Winners and runners-up in 16 categories were recognized for services provided in 2024 during the annual Powell River Chamber of Commerce business awards gala on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Dwight Hall in Townsite.
Dr. Ashok Varma Dental was recognized for Business Excellence. Started by his father, Virendra, the practice now includes Milan, the third-generation dentist of the family.
“For 58 years, a Dr. Varma has been providing dental services in Powell River,” said Ash, while accepting the award.
32 Lakes Café and Bakery was chosen as Employer of the Year, while Point Group Hospitality was named runner-up in the same category. Sebastian Clemens from Two Wheel Tech was chosen as Employee of the Year, with First Credit Union’s Caitlin Bryant receiving runner-up honours. Collective Interiors won the Small Business of the Year award; Convenient Chef was the runner-up.
Other recipients included:
Ed’s Delivery Service for Home Based Business; Dump Run Provisions, runner-up;
Rugged Coast Expeditions for New Business; SunRae Studio, runner-up;
Oceanside Entertainment (Karyne Bailey) for Entrepreneur of the Year; Remote Marine Solutions (Keith Wood), runner-up;
Windfall Farm for Agriculture; Coast Berry Company, runner-up;
McDonald Marine Services for Customer Service Professional; Timber Massage and Wellness, runner-up;
Armitage Mens Wear for Customer Service Retail; qathet art + wares, runner-up;
Just Fry's and Dogs for Customer Service Hospitality; Saint Amore International Sandwiches, runner-up;
Friends of qathet for Not-For-Profit; Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association, runner-up;
Powell River Community Forest for Forestry Sector; Post and Purlin Forest Products, runner-up;
Canadian EMS for Aboriginal Business; Tla’amin Convenience Store, runner-up;
Lois Lumber received the Sustainability Award; Ecossentials, runner-up;
Palli Palli Adventure Rentals received the Tourism Award; Terracentric Coastal Adventures, runner-up;
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