Business Excellence Awards
Starting in 2016, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce has been pleased to host the Tofino Business Excellence Awards recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of local businesses and organizations. Nominations come from the community and the entries are judged 50% by public voting and 50% by our panel of judges that has included government officials, Chamber of Commerce managers from around B.C., and other community leaders.
In 2020, the TLBCC took a hiatus from doing the Business Excellence Awards due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 the Business Excellence Awards returned but were presented privately due to concerns about large gatherings. The 2022 Awards were presented in conjunction with the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.
2024… Stay tuned…
Here are the categories and criteria for the Business Excellence Awards:
1. Small Business of the Year Award - For a business with less than 10 employees (full-time, year-round) that has demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation and customer service. In business for more than three years (as of December 31, 2024).
2. Business of the Year Award - For a business with 11 or more employees (full-time, year-round) that has demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation and customer service. In business for more than three years (as of December 31, 2024).
3. New Business of the Year Award - Recognizes the outstanding achievement of a new business in a short period of time (under three years from December 31, 2024), demonstrating excellent products and/or services, business practices, and promise for continued growth.
4. Customer Service Excellence Award - This award celebrates the customer service commitment made by a business that consistently goes above and beyond for their customers, contributing to the professionalism of our industry and the positive image of tourism in Tofino. Adjudication by Tourism Tofino, specific examples are appreciated.
5. Business Leader of the Year Award - will be awarded to an individual that has exemplified their commitment to the business community of Tofino. As a leader they have contributed to creative business initiatives, promotion of the local business community, community service, and to their own company's growth and success.
6. Non-profit of the Year Award - For an organization that has had a positive impact on the community, and exemplifies innovation, education, social advances and community involvement. Must be an incorporated non-profit in existence for at least three years (from December 31, 2024).
7. Green Business of the Year Award - For a business or organization that demonstrates leadership with environmental and sustainable business practices.
8. Employee of the Year Award - For an individual that has shown commitment to quality and excellence. Their customer service skills are on point, they take initiative, and are dependable, positive team players. Must be a full-time, year-round employee. Nominations must come from individual outside of employee’s company. This award is meant to be a community recognition award for exemplary service.
9. Employer of the Year Award - For an employer that is recognized by its staff to foster a workplace of inclusion, support, and general positivity. This nomination comes from staff of the nominated business.
2022 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
2022 business excellence award Winners
The 2022 Business Excellence Awards were award on March 22nd, following the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting at Hotel Zed. Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners!
New Business of the Year – Naas Foods
Customer Service Excellence – Atleo River Air Service
Employee of the Year - Marla Williams, Blue Crush Concierge - Tofino Property Management
Employer of the Year – Crystal Cove Beach Resort
Non-profit of the Year – Clayoquot Sound Theatre
Green Business of the Year - Gaia Grocery Tofino
Small Business of the Year – Arbutus Health Center
Business of the Year – The Maq Hotel
Business Leader of the Year – Samantha Hackett, Long Beach Lodge Resort
2021 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Congratulations to this year’s Business Excellence Awards winners:
Customer Service Excellence: Chocolate Tofino
Employee of the Year: Juliet Arpilleda Luarez, Long Beach Lodge Resort
Covid-19 Silver Linings: Tofino CO-OP
Employer of the Year: Surf Sister Surf School
Non-Profit of the Year: Pacific Rim Hospice
Green Business of the Year: Bravocados Tofino
Business Leader of the Year: Charles McDiarmid, Wickaninnish Inn
New Business of the Year: Gaia Grocery Tofino
Small Business of the Year: Tofino Bike
Business of the Year: Lil' Ronnie's Beachside BBQ
Thanks as well to our award sponsors this year:
Ocean Outfitters Tofino Adventures
Special thanks as well go to TikiBus, Tofino Brewing Company and Pizzamoto Tofino and our hard-working board of directors!
2019 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECAP
Thank-you Tofino for another amazing evening at the 5th Annual Business Excellence Awards. This event is a fundraiser for the Tofino Ambassador Program and this year we partnered with Central Westcoast Forest Society to do a Casino Night to benefit that organization as well.
Congratulations to everyone nominated in each of our 8 categories. The awards are decided by both online voting and through the work of a panel of judges.
These awards are for the best businesses and organizations of 2018. And the winners are:
Customer Service Excellence: Long Beach Lodge Resort
Employee of the Year: Madi Greyson, Tofino Brewing Company
Green Business of the Year: Ocean Outfitters Tofino Adventures
Non-Profit of the Year: Central Westcoast Forest Society
Best New Business: Summit Bread co.
Best Small Business: Picnic Charcuterie
Best Business: Chocolate Tofino
Business Leader of the Year: Duane Bell, Rhino Coffee House
Thanks to all who attended and made this event another one for the books!
Photos: Paul Levy
Gold Level Sponsors:
