Take a look at this year's Awards categories and criteria below, and nominate today.
Most nominations take 3–5 minutes.
Not sure where your nominee fits?
Choose the category that feels closest. If another category is a better fit, the Chamber may reassign the nomination during eligibility review.
Individual AwardsGROUP
Business Person of the Year, presented by BDO
Description
This Whistler business person has had a major impact on the landscape of the local business community. They are an exemplary leader, and exhibit vision and passion. They have an innovative brand and they continuously give back by supporting community initiatives and projects.
Requirements
An eligible Candidate must:
- Have been in operation for a minimum of five years
- Exercise care and empathy with employees
- Create a work environment that fosters growth and encourages development of employees
- Be an exemplary leader and demonstrate passion, vision and positive moral character
- Emphasize the importance of delivering high levels of customer service to all clients
- Be a leader in their industry
- Have leading products and/or services
- Have a major impact on the landscape of the local business community
- Give back to the community by supporting local initiatives and projects
SCORING MATRIX
Nominations are reviewed by their ability to demonstrate the below factors. The use of concrete examples, unpaid recognition and any documented proof can enhance your application.
| Factor | Weighting |
| Employee Champion | 20% |
| Industry Leader | 20% |
| Excellent Customer Service | 20% |
| Community Impact and Involvement | 20% |
| Credentials | 20% |
Who should be nominated?
A business owner, founder, executive or senior leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, business success and a positive impact on the Whistler community.
Think: CEOs, owners, partners, executive directors or business leaders who inspire others and help shape Whistler's future.
Rising Star of the Year
Description
This Whistler employee or business person is starting to make an impact beyond their years. Under the age of 40, they show outstanding success at a young age, give back by supporting the community, and are on a clear leadership track. They should have a culture of trail blazing and a solid plan for future career and performance development.
Requirements
An eligible candidate must:
- Be age 39 or under on June 1, 2026
- Be in ownership, management or another leadership capacity within a Whistler business organization
- Exhibit outstanding performance and definite career progress –demonstrated through measurable results
- Be highly active in the community and committed to making a difference
- Demonstrate a pattern of risk taking or trail blazing
- Have future plans for career and performance development
- Have been in business or role for less than five years – if someone in this age category has been in their role or business for over five years then we would recommend the business person of the year award
Open to both current Whistler Chamber Members or employed by a Member of the Whistler Chamber
SCORING MATRIX
Nominations are reviewed by their ability to demonstrate the below factors. The use of concrete examples, unpaid recognition and any documented proof can enhance your application.
| Factor | Weighting |
| Performance and career progression | 20% |
| Trailblazing or risk taking | 20% |
| Active in the community / making a difference | 20% |
| Future career plans and performance advancement | 20% |
| Credentials | 20% |
Who should be nominated?
An emerging leader who is making a significant impact early in their career through leadership, innovation, professional achievement or community involvement.
Think: Managers, supervisors, entrepreneurs and young professionals who are already influencing positive change.
The Citizen of the Year, presented by Coast Mountain Law
Description
Created in 1969, the Citizen of the Year award is Whistler's longest standing celebration. The Whistler Community Foundation is honored with the task of selecting the annual recipient of this prestigious award.
The Whistler Citizen of the Year is an outstanding community member who contributes significantly to enhancing the quality of life in Whistler. This individual demonstrates extraordinary leadership and community service for the betterment of the community. Well-respected in the community, they inspire others with their caring and positive attitude and spirit of cooperation.
Requirements
This award has a slightly difference process:
- The Whistler Community Foundation selection committee will review all forms.
- The Whistler Community Foundation will advise the Chamber of the winner, to be announced at the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards.
An eligible candidate:
- is an individual*;
- resides in B.C.;
- is of any age;
- makes recent and significant volunteer contributions within the community of Whistler;
- actively participates in positive change for the benefit of the community;
- empowers others to build community strength and resilience; and
- includes community members in a way that builds trust and promotes a sense of belonging.
*At the discretion of the selection committee, a collective (of two or more volunteers) may be considered an individual, when the collective is focused on one or more shared initiatives that have significant impact on the community.
SCORING MATRIX - coming soon
Who should be nominated?
An individual whose volunteerism, leadership and community involvement have made a lasting difference in Whistler.
Think: Community champions, volunteers, advocates and leaders who give their time, energy and expertise to improve the lives of others.
Business AwardsGROUP
Sustainability in Action Business, presented by Cascade Environmental Resource Group
Description
This Whistler business has demonstrated considerable positive impact in advancing sustainability in their business, sector and the local community. It has implemented sustainability strategies and practices that protect the environment, improve individual and community wellbeing, and contribute to our vibrant economy.
Requirements
Has your business, or a business you know, achieved excellence in success and sustainability?
An eligible candidate must have:
- Implemented environmental, social and economic sustainability practices and/or strategies that support the success of their business and demonstrates improvement.
- Made a considerable positive impact in progressing their business' sustainability efforts
- An understanding of what to do to further progress toward sustainability through future plans or 2019 Big Moves Climate Strategy objectives
- Communicated the story and rationale of their sustainability practices/strategies to their customers
SCORING MATRIX - coming soon
Who should be nominated?
A business that is taking meaningful action to reduce its environmental, social footprint and contribute to a more economically sustainable future.
Think: Organizations leading the way in environmental stewardship, waste reduction, conservation, climate action or sustainable business practices.
