restaurant receive the Restaurant Award? Please provide specific examples of its food quality, service, hospitality, atmosphere, menu, staff and overall customer experience.
Innovator of the Year Award
Recognizing an individual or business that has created new products, services or programs that have had a positive effect on their business, industry or community.
This award celebrates those who challenge the status quo, find new solutions and help move our local economy forward.
Nomination question:
What has this nominee created, changed or introduced that demonstrates innovation? Please describe the innovation, the challenge it addressed and the positive impact it has had on the business, industry or community.
Additional Awards
Two additional awards are selected through the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce’s internal award selection process and are not open to public nominations.