The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists in this year’s Platinum Awards.
Platinum Awards will be presented at the chamber’s Westcoast Winter event on Thursday, Nov. 24 at Anvil Theatre. The cocktail-style dinner event will get underway at 6 p.m. (with cocktail and food service), followed by the awards show at 7:30 p.m. and post-awards dancing and beverage service continuing until 11:30 p.m.
“New West Chamber wishes congratulations to all our nominees,” said a notice about this year’s finalists. “We love the amazing things that our community is doing to make our city an amazing place to live, work and play.”
And the finalists are …
* Service Based Business of the Year (Service Excellence) — recognizes an individual or business who has demonstrated a commitment to service excellence: RainCity Games; Kal Tire #688; and Serious Coffee Plaza 88.
* Industrial Based Business of the Year (Manufacturing Business of the Year) — recognizes a manufacturing or industrial business that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in its field: Westcoast (Royal) Cylinders; Kruger Products; and Loot Toy Factory.
* Tourism Based Business of the Year — recognizes a tourism-based business that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in its field: Paddlewheeler River Boat Tours; Inn at the Quay; and Hidden Wonders Speakeasy.
* Not for Profit of the Year — recognizes a non-profit organization that has contributed to the social and/or economic well-being of the community in the past year: Odihi Foundation; St. Aidan's Don't Go Hungry Food Support Program; and New Westminster's Family Place.
* New Business of the Year— has demonstrated a commitment to New Westminster as a place to do business and has become an outstanding corporate citizen of the community: L'Onore Pizza; Take The Cake; and Gastronomia Italia.
* Female Identifying Business Leader of the Year — recognizes a female-identifying business leader who is outstanding in their field and in the community: Jennifer Mckie (McCreath), Kelly O'Bryans; Val Johnson, Vancouver Circus School; and Ria Renouf, New West Anchor.
* Environmental Leadership Award — recognizes the commitment of a business or individual to operate in a manner that promotes the sustainability of our planet: The Refill Shop; Sylvis; and Nordwerk Design.
* Bernie Legge Cultural Award — recognizes an individual for having made a significant contribution to building arts and culture in New Westminster: S^yowah; Richard Thompson, Northern Electric Sound; and Stephen O'Shea.
* Artist of the Year — recognizes an artist, either residing in or using studio space in New Westminster, who is working to the beautification of the city or its citizens: Sherida Charles; S^yowah; and Merill Hall.
* Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion — recognizes individuals or organizations that have promoted inclusion and diversity in their organization or in their community: Stephanie Vu, Old Crow Coffee; Paul Minhas, Begbie's Tavern; and Chinu Das.
* Top Entrepreneur Under 40 — recognizes an individual, under the age of 40 years old, who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their field and the community: Katerina, Zesty Lemon Clothing Co.; Sergey and Irina, Kozak's Ukrainian Bakery; and Marwan, Wild Thyme restaurant.
* Community Spirit Award — recognizes the for-profit businesses who have contributed to the social and cultural well-being of New Westminster in the past year: Good Omen; Piva Modern Italian; and Key West Ford.
* Citizen/Business of the Year — recognizes a resident of, or a business in, New Westminster who is contributing to the social, economic, and overall well-being of the community: Trudi Goels; Elaine Su; and Leona Green, Greens & Beans Deli.
Tickets for the Platinum Awards event start at $130 for chamber of commerce members and $150 for non-members. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.ca (search for Platinum Awards 2022).
