Port Coquitlam, BC – NOVEMBER 10, 2017… Eleven Port Coquitlam businesses were honoured and over 30 others were recognized at the fifth annual PoCo Best Biz Awards celebration on Thursday.

The City of Port Coquitlam event attracted over 140 city and business representatives to the PoCo Inn & Suites to celebrate the accomplishments of Port Coquitlam’s 3,100-plus businesses. The evening included awards, networking, refreshments and craft beer/cider tastings sponsored by West Coast Cider, Northpaw Brew Co., Taylight Brewing, PoCo Brothers and Foamers Folly.

“Tonight, you’re in the spotlight,” radio personality and event emcee Kevin Lim told the audience. “It’s through our event tonight that we’re able to show you that we support local business in our community, and that you are all appreciated for contributing to keeping our local economy alive and vibrant.”

In total, 49 businesses were nominated in four categories – Big Business, Small Business, Home-based Business and Employer of the Year. All nominees were also entered into the People’s Choice category, voted on by the public.

The 2017 awards were sponsored by TELUS, the Tri-City News and Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association. Support was also provided by Snapd Tri-Cities, Vancity, Small Business BC, Donald’s Market, Orrange Kitchen + Bar, the Floral Reverly, PoCo Inn and Suites and What’s On Magazine.

The winners were chosen by a selection committee with representatives from the city and business community.

Small Business of the Year
Winners: 4Cats Arts Studio
Honourable Mention: Westcoast SCI Physiotherapy and Tri-City Paint and Design

Thirty-four nominations were received in this category, for businesses with 10 or fewer employees that have drawn positive attention to Port Coquitlam, provided outstanding customer service, and shown leadership in social and cultural responsibility.

“This business spends many hours outside of regular studio hours volunteering their time at community events, Canada Day, Mother’s Day and the PoCo Grand Prix. They donate to several charities to auction off items for those charities to fundraise for different causes,” award presenter Cllr. Dean Washington, said of the winner. “One nominator wrote that, ‘More often than not, they are there for the community, not only as a business but as residents.’”

Home-based Business of the Year
Winner: Awesome Possum Tutoring & Consulting
Honourable Mentions: Joanna Moss Photography and Green Men Media

Seven nominations were received for the Home-based Business category, which recognizes businesses that provide a service from their home and have demonstrated significant growth, sustainability and excellent customer service.

“She is enjoying the challenges of expansion and loves creating new outlets and programs for her services,” award presenter Cllr. Darrell Penner said of Awesome Possum’s business owner, who offers tutoring to children and adults with dyslexia. He also noted: “She has been an advocate and community resource for each of her clients and their families.”

Big Business of the Year
Winner: SUPERVALU
Honourable Mention: Westminster Savings Credit Union and SecuriWORLD Security Services Inc.

Eight nominations were made in this category for businesses with more than 10 employees that have drawn positive attention to Port Coquitlam, shown leadership in social and cultural responsibility, and provided outstanding customer service.

“This business has been in Port Coquitlam for 40 years and is known by their customers for providing outstanding customer service,” award presenter Cllr Brad West said of SUPERVALU. “For some people in our community, their professional & caring services means everything. The nominator wrote: ‘To people unable to get their groceries, they shop for you, and deliver your groceries. This has been something done for many years, way before any of the large stores even thought of this concept.’”

Employer of the Year
Winner: Orrange Kitchen + Bar

One nomination was received in the Employer of the Year category for businesses that have gone above and beyond for their employees, have a strong focus on employee development and retention, and provide a healthy work environment to employees or encourage a healthy lifestyle.

“This business has become a staple for residents of the Tri-Cities. Family owned and operated, they have won multiple awards and give back to the community,” award presenter Cllr. Glenn Pollock said of Orrange. “From sponsoring cooks who have become Canadian MMA champions, training cooks to become chefs, and helping others pass exams to become nurses, teachers and local business leaders, the owner takes great pride in seeing the staff succeed.”

People’s Choice Award
Winner: Dominion Lending Centres
Runners Up: Westcoast SCI Physiotherapy and Orrange Kitchen + Bar

All nominees are entered into the People’s Choice category, which is voted on by the public. Approximately 1,700 votes were cast this year.

“This year’s People’s Choice Award goes to a business that pulled in 435 online votes. Their head office is located in Port Coquitlam and they participate and sponsor a variety of events locally,” said award presenter Cllr. Mike Forrest of Dominion Lending Centres. “This business was launched in January 2006 and now is Canada’s number one national mortgage company and funded more than $36 billion in mortgage volume in 2016 – the largest origination volume of any Canadian brokerage.”

All nominees and photos from the event are featured at www.portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
T: 604.927.5335
E: purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca