BURSTThe Bulkley Valley Credit Union had it in the bank… again.
The credit union won the evening’s top category of Business of the Year at the Smithers and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Community Business Excellence Awards held on May 24.
The credit union has previously won this award multiple times.
In a Facebook post, it stated it is incredibly honoured to be named Business of the Year.
“This recognition means so much to us, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our members for trusting us as your financial partner, to the Chamber members who nominated and voted for us, and to the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce for hosting such an important celebration of local business and community excellence,” the post said.
“This award reflects the hard work, passion, and heart that each of you brings to our members every single day. We are grateful, humbled, and proud to continue serving our communities with the same purpose that has guided us from the beginning.”
The sold out gala also included a fundraiser for the Chamber, live performances by The Goodfellas Jazz Quartet, Ewk Hiyah Hozdlï Dance Group, and DJ Late Night Lonny.
The Town of Smithers also took the opportunity to give out its annual building excellence awards.
The best residential development went to 3037 Meadow Place and the best commercial, industrial or institutional development went to Tree Line Wood Products and DKG Ventures on Nineteenth Ave.
The Village of Telkwa also gave out its annual leadership award. Mayor Leroy Dekens presented it to Michelle Finch of MTB Lures.
Dekens said it was in recognition of her outstanding community involvement and dedication to local initiatives.
“Michelle has made a meaningful impact through her continued support of community events, including the very popular Father’s Day fishing derby, which brings families together and celebrates regional strong outdoor traditions,” he said.
“Her commitment to community spirit, local engagement, and creation, creating memories and experience for residents and visitors alike.”
The live auction raised over $7,000 for the Chamber.
“This a fantastic outcome considering how economically challenging it is,” said the chamber’s executive director Sheena Miller.
“As the chamber’s only annual fundraiser, proceeds from the gala and live auction help support the Chamber’s foundational core year-round work.”
Those core functions include local business advocacy, economic development initiatives, youth entrepreneurship programming such Frozen North, business events and networking opportunities, marketing and promotion initiatives, and many of the broader community-building efforts that often happen quietly behind the scenes through the numerous committees, collaborations, and initiatives the Chamber supports, Miller added.
She also noted the chamber operates as a non-profit organization without sustainable operational funding and works year-round to secure grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue opportunities to help keep the organization moving forward.
Membership revenue currently accounts for approximately 15 per cent of the Chamber’s overall operating revenue, which means fundraising and community support play a critical role in sustaining the organization and the work they do on behalf of the business community.
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Avi Ranjan, Smithers Lumber Yard and Panago
CITIZEN/VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Stacey Dupois
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE – BUSINESS
Smithers Home Hardware
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE – INDIVIDUAL
Leona McEwen, Nature’s Pantry
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Derek Willment, Heartwood, Climb High, EdGE Learning Centre and Smithers Secondary
FAMILY FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre
HOME-BASED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Bulrushes & Blooms
MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO ARTS & CULTURE
Camus Photography
PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Northern Society for Domestic Peace
TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Runway Cafe and Bar
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Mahi and Nadia (Lousie’s Kitchen)
ZERO WASTE CIRCULAR ECONOMY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Replay Outdoors
RESOURCE AND MINING EXCELLENCE
Seabridge Gold