Big White's Senior Vice President, Michael J. Ballingall, has been named as the 2025 Business Leader of the Year by the Kelowna Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards independent judging panel.
“We are delighted at the news and look forward to celebrating Michael’s accomplishments at our Awards Gala later this month, on October 30, at the Delta Grand. We are already looking forward to Michael’s acceptance speech,” said Derek Gratz, Chamber President.
This well-deserved recognition celebrates Michael J.'s commitment to collaboration, destination stewardship, and the growth of the visitor economy during his decades of service in the tourism and hospitality sector. Through his leadership at Big White Ski Resort and his involvement with regional and provincial tourism initiatives, Michael J. has helped position Kelowna and the Central Okanagan as a vibrant, four-season destination.
“It is such an amazing honour to receive the 38th edition of the Kelowna Business Leader of the Year from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. I consider myself in company that I've always been in awe of as I've been a member of this community since 1982. So many business leaders have set the path for others to achieve greatness, and I'm thrilled to be in such amazing company," says Michael J. "I fell in love with Kelowna the moment I rounded the corner and saw Okanagan Lake in the summer of 1982. I only wish my parents were alive to see this honour bestowed on their sixth son. I am humbled but not speechless.”
Michael J. Ballingall. Source: Kelowna Chamber
After a successful tenure in Kelowna’s nightlife industry, Michael J. joined Big White Ski Resort in 1985 as Hospitality Manager of Snowshoe Sam's. His expertise in marketing and tourism development led him to work with the Schumann family at Mt. Hotham, Australia. Returning to Big White full-time in September of 1995, he has been instrumental in the resort’s growth and expanding its global reach.
Michael J. is a champion of tourism, and his participation on numerous boards, including his nearly 6 years of service as a Director on the Tourism Kelowna board, demonstrates a deep belief in partnership as the key to progress. He serves as past-Chair of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Board, Chair of the TELUS Interior and northern British Columbia Community Service Board, President of the Tourism Big White Society, and Director / Policy Chair for the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia Board. Additionally, he is an active member of the Ski YLW Air Service Action Committee, advisor to the Canadian ski Council Board of Directors and a founding member of OkanaganBucketList.com.
Join us in congratulating Michael J. on this well-deserved honour! He will be officially celebrated as Business Leader of the Year at the 38th Annual Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Awards Gala on October 30.
Some content above sourced from the Kelowna Chamber's news release.