The cream of the Semiahmoo Peninsula business community were honoured Thursday evening at the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Awards for 2014, held at Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club.
George Zambus, of Cosmos Greek Restaurant, was named business person of the year in the 'self-owned' category (sponsored by Mardon Insurance Brokers), while Guy Dorchester, general manager of the Morgan Crossing White Spot, took the same honour in the 'corporate' category (sponsored by Westminster Savings).
Recognition for best new business of the year (sponsored by Peace Arch News – which sponsored all other awards as principal sponsor of the event) went to All of Oils, Wholesome Oils and Vinegars, owned by Kimm Brickman Pineau and Glenn Pineau.
White Rock Museum & Archives, represented by executive director Sharon Oldaker, won laurels for best non-profit organization of the year.
Businesses of the year were named in three size categories.
In the one-to-seven-employee category, employee benefits brokerage ADISA Benefit Solutions Inc. (Cameron Biffart and Grayden Biffart, principals) got the nod, while art framing and decor business GS & Company (Gary Patterson, owner) received top honours in the eight-14-employee category.
Wind turbine manufacturer Endurance Wind Power Inc. (David Rankin, vice president of business development) was named business of the year in the 15-plus-employee category.
"The field of nominees was exceptionally strong this year," chamber executive director Cliff Annable said.
"I think this was the best business excellence awards I've seen for many years, ranging from recognition of long time businesses to bringing forward new and innovative companies. The only downside is there must be one winner in each category who takes home the plaque – to my mind, they're all winners by being nominated."
The gala event, which featured best-selling author and motivational speaker Peter Legge, was hosted by chamber president Jim Purcell, and introduced by MC and Global TV weatherman Mark Madryga.