Award Categories

Description

Community Builder Excellence Award recognizes a business that gives back and helps make the community stronger. Through partnerships, volunteering, sponsorships, donations, or supporting local events and organizations, this business leads by example and encourages its team to get involved. Their ongoing support and community engagement help make the South Okanagan a better place to live and do business.

Requirements

• Business must have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Be a business located within the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos)
• Open to businesses only. Registered non-profit organizations and charities are not eligible.

Description

Hospitality Excellence Award recognizes a business in the hospitality or tourism industry that creates memorable experiences for guests and visitors. Whether it's an accommodation, restaurant, winery, brewery, attraction, tour operator, or recreation business, the recipient is known for making people feel welcome and helping them experience the best of the South Okanagan. Through exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences, they encourage visitors to return and recommend our community to others.

Requirements

• Business must have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Open to businesses only. Registered non-profit organizations and charities are not eligible.

Description

The Marketing & Communications Excellence Award recognizes a business or organization that does an outstanding job sharing its story and connecting with its audience. Whether promoting its own business or providing marketing and communications services to others, the recipient is known for creative ideas, clear messaging, and building strong connections. Their marketing and communications helps people understand who they are, what they do, and what makes them unique.

This award is open to businesses and organizations that successfully market their own products or services, as well as businesses that provide marketing and communications services to others.

Requirements

• Business or organization must have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Be a business located within the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos)
• Open to businesses, registered non-profit organizations, and charities that demonstrate excellence in their own marketing and communications or provide marketing and communications services to others.

Description

Service Excellence Award recognizes a business that consistently delivers outstanding customer service. No matter the industry, this business is known for treating customers with professionalism, respect, and care. They take the time to understand their customers' needs, respond promptly, and provide a positive experience from start to finish. Their commitment to exceptional service has earned the trust of their customers and built a strong reputation within the community.

Requirements

• Business must have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Be a business located within the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos)
• Open to businesses only. Registered non-profit organizations and charities are not eligible.

Description

The Workplace Culture Excellence Award recognizes a business or organization that creates a workplace where people feel welcome, respected, and supported. They value their employees, encourage teamwork, and foster an environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed. Through strong leadership, open communication, and a positive workplace culture, they create an environment where employees enjoy coming to work and feel empowered to do their best.

Requirements

• Business or organization must have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Be a business located within the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos)
• Your organization is a business, registered non-profit organization, or registered charity.

Description

The Not-for-Profit Excellence Award recognizes a registered non-profit organization or charity that works every day to make the South Okanagan a better place. Through its programs, services, and community involvement, the recipient supports people, brings others together, and responds to the needs of the community. Their work has made a lasting difference and earned the respect of those they serve.

Requirements

• Be located and operate in the South Okanagan.
• Have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Be a registered non-profit organization or registered charity.

Description

The New Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has made a strong start and is already making a positive impact in the community. The recipient has shown steady growth, built a solid reputation, and is off to a promising start in its industry. This award celebrates the hard work, determination, and success of a business in its early years.

Requirements

• Business must have been in operation for at least one year and less than three years as of September 1, 2026.
• Be a business located within the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos)
• Open to businesses only. Registered non-profit organizations and charities are not eligible.

Description

The Young Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding leader between the ages of 19 and 39, as of September 1, 2026 who is making a difference in their workplace, industry, and community. Whether they own a business or are part of a leadership team, the recipient leads by example, supports others, earns the respect of their peers, and is making a positive impact in the South Okanagan business community. Their leadership, involvement, and achievements are helping build a stronger business community.

Requirements

The nominee must:

• Be between 19 and 39 years of age as of September 1, 2026.
• Have held a leadership role for at least two years as of September 1, 2026.
• Leadership experience may include multiple organizations, businesses, or sectors.
• The nominee must be affiliated with a business or organization that is located and operating in the South Okanagan.
• The nominee is not required to own a business or currently work for the organization where their leadership experience was gained.
• Self-nominations are not accepted. Nominations must be submitted by a mentor, colleague, peer, employer, or community leader.

Description

The Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes an experienced leader who has earned the respect of their employees, peers, and the business community through outstanding leadership, integrity, and service. Whether they own a business or are part of a leadership team, the recipient leads by example, supports the growth of others, and has made a lasting contribution to their business, industry, and the South Okanagan. Their leadership, experience, and community involvement have helped build a stronger business community.

Requirements

• Nominee must be 40 years of age or older as of September 1, 2026.
• Nominee must have at least four years of experience in a leadership, ownership, or executive role as of September 1, 2026.
• Leadership experience may include multiple roles, businesses, or sectors.
• The nominee must be affiliated with a business or organization that is located and operating in the South Okanagan.
• Nominee is not required to own a business or currently work for the organization where their leadership experience took place.
• Self-nominations will not be accepted. A mentor, colleague, peer, employer, or community leader must submit the nomination. 

Description

Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that demonstrates excellence across all areas of its operations. Bringing together the qualities celebrated throughout the Business Excellence Awards, this business consistently sets a high standard through outstanding leadership, exceptional customer service, a positive workplace culture, and meaningful community involvement.

Respected by its customers, employees, and the community, the recipient is recognized for operating with integrity, embracing innovation, supporting its people, and making a lasting contribution to the South Okanagan.

Requirements

To be eligible for the Business of the Year Award, the business must:

• Be a for-profit business located and operating in the South Okanagan (Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, or Osoyoos).
• Have been in continuous operation for at least five years as of September 1, 2026.
• Hold a current business license, where applicable.
• Businesses that received the Business of the Year Award in 2023, 2024, or 2025 are not eligible to receive the award again in 2026.