Camaraderie and good vibes took centre stage Saturday night as the business community packed The Josie Hotel for the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business Excellence Awards.
Over a lush four-course meal crafted by the hotel’s chef — with help from the rising stars of the Kootenay Teen Chef Club — guests settled in for a night celebrating the standouts of local business.
With more than 12,000 votes cast, Master of Ceremonies Phil Loosely kept the evening rolling, dishing out awards and good humour in equal measure.
The celebrations got off to a strong start with the KBRH Health Foundation winning the Not-For-Profit Charitable Organization Award.
Threads took the Retail Award, Bay Avenue Dental won the Professional Service Award, and Jones & Co. Hair Studio earned the Customer Service Award, much to the delight of the crowd.
The momentum kept building as RE/MAX All Pro Realty won the Community Impact Award, The Skills Centre picked up the Go Green Award, and the Trail and District Arts Council (Bailey Theatre) was awarded for Tourism, receiving a hearty round of cheers.
Rounding out the second wave, Quinn Martin of A&J Collision took home the Excellence Under 40 Award.
The night wasn’t done yet. Michael Cupello of Columbia Notary was named Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, setting the stage for the marquee moments.
Next up, David Abenante of Elite Physiotherapy was named Business Person of the Year, met with a swell of applause.
And finally, the spotlight turned to the night’s top honour: Toni Boutry and her team at Menza Luna Hair Studio won Business of the Year, capping off a night packed with celebration, community pride, and more than a few happy tears.
The very special awards were crafted by Melissa Woodward and Ghislain Avoine of Woodland Hillside, located on Bay Avenue in downtown Trail.
Each plaque, Woodward explained, was made from a dead pine tree harvested from the couple’s property in Trail.
In a surprise moment, Woodward also presented Erika Krest, leader of the Trail chamber, with a one-of-a-kind plaque featuring all of the night’s winners inscribed on it — a first for the chamber, and a true piece of art destined to hang on the chamber wall with pride.
