Whistler Excellence Awards

A celebration of Whistler’s boldest businesses, brightest leaders, and most inspiring community builders.

The Whistler Excellence Awards, presented by BlueShore Financial, a division of Beem Credit Union, are a celebration of the people and businesses driving our community forward — the innovators, trailblazers, and community builders who shape Whistler’s vibrant spirit.

These awards shine a spotlight on local legends and rising stars alike, strengthening our collective identity and showcasing the excellence that sets Whistler apart. From growing businesses to standout role models, this is where Whistler honours those who make an impact.

Learn more about the awards

Congratulations to this year’s finalists!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination – you’re helping to shine a light on the people, passion, and purpose behind Whistler’s thriving business community!

Let’s recognize the stories that shape our community’s future.

This year’s Whistler Excellence Awards, presented by BlueShore Financial, a division of Beem Credit Union, will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. This is a night to celebrate Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Night to Flourish—a theme that honours the inspiring journeys of local businesses grounded in strength and reaching toward limitless possibilities.

Whether they’re new on the scene or have been growing for decades, these are the stories worth celebrating.

2025 Award Categories:

🌟 Business Person of the Year presented by BDO
🌟 Emerging Business of the Year (sponsorship open)
🌟 Innovative Business of the Year, presented by Beedie Living
🌟 Rising Star of the Year, presented by the Hotel Association of Whistler
🌟 Service Excellence – Small Business (up to 34 employees), presented by Reactive Design Inc.
🌟 Service Excellence – Large Business (35 or more employees), presented by Whistler Blackcomb
🌟 Sustainability in Action Business, with AWARE, presented by Cascade Environmental Resource Group
🌟 Citizen of the Year, with Whistler Community Foundation, presented by Race & Company LLP Lawyers
🌟 The Pat Kelly Champion of the Arts Award, presented by Arts Whistler
🌟 Above & Beyond Award Of Excellence (sponsorship open)

Read the media release here >>>

View awards criteria

2025 Gala event details

What to wear? Get inspired here!

Congratulations to the 2025 Whistler Excellence Awards finalists!

Business Person of the Year – Presented by BDO

Jay & James Pare, Pare Group
Ann Chiasson, Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate Ltd.
Nadia Demers, Ziptrek Ecotours Inc.

Emerging Business of the Year – sponsorship open

A Little Bud
The Bhavana Studio
Flashback Whistler Photo Booth

Innovative Business of the Year – Presented by Beedie Living

Deorum Ski
Brahmi Rituals
Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Rising Star of the Year – Presented by Hotel Association of Whistler

Brittany Stephenson, The Bhavana Studio
Rebecca Mason, Laugh Out LIVE!
Chris Granicolo, Reactive Design

Service Excellence – Small Business* – Presented by Reactive Design

To be announced

Service Excellence – Large Business* – Presented by Whistler Blackcomb

To be announced

Sustainability in Action Business, with AWARE, – Presented by Cascade Environmental Resource Group

GNAR Inc
Heike Designs Inc.
Nita Lake Lodge

The Pat Kelly Champion of Arts & Culture, Business – Presented by Arts Whistler

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Coast Mountain Brewing
Alto Marketing + Management

Citizen of The Year – Presented by Race and Company LLP

Ashlie Girvan, 100 Women Who Care Whistler
Ann Chiasson, Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate Ltd.
Sue Maxwell, Whistler Wellness Collaborative/Whistler 360

Above & Beyond Award of Excellence – sponsorship open

Dominque Vallee, Creekside Health
Ace Mackay-Smith, DJ fOxy Moron
Sean Easton, Zero Ceiling

View last year's Finalists & Winners

Be part of Whistler’s most inspiring night of the year!

Position Your Brand at the Heart of Whistler’s Business Community by sponsoring the Whistler Excellence Awards.

The Whistler Excellence Awards Gala, presented by BlueShore Financial, a division of Beem Credit Union, celebrates the local trailblazers shaping Whistler through innovation, service, sustainability, and leadership. With over 400 attendees and visibility across the Chamber’s network of 700+ members, this is your opportunity to put your brand in the spotlight — and in the room.

Sponsorship benefits include*:

Tickets or a table of ten at the gala to host clients or team members
On-stage recognition or a chance to share a 90-second promo video
Logo placement on event collateral including signage, programs, and screens
Verbal acknowledgment from the event emcee
Brand exposure across Chamber eNews, website, and events calendar
Option to run a custom prize giveaway showcasing your brand
Brand recognition in relevant social media posts leading up to, and following the event

Pictured above: Gregg Martin, General Manager, BlueShore Financial, our Presenting Partner of the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Whistler Excellence Awards

✨ Flexible sponsorship levels available to match your goals and budget.

📩 Connect with Jacquie McLean, Marketing & Events Manager, at Jacquie@whistlerchamber.com

*benefits and promotional inclusions differ between partnership packages

2024 Whistler Excellence Awards Gala

Wow. What a dazzling night!

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate Neon Nights: Illuminating Whistler’s Excellence at the 2024 Whistler Excellence Awards presented by BlueShore Financial, held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on Thursday, October 17, 2024!

2024’s theme Neon Nights: Illuminating Whistler’s Excellence combined the vibrant energy of neon with the elegance and fun of a gala, celebrating the excellence that light up Whistler’s business community.

2024 Finalists & Winners