Business was in the spotlight and success was on the menu as the Delta Chamber of Commerce hosted its 70th annual Hats Off to Excellence Awards Friday night (Nov. 19) at Tsawwassen Springs.
Returning to an in-person gala after last year’s event went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a smaller crowd came together to celebrate the Delta business community.
“Tonight we are fortunate to be here…in person…to celebrate the business excellency in our community and this is a tremendous feat,” said Jill McKnight, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Board chair Yvonne Anderson said it was “amazing to be here” together again.
“This just feels like a ray of sunshine after a very long time of being shut in,” said Anderson. “As a small business owner I know how hard it is to start and maintain a business, so hats off to all the nominees. Your efforts, your employment and economic growth in Delta and in our community is amazing. Delta is a special place to live, work and play and I’m proud to be a business owner and a member of the Delta Chamber of Commerce.”
Since 1910 the Delta Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in the community.
The annual awards gala is a chance to recognize business and business achievement in the community.
Six awards were handed out as well, recognition was paid to outgoing executive director Garry Shearer and long-standing business leader and chamber member Gordon Payne, who passed away in October.
Delta’s Citizen of the Year was presented posthumously to Optimist general manager and community champion Dave Hamilton. (See related story online and in print in the Nov. 25th edition)
The award winners included:
Rising Star Business: Collaborative Wellness – winner
Finalists: The Roasted Bean at Northgate and The Hub Refillery
Small Business of the Year: MATT Concrete - winner
Finalists: Scottsdale Optometry and Premier Plastics
Medium Business of the Year: Adrenalin Marine – winner
Finalists: McKim Mechanical and ATI Truck Body & Paint
Large Business of the Year: Linwood Custom Homes – winner
Finalists: North Delta Seafoods and Tidewater Container Services
Community Impact: Alongside You – winner
Finalists: 505-Junk and Evolution Group of Companies
Apprentice of the Year: Jordan Hawksworth – winner
Finalists: Matt Braun and Mark Herrington
