The 2016 Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards were handed out April 2 at the annual awards gala event held at St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino.
Eleven awards were handed out in categories that spanned the depth and breadth of trade and commerce in Cranbrook.
The sold out evening was kept lively thanks to the emcee talents of D’Arcy Kennedy and Laurie Goodlad and the post awards dance with The Black Diamond Band performing.
The awards went to:
New Business of the Yearsponsored by Community Futures East Kootenay – JJ Mechanical
The judges said: JJ Mechanical has shown an amazing passion for customer and employee satisfaction through communication and a high quality of workmanship. JJ Mechanical has good business strategies and great customer service instincts which has helped him build a successful new business. JJ Mechanical is an active community supporter. Representing JJ Mechanical – Jordan Janowicz, right.
Business of Year 1-15 employeessponsored by the Downtown Business Association – Rocky Mountain Print Solutions
The judges said: Rocky Mountain Print Solutions is a forward thinking business leader that demonstrates business excellence through an individualized approach to understanding and addressing customer needs and expectations. Rocky Mountain Print Solutions places an emphasis on innovation and as product/service “incubator” for their customers. Research, advancement and an intentional commitment to continuous improvement of their business, processes, and service is the corporate culture of Rocky Mountain Print Solutions.
Business Person of the Yearsponsored by the Banking Association of Cranbrook – Tristen Chernove, CEO of Elevate Airports which manage the Rocky Mountain International Airport
The judges said: “Tristen (pictured left) is so great in all ways. He exceeds anything that measures excellence. He is absolutely the best.” As the CEO of Elevate Airports managing the Canadian Rockies International Airport, Tristen has led his team to accomplish six to 10% growth year-over- year. Tristen has incorporated unique management tools to achieve success including buying bicycles for his staff so they can ride to work. He grows his employee’s knowledge. Tristen is on numerous local, regional, provincial and national boards. He worked diligently with his team to have Canadian Rockies International Airport decreed the best small airport in B.C.
Manufacturing and Production Excellencesponsored by Rocky Mountain Diesel Ltd – Caliper Machine & Hydraulics Ltd.
The judges said: Caliper Machine and Hydraulics shows exceptional entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity in the way it serves its customers. Caliper’s customers benefit from the company’s aim to improve products and services for its customers, helping their bottom line. The business also has a focus on training and employment opportunities for our youth. Owner Mike Hambalek (left) has a strong sense of community and is always thinking of ways that Caliper can make Cranbrook a stronger city by providing local economic opportunities.
Professional Services Excellencesponsored by Columbia Basin Trust – Rella, Paolini & Rogers
The judges said. “Our final pick are straight shooters whose motto might be “There’s no substitute for hard work.” He doesn’t own a magic wand. The firm does what they are hired to do and execute to the best of their ability. Their strategies are simple: work hard; be accessible to your clients and staff; be reliable; surround yourself with capable, trustworthy staff. This is borne out by their results. They have been in practice in Cranbrook for 36 years and four of six front-end staff have stayed with the firm for the entire time. Their practice is made up of an astounding 50 per cent repeat business.”
Business of Year 16 plus employees sponsored by St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino – Rocky Mountain Diesel Ltd.
The judges said: Rocky Mountain Diesel has been serving he Kootenay Region and beyond since 1981. They specialize in a full range of products and services that have helped keep their clients on the road and make a living. Rocky Mountain Diesel attributes the longevity of their business through expansion and diversification. Their body shop division is the only one in B.C. that can work on commercial and passenger vehicles and on the new aluminum body vehicles. Rocky Mountain Diesel believes that investment in staff creates a team self management operation.
Hospitality & Tourism Excellencesponsored by College of the Rockies – Elizabeth Lake Lodge
The judges said: Elizabeth Lake Lodge consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the hospitality and service provided to their guests. They go above and beyond providing extraordinary customer service and makes their guests feel like there’s no better place to visit than Cranbrook and no better place to stay than Elizabeth Lake Lodge. Listening and taking time with each guest is the hallmark of their service commitment.
Retail Excellencesponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada – The Paw Shop
The judges said: The Paw Shop has been commercial success providing companion animal food, supplies and services in the historic downtown district for the past seven years. The Paw Shop takes a holistic approach to animal care and collaborates with local vets to ensure that their four legged and two legged customers and their people receive top notch service. The Paw Shop incorporates social enterprise into their operations with two special needs staff members. Community involvement and partnerships are essential to the retail success of The Paw Shop. Pictured right is Stephanie McGregor of The Paw Shop.
Non Profit Organization of Yearsponsored by the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group – Cranbrook & District Community Foundation
The judges said: The Cranbrook and District Community Foundation assists organizations in creating sustainable endowments to serve a broad range of community needs and enriching lives of Cranbrook citizens. The Foundation created five new endowments last year. The Foundation provides demonstrable and significant value to their legacy donors. The Cranbrook and District Community Foundation is a stellar example of giving back to the community through activities, promotions and events. The Foundation provides great community leadership in a variety of projects and programs.
Young Entrepreneur of Yearsponsored by New Dawn Developments Limited – Chase Thielen with Silverado Construction and KD Electric
The judges said: The white boards at the two companies reads “The Client is Right” which has been their guide since the business started in 2008 during challenging times. The company has grown steadily from two staff to 20 with annual revenue in excess now of $5 million dollars. Now the leader of the business, Chase relies on senior staff in a collaborative management style to ensure accuracy and quality control. Chase has a vision and a business plan to expand further into the commercial construction niche throughout the Kootenays.
Business to Business Excellencesponsored by Koocanusa Publications – Genex Marketing
The judges said: Genex Marketing started in Cranbrook in 2009. Rapid growth in new market has been a consistent for Genex Marketing. Chris Botterill and his team work diligently to recognize weaknesses and outsources to excellence. Word of mouth marketing from satisfied customers drives new business to Genex. Genex Marketing makes maximum use of data and analysis as an information source and a marketplace to ensure their business customers are provided custom solutions and options for their marketing.
The above video is “the unauthorized” D’Arcy Kennedy half-time extravaganza, with Carrie and Danielle. Video by Clayton (Tarantino-Attenborough)
