Prince George Chamber announces 2026 Business Excellence Awards finalists

Aug 28, 2026 | 12:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Prince George business community is preparing to celebrate its top achievers after the Prince George Chamber of Commerce unveiled the finalists for the 41st Annual Business Excellence Awards during a luncheon event at Canada Games Plaza on Friday.

Among the most anticipated categories is Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Fortis. This year’s finalists include Vince Prince of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre, Deanna Hodgins of VeltroTec Innovations, Aimee Cassie of the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Cindy Hartford of Pacific Western Brewing, and Scott Broughton of Vitreo Minerals.

The competition for Business of the Year is equally strong, with finalists including McDonald’s – PBR Enterprises Ltd., Tyrod Industries, Kopar Administration, 4 Rivers Co-operative and Open Door Cafe. The award is sponsored by MNP and recognizes businesses that have demonstrated leadership, growth and excellence within the local economy.

This year’s ceremony will also feature special recognition for contributions to Prince George’s arts and culture community. The Chamber announced that the Community Arts Council of Prince George and District as well as Anne Laughlin and Ted Price will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, sponsored by Canfor.

The Community Arts Council, established in 1968, serves as an umbrella organization for nearly 250 artists, performers, artisan guilds and cultural groups. Operating out of Studio 2880 since 1976, the organization has played a major role in supporting the local arts sector. Its annual Studio Fair attracts more than 300 artisans and is regarded as the largest small business fair in British Columbia north of Kamloops.

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Meanwhile, Laughlin and Price are being honoured for decades of work in local theatre. The pair founded Theatre Northwest in 1994, bringing professional Canadian theatre productions to Prince George audiences. In 2015, they launched Miracle Theatre, a charitable theatre company that has generated more than $1 million for local causes through annual productions.

Additional award categories announced Friday include Excellence in Environmental Impact, Excellence in Customer Service, Excellence in Not-For-Profit and Community Service, and Excellence in Technological Innovation. Finalists range from environmental organizations and community groups to local technology firms and service providers, highlighting the breadth of innovation and community involvement across Prince George.

Notable finalists include Open Waters Solar, which earned nominations in both the Environmental Impact and Technological Innovation categories, as well as organizations such as the Prince George Humane Society, Rotary Club of Downtown Prince George, Birchwood Veterinary Clinic and Northern IT Solutions.

The winners will be announced during a gala dinner on Oct. 3 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. The event will feature keynote speaker Taylor McPherson, an Amazing Race Canada champion, national U Sports wrestling champion and two-time Team Canada athlete.

by Greg Fry

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Prince George Chamber announces 2026 Business Excellence Awards finalists

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