The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Winners of this Year's Gala Event - The Community Excellence Awards held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Italian Hall. The event was held in front of a Sold-Out Audience of more than 240 people from all over the Alberni Valley. Special guests beyond our 45 plus Finalists included: Mr. Gord Johns MP Courtenay/Alberni, Mr. Mike Ruttan - Mayor of Port Alberni, Mr. Hugh Braker - Councillor - Tseshaht First Nation, Ms. Jolleen Dick representing Hupacasath First Nation and a recent winner of the Top 20 Under 40 for Vancouver Island. Also in attendance were: Mr. Terry Davis CEO Home Hardware Canada as featured Speaker, MLA Candidates including Mr. Scott Fraser - NDP incumbant, Mr. Darren DeLuca - Liberal Candidate, Ms. Alicia La Rue - Green Candidate. Ms. Sharie Minions city of Port Alberni Councillor was also in attendance.
Award Winners for the evening included: Portal Players Dramatic Society for the Spirit of Music Award, Port Posh Wash - Green Award, Brakers Marine - Welcoming Workplace, Sarah Thomas for her efforts in Cycling Initiatives for the Health and Wellness Award, Ms. Terri Buse won the Ambassador of Service Award while KAL Tire won the overall Customer Service Award. Totem Tree Service picked up the Rising Star Award, Denis/Toosha Houle of Houle Printing won the Chamber Award, Meals on Wheels won the Volunteer of the Year Award, Alberni Valley Drag Racing Association got the Tourism/Hospitality Award, The Blue Marlin Inn picked up the Business Investment Award, Jenna West, Samuel Tsai & Ethan Jack were all recognized as Youth of the Year, Don Ferster got the coveted Visionary Award, Trends Design Team won the Social Media Award, Jan/Karen Lavertu of Westcoast Home Hardware won the Special Recognition Award, Mike Hudson owner of Port Boat House accepted the Business Excellence Award and Mr. Jeff Cook after winning the 'No Cigar lol Award' picked up the major award of the evening being named as Port Alberni's Citizen of the Year.
