Port Coquitlam’s business community was celebrated Thursday evening at the sixth annual PoCo Best Biz Awards event.

The City of Port Coquitlam event attracted approximately 100 people to the PoCo Inn & Suites on Nov. 22 to network and honour the city’s approximately 4,000 businesses. This year 10 business recognized this year with awards or honourable mentions.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you, and other businesses that are not here, for your role in driving our local economy and providing much needed goods, services, jobs and investment in Port Coquitlam,” Mayor Brad West told the audience. “In case you’re wondering what a new Council means for local businesses, I want to assure you that this Council has a deep passion and dedication to continue to look for ways to support our business community.”

In total, 100 nominations were received for 61 businesses in four categories: Big Business, Small Business, Home-based Business and a new category, Entrepreneur of the Year. All nominees were also entered into the People’s Choice category, which this year received more than 3,200 votes from the public.

This year’s awards were sponsored by TELUS, the Tri-City News, Vancity, Small Business BC, the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association, Inno Foods and Galactic Entertainment. The winners were chosen by a selection committee with representatives from the city and business community.

“I was on the selection committee and can tell you we had some very difficult decisions to make,” said Cllr. Glenn Pollock. “It is really impressive to read about all the good work our business community is doing.”

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner:Inno Foods – Goodseed Mission

Honourable Mention:Northpaw Brew Co.

Seven nominations were received in this 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.

“This year’s winner is an established PoCo business with a really exciting new project under way, all focused on giving back and growing new businesses,” said award presenter Cllr. Steve Darling. “The nominator noted that, ‘Through the actions of this company, a pipeline of future recipients of this award is being established.’ What they are doing is offering up amazing newly built office space and mentorship to new and small businesses.”

Small Business of the Year

Winner: PoCo Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

Honourable Mention: Anytime Fitness

Thirty-nine 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 been providing amazing service to the community from two PoCo locations for over 40 years,” said award presenter Cllr. Darrell Penner. “This physiotherapy clinic is known for putting clients first, rearranging schedules to accommodate people in need, and coming in early and staying late when necessary. One nominator wrote they even do home visits to those who can’t come into the clinic.”

Home-based Business of the Year

Winner: Caitey Gilchrist Creative

Honourable Mention: Joanna Moss Photography

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.

“This small company is a brand strategy business, dedicated to connecting human beings to their purpose, power and people. The business delivers branding resources through social media, blog posts, videos, one-on-one training and workshops,” noted award presenter Cllr. Nancy McCurrach. “A one-woman team, the founder has overcome a lot of challenges to get her voice heard in a saturated market.”

Big Business of the Year

Winner:Live to Play Sports (formerly Norco)

Honourable Mention: Code Electric

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 is a major Port Coquitlam employer, and has been in business for more than 50 years,” said award presenter Cllr. Dean Washington. “They are Canada’s largest and most experienced distributor of premium bicycles, parts and accessories, with their headquarters right here in PoCo. They are also frequent supporters of cycling advocacy efforts, from local grassroots trail organizations to charities and non-profits.”

People’s Choice Award

Winner:Richelle Nail and Spa

Runner Up: Dominion Lending Centres

All nominees are entered into the People’s Choice category, which is voted on by the public. This year’s approximately3,200votes almost doubled the number cast in 2017.

“This year’sPeople’s Choice Award goes to a business that pulled in almost 800 online votes,” said award presenter Cllr. Laura Dupont. “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