Leadership and commitment to the quality of life in the Nicola Valley is what longtime local businessman Peter Moyes was recognized for at the Merritt chamber of commerce 26th annual business excellence awards Saturday (Oct. 17). Moyes, the owner of retail and building supply store Home Hardware took home the ceremony’s coveted Rick Isbister Memorial Award for community development.
The award was a first for Moyes.
“It feels great,” Moyes said noting the award’s criteria is what his business is all about.
Moyes told the Herald that winning this award means a lot to him on a personal level.
“My family started business in Merritt about one hundred years ago. My mother and her brother started the Grand Hotel back in the day and her uncle started the Adelphi,” he said. “My grandfather started his insurance business here in Merritt — called Peter Moyes Agencies — in the 40s and my father Ken Moyes took over his business after the second world war and I started working with my dad in 1973 in the real estate and development business.”
Moyes said that community spirit and vision is a huge part of his family and he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
In total, 12 awards were handed out, honoring the people in the community that strive for excellence in business. Forty-five businesses were nominated for awards.
Small Business Excellence Award: Arnica Contracting
Large Business Excellence Award: Extra Foods
Employer of the Year: McDonald’s
Employee of the Year: Donna Morrison – Merritt Printing
Professional Services Award: Stoyoma Dental Clinic
Food and Beverage Award: Espresso Etc.
Tourism and Hospitality Award: BC Ambassador Program
Retailer of the Year: Nicola Ranch Store
Trade Services Award: Paul LeSage Construction
Not-For-Profit of the Year: Country Christmas Committee
Harry Sanders Memorial Award of Excellence: Norgaard Ready Mix
Rick Isbister Memorial Award for Community Development: Peter Moyes – Home Hardware
