It was business as usual for members of the South Surrey and White Rock business community Thursday as they came together to recognize the winners of the 14th annual Business Excellence Awards.

Hosted by the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce, the awards are aimed at honouring members of the local business community who have exhibited excellence in one way or another over the past year.

Business of the Year (one to seven employees) went to Minuteman Press, while C&K Courtesy Cleaners Ltd. walked away with the top honours in the eight to 14 employee category. For the 15 or more employees category, Murray White Rock Hyundai took the top spot.

Individual awards saw Susan Bains of Holistics HR recognized as the year's Young Entrepeneur, while Joan Walker of The Curtain Call Drapery and Decorating Co. and Amy Hennessy of Fortis BC walked away with Business Person of the Year, self-owned and corporate respectively.

Finally, the winner of New Business of the Year went to the Live Well Exercise Clinic.

"It was a very tough decision from what I understand this year, it was so close and there were so many deserving people in most of those categories," said chamber president Terry Ross.

With local politicians and community figures present, such as MLAs Gordon Hogg, Stephanie Cadieux and representatives from both Surrey and White Rock councils, the evening went off without a hitch, said Ross.

"The only real complaint I heard was the dessert was too big," said Ross.

"The evening flowed very smoothly, our MC Mark Madryga did an excellent job and everything went according to plan so I couldn't ask for much better there."

Not only were attendees there to celebrate the winners, but also to recognize the chamber's 75th anniversary.

"The chamber, started on the 17th of May in 1937 and the fact that it's been around 75 years must show it has some importance," said Ross.

With that in mind, Ross said the organization has remained true to its original intent, not only advocating on the behalf of businesses, but for initiatives that would benefit the larger community.

"The original organization started with 35 business members and they decided the common interest in community would get together and lobby for elements of the business community and for the community as a whole," he said.

cpoon@thenownewspaper.com

Twitter @questionchris