Nelson Chamber Salutes Local Businesses
By Nelson Daily Staff
Numerous local businesses in the Nelson area were saluted for going over and above the call of duty during the annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony Thursday at the Prestige Lakeside Resort.
Highlighting the evening was the standing ovation received by Jim and Mari Plamondon of Wait’s News after the local coffee shop at the corner of Ward and Baker Street received the Inclusive Employer award.
“The town has been great to us . . . it’s been fun,” said Jim Plamondon after receiving the award.
Wait’s News will cease operations in December after the Plamondon’s, who have operated the business for the past 10 years after running the Greyhound Depot for years, received notice earlier this month they will have to shut down operations.
“We’ve raised a family here and made a home here and all of you have been part of it," Plamondon added. "Thank you so very much.”
Business of the Year honours went to World Famous Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort while Cartolina Cards on Baker Street took home the Retail Excellence award.
Other awards included:
- Non-Profit/Community Service Excellence — Civic Centre Society
- Tourism Excellence — Whitewater Ski Resort
- Hospitality/Food/Beverage Excellence — Marzano in Best Western Baker Street Inn
- Professional Service Excellence — Edge Roofing
- Rising Star/Startup/New Business Excellence — Backroads Brewing
- Manufacturing/Technology/Innovation Excellence — Voytech Computers
The Chamber received more than 800 nomination for awards with more than 250 unique businesses or organizations receiving nominations for Business Excellence Awards.
The selection process was handled by Chamber judges Barry Auliffe and Garry Kalinski.
From left, Ainsworth Hotsprings General Manager Rod Bateman, Director of Sales Jan Bateman and Assistant GM Jake Murfitt stand with Chamber President Mike Borch to receive the Business of the Year Award. — The Nelson Daily photo
