Restaurants rule the day at Chamber awards

The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards night last weekend and local restaurants seemed to take the bulk of the recognition.0

The Celebration of local Excellence recognized achievement in eight categories, three of which went to establishments that provide for your dining needs.

The Daily news provided a review of the night’s celebration in their Thursday edition.

CHAMBER HONOURS THE BEST OF LOCAL BUSINESS
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Page One

The best and brightest of the business community were recognized for their contribution to Prince Rupert on the weekend.

In an event dubbed a ‘Celebration of Excellence’ the Prince Rupert District Chamber of Commerce handed out eight awards in the formal Mardi Gras-themed gathering Saturday.

In the category of Rookie Business of the Year for operators of less than three years, Rain Dining Lounge walked away with the accolade. The tapas bar with a water theme opened in late 2004 and has since held a number of unconventional events including an evening of extreme snowboarding videos, a rum tasting night, and a volleyball tournament that turned a local gravel lot into a beach. The award was sponsored by the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society.

It was the Cow Bay Café that took Small Business of the Year honours, for those businesses with more than three years under their belt but less than 25 employees. Chef Adrienne Johnston’s waterfront spot is a favourite of locals and many who visit the community.

“Small business is, as you know, the backbone of any city or town,” said Bill Parmar, representing award sponsor Excel Printing.

In the field of Community Involvement, Overwaitea Foods was recognized for its contribution to everything from sports, the arts and local community groups. It is a contribution the company pledged to continue in the future. The award was sponsored by Community Futures Development Corporation of the Pacific Northwest.

The award for Best Customer Service, sponsored by Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep went to the Crest for their “exceptional customer service on a consistent basis.”

“We hold this award in the highest regard, said Scott Farwell, Crest Hotel operations manager.

For Non-Profit of the Year, the Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter took the award for their work with animals from around the region. Recipients Gunter and Nancy Golinia have spent their retirement tirelessly looking after sick, injured or abandoned wild animals often at their own expense. Their award was sponsored by RBC Financial Group and Port City Ford.

The Chamber’s integrity Award went to a company with a new name that still believes in old values – CityWest.

“A company doesn’t have integrity, the people do,” said CityWest representative Chad Cunningham. The Award was sponsored by SpeeDee Your Office Experts.

The City Ambassador program was given to Walter Smith for his enthusiastic promotion and support of the community.

“I’m going to accept this on behalf of not just myself, but all ambassadors,” said the modest Smith whose long standing commitment to Rupert is well documented.

The award was sponsored by Standard Radio.

The final award of the evening for Business of the Year went to a 72 year old institution – Storey’s Excavating. The award was sponsored by the Chamber.

Past presidents of the chamber selected the nominees for the awards and members decided the winners.