The Whistler Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its lineup of finalists for the 2025 Whistler Excellence Awards, presented by BlueShore Financial. The gala, themed “Deep Roots, Bright Futures: A Night to Flourish,” is set to take place on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Louise Walker, executive director for the Chamber, explained the ethos behind this year’s theme.
“We’re celebrating businesses that have deep roots and are doing great things, but also celebrating new leaders and rising stars. The theme of the gala is an enchanted forest,” she said.
Imagine entering a magical mountain woodland, where earthy tones meet formal cocktail attire.
While costumes aren’t mandatory, they certainly are encouraged. Whether you’re an elegant elf, a crowned ruler or a wildflower incarnate, if you want to show up and be dressed to impress, Walker suggests exploring emerald, bark brown, moss green, gold, soft neutrals, and vivid pops of wildflower-inspired hues like pink, cornflower blue, or lilac. Outfit element suggestions include whimsical velvet, silk, floral or botanical prints, nature-themed and statement jewelry, or forest-inspired accessories.
The awards spotlight Whistler’s most inspiring business leaders, emerging brands, community contributors, and cultural champions. The finalists span 10 distinguished award categories:
Citizen of the Year (presented by Race & Company LLP, with Whistler Community Foundation)
- Ashlie Girvan, 100 Women of Whistler Who Care
- Ann Chiasson, Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate Ltd.
- Sue Maxwell, Whistler Wellness Collaborative / Whistler 360
Business Person of the Year (presented by BDO)
- Jay & James Pare, Pare Group
- Ann Chiasson, Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate Ltd.
- Nadia Demers, Ziptrek Ecotours Inc.
Emerging Business of the Year (sponsorship open)
- A Little Bud
- The Bhavana Studio
- Flashback Whistler Photo Booth
Innovative Business of the Year (presented by Beedie Living)
- Deorum Ski
- Brahmi Rituals
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Rising Star of the Year (presented by the Hotel Association of Whistler)
- Brittany Stephenson, The Bhavana Studio
- Rebecca Mason, Laugh Out LIVE!
- Chris Granicolo, Reactive Design
Service Excellence – Small Business (presented by Reactive Design Inc.)
- To be announced
Service Excellence – Large Business (presented by Whistler Blackcomb)
- To be announced
Sustainability in Action Business (presented by Cascade Environmental Resource Group, with AWARE)
- GNAR Inc
- Heike Designs Inc.
- Nita Lake Lodge
The Pat Kelly Champion of the Arts Award (presented by Arts Whistler)
- Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
- Coast Mountain Brewing
- Alto Marketing + Management
Above & Beyond Award of Excellence (sponsorship open)
- Dominique Vallee, Creekside Health
- Ace Mackay‑Smith, DJ Foxy Moron
- Sean Easton, Zero Ceiling
Finalists will gather in October to see who takes home the coveted awards—celebrating excellence, community spirit, and the innovation that defines Whistler.
