Castlegar Chamber awards business excellence

The Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce recognizes excellence in the community.

Darlene and Neil Kalawsky, winners of the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award — Photo courtesy Kootenay Business file photo

The Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce handed out their annual business excellence awards recently.  Neil and Darlene Kalawsky were recognized in a brand new category deemed the Lifetime Achievement Award.  The Kalawsky family owns and operates three automobile dealerships in Castlegar and are well known for their generous philanthropy in the community.

Here is a list of all the winners....

- Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by the City of Castlegar
   Winner:  Neil & Darlene Kalawsky

- Business person of the Year sponsored by Fortis BC
  Winners: Rauni Naud, Sunlife Financial & Brian Bogle, Castlegar Safeway

- Young Entrepreneur sponsored by Kalawsky Chevrolet Buick GMC
  Winner:  Andrea Ryman Endless Adventures

- Business Excellence sponsored by City of Castlegar
  Winner:  Lions Head Pub

- Professional Business Award sponsored by Heritage Credit Union
  Winner:  Back in Balance

- Tourism Development Award sponsored by Teck Metals Ltd
   Winner: Sculpturewalk

- Contractor of the Year sponsored by Zellstoff Celgar
   Winner: ADM Electric

- Customer Service Excellence sponsored by Trowelex Rentals & Sales
  Winner: Crumbs Bakery

-The Green Award sponsored by BC Hydro
  Winner: Communities in Bloom

- The Community Social Award sponsored by Kootenay Savings CU
  Winner: Castlegar Hospice Society

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners from Kootenay Business magazine.