To the theme of Kentucky Derby the business community of Williams Lake gathered to celebrate the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
"This is the biggest event the chamber puts on each year," said first vice-president Sandi Jesse as she welcomed everyone to the event, which was held at Sacred Heart Catholic School hall. "It goes toward our programming."
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation won Business of the Year, sponsored by Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin.
Winning the night's other awards were:
BGC Williams Lake - Not-for-profit, sponsored by Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin.
The Williams Lake Stampede Association - Tourism and hospitality excellence, presented by the Williams Lake Visitor Centre.
Woodland Jewellers - Retail Excellence, sponsored by the Royal Bank Of Canada.
Williams Lake First Nation with the film Sugar Cane - Newsmaker of Year, sponsored by the Efteen.
Kit and Kaboodle -Greatest Improvement, sponsored by Evolve Chartered Professional Accountants.
Jazymn Lyons, who organizes events such as the Spring Festival and Halloween downtown, won the Hugo Stahl Memorial Award, sponsored by the city of Williams Lake.
Allcraft Kitchen En' Counters - Production and Manufacturing Excellence, sponsored MNP LNP.
Bean Counter Bistro and Coffee Bar - Service Excellence, presented by Williams Lake and District Credit Union.
Taseko/Gibraltar - Ken Wilson Chamber Business of the Year, sponsored by MNP LLP.
Kerry Chelsea, the owner of Fourwinds Driving School in Williams Lake, was the entertainer for the evening, sharing some of his homegrown comedy.
Before he got into his comedic act, he gave a shout out to the business community, saying "you are the reason this town exists."
MLA-elect Lorne Doerkson was the MC for the evening.
Before the awards were announced, Doerkson explained how five anonymous judges go through all the nominations.
They don't know who each other are and work independently of one another to choose the winners.
Cathie Rossignal and her team from CJ's prepared the food, which included appetizers, root beer glazed ham, kentucky grilled chicken, seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes, salads and desserts.
Safe rides home were available with volunteers from Williams Lake Community Policing and Flash Me Photo Booth, by Brittany Hutchins, was on for the evening providing triple prints to take away and a copy by email.
