Community Excellence Awards honour Houston business and volunteer leaders
Published 1:30 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Houston’s business and volunteer community gathered Feb. 28 as the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Community Excellence Awards, recognizing local leaders whose work strengthens the town’s economy and community life.
The event celebrated businesses, volunteers and organizations whose contributions range from launching new ventures to supporting community initiatives. Amber Oevering, board chair of the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce, said the awards highlight the people whose work sustains the community.
“Each of the nominees and recipients represents the spirit that makes Houston such a strong and supportive community,” Oevering said. “These businesses and individuals create jobs, invest in our town, and give back in meaningful ways. The Community Excellence Awards allow us to pause, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the positive impact they have on our community every day.”
The 2026 Business of the Year award, sponsored by Community Futures Nadina, went to Pawesome Adventure. Spuddtacular Shenanigans received New Business of the Year, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, while Little Acres Artisan Loaves was recognized as Home-Based Business of the Year, sponsored by Pawesome Adventure.
Bulkley River Veterinary Services received the Customer Service – Business Award, sponsored by Four Rivers Co-op. The Customer Service – Employee Award, sponsored by Bulkley Valley Insurance Services, went to Ajay Nair of Pharmasave.
Community recognition extended beyond business. The Lhc’et’dli Preservation Society received the Community Builder Award, sponsored by Pete Bodnar Contracting, while Lou Faulk was named Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Bulkley Valley Credit Union. Carrie Abraham received the Rising Up for Youth Award, sponsored by Reitsma’s Home Hardware.
The chamber said the awards highlight the dedication behind the businesses, organizations and volunteers whose work continues to shape Houston’s future and strengthen the local economy. It also thanked event sponsors, award sponsors, volunteers and community members whose support made the evening possible.
2026 Community Excellence Award recipients:
Business of the Year — Pawesome Adventure
New Business of the Year — Spuddtacular Shenanigans
Home-Based Business of the Year — Little Acres Artisan Loaves
Customer Service – Business Award — Bulkley River Veterinary Services
Customer Service – Employee Award — Ajay Nair, Pharmasave
Community Builder Award — Lhc’et’dli Preservation Society
Volunteer of the Year — Lou Faulk
Rising Up for Youth — Carrie Abraham
