Rain fell softly as the Cheakamus Centre in Paradise Valley lit up on Friday night.
Car headlights cut through the darkness as around 200 guests arrived for the 2024 Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards.
The event celebrated the hard work and success of local businesses and individuals, with 120 nominees across 12 categories and more than 5,000 votes cast by the community.
Inside the centre, the December chill was quickly forgotten. Among the early arrivals were MP Patrick Weiler and Mayor Armand Hurford who mingled with attendees while appetizers were served.
The night began with an opening by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Coun. K’ána Deborah Baker.
She spoke about the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and community resilience.
Baker highlighted how far the community has come and reflected on the Squamish Nation's strong history of trade and entrepreneurship, even before European contact.
“Education got us into this mess; education will get us out,” Baker said, quoting the late Senator Murray Sinclair.
After her speech, Baker invited Hurford on stage. Together, they sang a traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh song, setting the tone for an evening of connection and celebration.
The winners
The room filled with applause as the winners were announced.
- Arts & Entertainment Award: Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, for its lasting impact on arts and culture in Squamish.
- Bill Manson Citizen Award: Antje Cavanagh, honoured for her dedication to community service.
- Business Innovation Award: Carbon Engineering, for leading the way in clean energy technology.
- Business Leader Award: Felipe Angel of Squamish Connector, celebrated for his leadership and work in local transportation.
- Community Builder Award: Squamish Search and Rescue, for its essential role in keeping the community safe.
- Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Emily Shimwell of Graze Wilder/Dine Wilder, for her creativity in the culinary world.
- Environmental Impact Award: Squamish Climate Action Network, for its work in sustainability and climate action.
- Indigenous Business Award: Spirit School, for empowering Indigenous voices through education.
- Medium–Large Business Award: Sea to Sky Gondola, for its contribution to tourism and local business.
- New Business Award: Arrow Wood Games, recognized for its fresh and innovative approach.
- Small Business Award: Fall Line Fitness, for encouraging health and wellness in the community.
- Workplace Award: Sea to Sky Gondola, for its inclusive and supportive work environment.
How it all worked
The winners were chosen through a three-step process.
First, the public nominated businesses.
Then, the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and a judging panel reviewed the nominees and narrowed them down to three finalists in each category.
Finally, the community voted, casting over 5,000 votes to pick the winners.
This year’s judging committee included Kieran Hale, Ashley Oakes, Agustina Coccarro, Kirby Brown, and Mike Van Capelle.
A night to remember
The awards gala wasn’t just about the winners—it was a chance to bring people together and celebrate what makes Squamish special.
Guests enjoyed a sparkling reception, a three-course dinner, and an afterparty with music from DJ Steintology.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
