Port Coquitlam, BC - March 1, 2024... Port Coquitlam's business community was celebrated on Thursday evening at the ninth annual PoCo Best Biz Awards event.
The City of Port Coquitlam event attracted over 160 people to the Port Coquitlam Community Centre - Mabbett Hall on Feb. 29 to network and honour the City's approximately 4,200 businesses. This was the largest Best Biz Awards event in the City. This year five businesses were recognized with awards or honourable mentions.
"Tonight, is a special occasion, as we come together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the remarkable businesses that call Port Coquitlam home," Mayor Brad West told the audience. "The City of Port Coquitlam is undeniably on the map, and the renewal and energy we're seeing in our city makes me wake up every day, excited about what's ahead. People and businesses are increasingly recognizing the incredible opportunities that our City offers, and it's all thanks to the collective efforts of each and every one of you."
Mayor West also announced that this year the City will host a series of business roundtables, focused on specific sectors, to get what businesses need from the City to succeed, grow and expand. More details will be provided later this year.
In total, 296 nominations were received for 130 businesses in four categories: Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Home-based Business of the Year and New Business of the Year. All nominees were also entered into the People's Choice category, which this year received more than 5100 votes from the public.
This year's awards were sponsored by the Tri-City News (media sponsor), NiceLife Cocktail Co. (Beverage Sponsor) and supported by the Port Coquitlam Downtown Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA), Saputo Dairy Products Canada and Small Business BC. The winners were chosen by a selection committee with representatives from the City, the BIA and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Small Business of the YearThirty-seven nominations were received in this category, for businesses with less than five employees that have drawn positive attention to Port Coquitlam, provided outstanding customer service, and shown leadership in social and cultural responsibility.
Winner: Sincerely Kitchen
Business of the YearFifty-six nominations were made in this category for businesses with more than 6 employees that have drawn positive attention to Port Coquitlam, shown leadership in social and cultural responsibility, and provided outstanding customer service.
Winner: Saputo Dairy Products Canada
New Business of the YearTwenty nominations were received in this 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.
Winner: C-Market Coffee
Home-based Business of the YearTwenty-one 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.
Winner: Citadel Speech and Language Services
People's Choice AwardAll nominees are entered into the People's Choice category, which is voted on by the public. This year's approximately 5100 votes were cast.
"This year's People's Choice Award goes to a business that pulled in over 620 online votes," said award presenter Mayor Brad West. "This business is a small service provider that is obviously treasured by its loyal fan base."
Winner: ILU's ConvenienceRunner Up: Fruiticana
All nominees and photos from the event will be featured at portcoquitlam.ca/bizawards.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]