Last night was an evening to remember! The 2nd Annual Business Awards of Distinction kept the buzz going after the wildly successful inaugural event last year, with this year's event held at the Sechelt Golf & Country Club's Augusta Grill. Top 3 finalists in each category were the guests of honour in the extravaganza, hosted by the Sunshine Coast Business Retention and Expansion Society, and treated to a cocktail hour with champagne, a fabulously prepared and served dinner by Jim of The Eventful Chef Catering, the excellently emceed awards ceremony, followed by a smashingly fun dance with Gaetan Bergevin and the Steel Hip Band.

Bigpacific.com webmaster Laurie McConnell, in a cocktail dress and heels for the occasion, with partner Diane of XBRLspy.org didn't sit out a single song in the approximately 90 minute set, enjoying the company of other nominees, sponsors, and award winners... notably Lina of Chasters/Bonniebrook Lodge, Marcia of Marcia's Tapas and Piano Bar, Celia SCBBCOA President, Tanya of the Upper Deck Hostel, Simon of Findlayson Goldsmiths (who is a mighty fine dancer I must say), Duane Burnett, the Coast's most popular photographer, and Al of CFDC-Sunshine Coast.

Justin Helmer, Award Sponsor, Pattison Outdoor Advertising; Duane Burnett, Photo Journalist, www.duaneburnett.com Community Spirit Award Winner

Guest voters included Margaret Page of Beyond the Page Coaching, Dawn Miller - Liberal MLA candidate for the Sunshine Coast, Stefanik Marketing's Rick Stefanik, Sharon Anderchek of CFDC Sunshine Coast.

The event wound up just after midnight and from all comments last evening and through the grapevine today was hailed as a huge success! Thanks to B.A.D. Event Chair Lisa Williams and the board for an incredible effort making the whole evening happen, and to all of the sponsors:

MAJOR SPONSORS:
Grieg Seafood
M. Magas & Associates
Chasters at Bonniebrook Lodge

MEDIA SPONSORS:
Just Business Magazine
CkayFM
The Coast Reporter

AWARD SPONSORS - see below

Business Mentor Award
Sponsored by Sunshine Coast Eco-Energy Solutions (division of Sechelt Plumbing and Heating)
WINNER: Gibsons Family Network - The Snack Shack
FINALISTS: Niv Harris & Claudia Redfern - Aspire Self-Employment Program; Charlene SanJenko - CSJ Women's Excellence

Community Spirit Award
Sponsored by Pattison Outdoor Advertising
WINNER: Duane Burnett Photography
FINALISTS: Marketplace IGA Gibsons - Bob Hoy; Sechelt Plumbing - Arnold Skei

Customer Service Excellence Award
Sponsored by Chasters Restaurant & The Bonniebrook Lodge
WINNER: Sechelt Plumbing - Arnold Skei
FINALISTS: Gibsons Buildings Supplies - Lee Mclellan; Monkeychip's - Heather White

Diversity Leadership Award
Sponsored by Just Business Magazine
WINNER: ANCA Consulting Inc. - Leonora Gregory-Collura and Charlie Collura
FINALISTS: Gibsons Family Network - The Snack Shack Kiosk; Mainstay Computing - Matthew Lehmann

Going Green Award
Sponsored by the Town of Gibsons
WINNER: Gibsons Recycling Depot - Buddy Boyd
FINALISTS: Renewable Power Corp. - Marc Soprovich; Target Marine Hatcheries - Justin Henry

Home-Based Business Award
Sponsored by Wheatberries
WINNER: Mainstay Computing - Matthew Lehman
FINALISTS: Teresa Nightingale, Attention Web & Graphic Design; Finlayson Goldsmiths - Claire & Ian Finlayson

Innovation Leadership Award
Sponsored by Skyway West Business Internet Services
WINNER: Target Marine Hatcheries - Justin Henry
FINALISTS: Breakwater Designs - Sven Brindley; Sharkey's Fish Locker - Capt. Barbara E. Hague

Peter Thomson Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Aspire Self-Employment Services
WINNER: Marcia's Tapas & Piano Restaurant - Marcia Forst
FINALISTS: BC First Aid - Kellei Baker; Wild Bistro & Bakery - Ian Backs and Kera McHugh

Tourism Ambassador Award
Sponsored by Community Futures Development Corporation - Sunshine Coast
WINNER: Kevin Toth, Rockwater Secret Cove Resort
FINALISTS: Bigpacific.com/Bad Dog Design - Laurie McConnell; SCBBCOA - Sunshine Coast Bed and Breakfast and Cottage Owners Association

Young Entrepreneur in Business Award
Sponsored by The Fainting Couch Spa
WINNER: Lotus House Clinic - Sarah Gilbert and Urszula Dragowska
FINALISTS: Blissful Homecare Inc. - Chrystal McKay; The Upper Deck Hostel - Tanya Hall

Congratulations to all Sunshine Coast Nominees, Finalists, and Award Winners, and thank you to all involved for a wonderful, marvelous evening.