By Nick Dube

community

Prince George Chamber of Commerce announces excellence awards finalists

Sep 11, 2025 | 5:04 PM

PRINCE GEORGE -Dozens gathered at the Knox Performance Centre in downtown Prince George to find out who were the finalists for the Business Excellence awards. With nearly 200 nominees a group of 13 judges narrowed the field down to 55 finalists over 11 categories. The executive Director of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Neil Godbout says that in uncertain and difficult times it’s important to celebrate local business.

“This is the 40th year of the award. It’s whatever times we live it’s always important to to celebrate excellence. Small, medium or large businesses, everyone works really hard and has to pull together to be successful. I think it’s really important to celebrate those businesses that have been successful because they are inspirations, frankly, for the community and that’s why we do this.” said Godbout.

For many local businesses facing a new reality of tariffs supporting and buying local is more important then ever. Last year’s recipient of Business Person of the Year and owner of Cheeseneeds.com Tracey Johnson says that local support keeps dollars in the community and only helps to encourage local growth.

“It’s vital because during these tariff times, I’ve had to shut down all sales to the states. My customers will not pay the extra tariffs when they have local options. I guess thats what the guy wants. He wants them to buy American. That’s fine, but we’re Canadian, so I want Canadians to buy Canadian. During the pandemic, I was really popular because you got that one friend that makes bread and you got that one friend that makes wine and you got that one friend that makes cheese. When you go into the stores and you don’t even see that orange cheddar in a block on sale because we can’t get hold of it, having somebody local that can make that for you is really important.” said Johnson.

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The awards will be handed out on November first at an event featuring The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould taking place at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.