Service Excellence: Small Business (up to 34 employees), presented by Reactive Media
Description
These Whistler businesses have industry-leading service delivery and have made an impact on the Whistler guest experience. They have introduced and implemented service strategies that allow them to deliver exceptional customer service and consistently exceed customers' expectations.
Requirements
An eligible candidate must:
- Deliver industry leading service
- Make an impact on the Whistler guest experience
- Implement successful service strategies across the business ensuring customer expectations are exceeded
- Implement a culture of Service Excellence in their workplace in line with the Chamber's WE Go BIG! customer service training:
- We create Belonging
- We Initiate with purpose
- We Go Beyond every day
- Have 34 employees or less – If you have access to resources from a parent organization or head office that you do not pay for then you're a large business!
SCORING MATRIX
Nominations are reviewed by their ability to demonstrate the below factors. The use of concrete examples, unpaid recognition and any documented proof can enhance your application.
| Factor | Weighting |
| Service delivery | 20% |
| Team impact | 20% |
| Service strategies | 20% |
| Demonstrate WE Go BIG! | 20% |
| Credentials | 20% |
Who should be nominated?
A small business that consistently delivers exceptional customer experiences and demonstrates a strong commitment to service excellence.
Think: Businesses whose team members go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for customers and guests.
Service Excellence: Large Business (35 or more employees) presented by Whistler Blackcomb
Description
These Whistler businesses have industry-leading service delivery and have made an impact on the Whistler guest experience. They have introduced and implemented service strategies that allow them to deliver exceptional customer service and consistently exceed customers' expectations.
Requirements
An eligible candidate must:
- Deliver industry leading service
- Make an impact on the Whistler guest experience
- Implement successful service strategies across the business ensuring customer expectations are exceeded
- Implement a culture of Service Excellence in their workplace in line with the Chamber's WE Go BIG! customer service training:
- We create Belonging
- We Initiate with purpose
- We Go Beyond every day
- Have 35 employees or more – for large business award
SCORING MATRIX
Nominations are reviewed by their ability to demonstrate the below factors. The use of concrete examples, unpaid recognition and any documented proof can enhance your application.
| Factor | Weighting |
| Service delivery | 20% |
| Team impact | 20% |
| Service strategies | 20% |
| Demonstrate WE Go BIG! | 20% |
| Credentials | 20% |
Who should be nominated?
A larger organization that has built a culture of outstanding customer service across its team and operations.
Think: Businesses recognized for delivering consistently exceptional service at every touchpoint.
Emerging Business of the Year
Description
This new Whistler business has recently developed in our community and demonstrates exceptional promise for continued growth. It is actively involved with the Whistler community and has made an impact since it emerged.
Requirements
An eligible business must have:
- Been in operation for less than three years as of June 1, 2026
- The business must have a reputation for integrity and a high level of customer service
- Developed expanding positive reputation and has good growth potential
- Demonstrates leadership and resilience
SCORING MATRIX
Nominations are reviewed by their ability to demonstrate the below factors. The use of concrete examples, unpaid recognition and any documented proof can enhance your application.
| Factor | Weighting |
| Business Journey | 20% |
| Integrity and Customer Service | 20% |
| Reputation and Growth | 20% |
| Leadership and Resilience | 20% |
| Credentials | 20% |
Who should be nominated?
A newer business that is already making a strong impression through growth, innovation, customer experience or community impact.
Think: Startups, new ventures and recently established businesses that are gaining momentum and showing strong potential.
Special RecognitionGROUP
Champion of Arts & Culture
Description
This award recognizes individuals, organizations, artists, and local businesses who have contributed significantly to the development of arts and culture in Whistler.
Requirements
For the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards the recipient can be an individual, business or organization.
An eligible candidate must suit the criteria below:
- A Business based in Whistler of any size which has supported local arts, culture and heritage (ACH) events and programs through sponsorship, volunteerism, donated professional services or products or a link with marketing or public relations campaigns.
- An Arts related business that demonstrates support for the arts above and beyond the basic commercial benefits through advocacy, services and/or events, relative to the size of their business.
- A business, organization or individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, creative vision, and commitment in encouraging and developing partnerships between business and the arts.
SCORING MATRIX
Nominations are reviewed by their ability to demonstrate the below factors. The use of concrete examples, unpaid recognition and any documented proof can enhance your application.
| Factor | Weighting |
| Community Impact & Contribution | 30% |
| Leadership & Creative Vision | 25% |
| Partnership & Collaboration | 20% |
| Commitment Beyond Commercial Benefit | 15% |
| Innovation & Long-Term Influence | 10% |
Who should be nominated?
An organization, business or individual that has made a significant contribution to arts and culture in Whistler.
Think: Artists, cultural organizations, arts supporters, festivals or event organizers and businesses that help enrich Whistler's creative community.
Member's Choice Award
Description
The Members' Choice Award recognizes an individual, business or organization from the finalists of the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards that exemplifies the spirit of Whistler through outstanding service, leadership, and a passion for the community
All finalists of the 2026 Whistler Excellence Awards are eligible to proceed to the Members' Choice Award.
Requirements
There is no nomination process for this award. All finalists are eligible.
SCORING MATRIX
A member vote is conducted in September/October.
The three individuals / businesses with the most votes go through to the final voting at the gala.
At the gala, each business/group in attendance would receive one vote. For example, if business X sends a table of ten, they get one collective vote, not ten individual votes.
The winner is selected using 50% member vote and weighted 50% gala vote.
