Richmond’s best, brightest, most innovative and community-minded businesses were celebrated Thursday (Nov. 27) evening in front of a sold out River Rock Show Theatre as the Richmond Chamber of Commerce hosted its 37th Annual Business Excellence Awards.
A total of 27 finalists competed in nine categories, plus two additional awards were bestowed on chamber member businesses judged Newsmaker of the Year and 2014’s Hall of Fame inductee.
Kicking off the night, Mayor Malcolm Brodie told the audience the city’s business sector plays a key role in building a strong city.
“Our diverse economic base includes strong international trade connections, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “Our city seeks to enhance our economic wellbeing and financial sustainability through strategies for long-term business retention, expansion and attraction.”
Brodie added Richmond also wants to continue building on its geographical advantage of being the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.
Chamber president Gerard Edwards said the awards ceremony has been the signature business event in Richmond for nearly four decades, and has recognized countless employers and innovators who have put Richmond on the international stage.
“This year we received over 100 nominations,” Gerard said. “We had an extremely difficult task of dropping down to 27 finalists, only to face the most demanding predicament of all, selecting final award recipients and inductees.”
Read more about this year's winners in the stories below:
• Young Entrepreneuer of the Year
• Business Leadership of the Year
•Outstanding Workplace of the Year
• Business of the Year 1 - 25 Employees
• Business of the Year 25 - 75 Employees
