Castlegar businesses reap the rewards at the annual Chamber of Commerce Excellence awards

Castlegar businesses came together on Saturday, June 8 to celebrate their achievements at the annual Excellence awards

Mickey and Sharon Tarasoff, pictured here with daughter Shawna (left), were winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Tarasoffs own the popular health food store, Mother Natures, in Castlegar. — Photo courtesy Betsy Kline/Castlegar News

The 22nd Annual Castlegar & District Chamber Business Excellence Awards were held on Saturday, June 8. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. 

List of winners: 

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Sponsor: City of Castlegar
• Winner: Mother Natures

Business Person of the Year

• Sponsor: Ernie's Used Autoparts
• Winner: Troy Pyett and Carly Hadfield, Lions Head Pub

Business Excellence

• Sponsor: Heritage Credit Union
• Winner: Castlegar Toyota

Customer Service Excellence

• Sponsor: Fortis BC
• Winner: Shawna Tarasoff, Mother Natures

Green Award

• Sponsor: Head 2 Toe Holistic Health Clinic
• Winner: Selkirk College

Professional Services Award

• Sponsor: Mercer Celgar
• Winner: Arrow Lakes Veterinary Hospital 

Contractor of the Year

• Sponsor: Teck Metals
• Winner: PNT Contracting

Tourism Development 

• Sponsor: Sandman Hotel, Castlegar 
• Winner: Communities in Bloom

Young Entrepreneur Award

• Sponsor: Kalawsky Chevrolet Buick GM
• Winner: Adam Pomeroy

Community Social Award

• Sponsor: Kootenay Valley Water & Spa
• Winner: The Castlegar Hospice Society

Home-Based Business Award

• Sponsor: EZ Rock
• Winner: Rest Assured Kootenay Floats

Restaurant Award

• Sponsor: Charlotte + Gabriel Ferreux 
• Winner: The Wandering Greek Oven

Manager of the Year

• Sponsor: Bank of Montreal
• Winner: Brian Bolge, Safeway

Innovator of the Year

• Sponsor: Economic Development Castlegar
• Winner: Conquer the Kootenay Escape Room