Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards Relocate Venue

The 2025 Surrey & White Rock Business Excellence Awards will take place at a new venue due to a labour dispute affecting the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. The 27th awards gala is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Simon Fraser University (SFU) on University Drive. The event will commence at 18:00, celebrating winners across eight categories in a formal, Academy Awards-style ceremony that draws over 400 attendees.

The change in venue follows similar disruptions; the ongoing labour issues at the Guildford hotel also led to the cancellation of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in mid-October. Organisers of the writers’ conference have initiated a fundraising campaign, seeking $300,000 to ensure the event can continue into 2026 and beyond.

At the SFU venue, a total of 24 finalists have been announced by the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT). The finalists for the prestigious Business Person of the Year award include notable local figures such as Jas Oberoi from Jas Oberoi Group, Kendelle Pollitt of Pier Law & Mediation, and Steve Pisiak of Ultimate Performance.

The Young Entrepreneur category highlights emerging talents, with finalists Hamza Saquib from Oto Hearing Products, Jujhar Mann of Mann and Co. Bakeshop, and Matt Dai representing Kingdom Athletics.

In the Not-for-Profit/Association category, the finalists include Mackie’s Place Youth Social House, Options Community Services Society, and Peace Arch Hospice Society. The awards also feature a White Rock Business Excellence category, with standout nominees such as A Little Bud, Architecture Panel, and Laura’s Coffee Corner.

Three categories are dedicated to Business Excellence, segmented by employee count. The finalists for the 1-10 Employees award include Global Conference Alliance, Ignite Dance Company, and U-Lock Mini Storage. In the 11-40 Employees category, nominees are My Empower Therapy, Square One Construction, and SWR Drain Service. For the 41+ Employees award, businesses competing are Cancorr, Kasa Supply, and PCB Global Trade Management.

Tickets for the gala are available starting at $150 through the SWRBOT’s website, swrbot.com. This event not only recognizes outstanding achievements in the local business community but also fosters connections among entrepreneurs and leaders in the region.