Close to You women’s apparel and Kerry’s Car and Truck Centre were awarded Business of the Year trophies at the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Dinner at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort last Thursday.
They were among six recipients for categories that included outstanding customer service, new business and employer of the year.
Close to You was recognized in the category for businesses with more than 15 employees, while Kerry’s Car and Truck Centre was honoured for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
New Business of the Year went to the Vancouver Island Workability Society, a program supporting employment training programs at both The Pie Factory and 2nd Chance Thrift Store. Employer of the Year was awarded to Bayview Custom Motorcycles, and Outstanding Customer Service went to the Bread and Honey Food Company.
The event included awarding of the inaugural The Rock trophy, named in honour of the late John Rockley, a longtime chamber member and ambassador. The award was presented by Rockley’s son, Cam Rockley, to Dave Graham of 88.5 The Beach radio, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
Chamber president Bill McKinney said the awards dinner, which drew 180 people, was the largest to date for the organization.
— NEWS Staff