Port Coquitlam, BC – December 4, 2019… Port Coquitlam’s business community was celebrated Thursday evening at the seventh annual PoCo Best Biz Awards event.

The City of Port Coquitlam event attracted about 100 people to the Riverside Community Church on Nov. 28 to network and honour the city’s approximately 4,000 businesses. This year eight businesses were recognized with awards or honourable mentions.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to all our businesses for being the backbone of our community and providing much needed goods, services and jobs to our residents,” Mayor Brad West told the audience. “One of Council’s top priorities is to help our 4000 or so businesses to thrive and to improve our customer service to you.” 

In total, 160 nominations were received for 87 businesses in five categories: Big Business, Small Business, Mid-size Business, Home-based Business and Entrepreneur of the Year. All nominees were also entered into the People’s Choice category, which this year received more than 6100 votes from the public – double from last year.

This year’s awards were sponsored by the Tri-City News, the Port Coquitlam Downtown Business Improvement Association, Riverside Community Church and Galactic Entertainment. The winners were chosen by a selection committee with representatives from the city, the BIA and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winners: Squish Juicery and The Angela Calla Mortgage Team

Eleven nominations were received in new category, for people or businesses who have developed an innovative business concept with good development potential, showed creativity in overcoming challenges, and attracted regional attention.

“I was on the selection committee and can tell you we had some very difficult decisions to make,” said Cllr. Steve Darling.

 “Given the number of excellent nominations we received in this category, we start the awards with a tie,  Cllr. Steve Darling. This year’s winners are leaders in their industry while giving back to the community,”  “Squish Juicery is the first soft pressed juicer in the Tri-Cities and has put their heart and soul into quality products with nutritional value. Angela Calla MortgageTeam is known for taking the fear out of financing and has been ranked nationally as one of the most influential women in the mortgage industry.”

Home-based Business of the Year

Winner: Samatha’s Cleaning Services

Fourteen 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.

“This business understands the daily struggle of working full time, juggling a family schedule and maintaining a home,” noted award presenter Cllr. Nancy McCurrach. “Samantha wants her customers to feel the bliss of walking into a wonderfully cleaned home at the end of their day.”

Small Business of the Year

Winner: Western Sky Books

Forty three 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 has become a lifeline for many local writers and artists as they host many literary events, display local artwork and promote up and coming authors,” said award presenter Cllr. Darrell Penner. “One nominator wrote that they go above and beyond to make every customer feel at home.”

Mid-size Business of the Year

Winner: Blend Bubble Tea

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

“In less than five years, this business has become a local go-to for PoCo’s youth and families,” said award presenter Cllr. Glenn Pollock. “They are known for their safe and inclusive environment and provide eco-friendly solutions and are on top of their game when it comes to trying new things.”

Big Business of the Year

Winner: Orrange Kitchen and Bar

Ten nominations were made in this category for businesses with more than 15 employees that have drawn positive attention to Port Coquitlam, shown leadership in social and cultural responsibility, and provided outstanding customer service.

“This business is known for their amazing customer service, great food and friendly atmosphere making it a longstanding local favourite,” said award presenter Mayor Brad West. “Patrons enjoy the wide selection of local drinks, fresh ingredients in every dish and they are frequent supporters of local businesses and charities.”

People’s Choice Award

Winner: Inspiration Nails Spa and Hair Studio

Runner Up: Richelle Nails and Spa

All nominees are entered into the People’s Choice category, which is voted on by the public. This year’s approximately 6100 votes almost doubled the number cast in 2018.

“This year’s People’s Choice Award goes to a business that pulled in almost 1800 online votes,” said award presenter Mayor West. “This business is a small service provider that is obviously treasured by its loyal fan base.”

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

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca