Excel Career College was announced winner of the 2014 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Award for Professional Company of the Year at a ceremony in Nanaimo.

The annual awards presentation brought together business and community leaders to celebrate the best of Vancouver Island businesses.

Excel president Pauline Stevenson was surprised to win the award.

鈥淭here are so many outstanding professional companies on the island, and to be counted among them is an honour. To be named at the top of this group is incredible," she said. 鈥淗elping students succeed in their careers is very rewarding work, and this recognition is really above and beyond.鈥� I

Stevenson acknowledged the work of her dedicated team at Excel, whom she credits with enabling the college to grow, adapt and flourish since opening in 1989.

Excel was also named a top-10 finalist for Best Workplace, and a contender for the Premier鈥檚 People鈥檚 Choice award in a province-wide competition presented by Small Business BC. Winners will be announced at a ceremony Feb. 27 in Vancouver.