The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce honoured outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation with its annual awards Tuesday (May 7).
An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries.
“It was an exhilarating celebration, and an exciting opportunity to shine the spotlight on Greater Victoria’s business community,” CEO Bruce Williams said in a news release. “When we showcase the finalists, there is always so much emotion in the room. I encourage everyone to check out their inspiring videos, which are available on our website and our social media channels.”
The recipients distinguished themselves across 14 award categories from business of the year to the previously announced Award of Distinction won by Erinn Pinkerton, president & CEO of BC Transit.
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Chamber Member of the Year, awarded to James Gatsi, CEO of CL Web Developers, was also named earlier and celebrated May 7 in front of about 300 people at the Victoria Conference Centre.
The Award of Distinction recognizes the positive influence the honouree has on the economy, businesses and the overall community, signifying achievement, resourcefulness and determination. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate, and committed individual who has taken an active role with the chamber board or a committee, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has served the region since 1863 working to build good businesses and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. Visit victoriachamber.ca to learn more.
2024 award winners and finalists:
• Business of the Year (1-10 employees)
Nature Bee – recipient
The Athlete Centre - finalist
• Business of the Year (11-39 employees)
Oswego Hotel - recipient
Sheringham Distillery - finalist
• Business of the Year (40+ employees)
Kinetic Construction Ltd. - recipient
Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress - finalist
• New Business of the Year
Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency Inc. - recipient
BestCoast Outfitters - finalist
• Non-Profit of the Year
Threshold Housing Society - recipient
Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation - finalist
• Business Person of the Year
Neetu Kaloti | National Courier Service – recipient
Lori & Peter Stofko | Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre - finalist
• Community Builder of the Year
Intrepid Theatre – recipient
Pacifica Housing Advisory Association - finalist
• Emerging Business Person of the Year
Katie Gamble | Nature Bee - recipient
Inderbir Singh | Western Canada Security Corp. - finalist
• Innovation Award
Open Ocean Robotics - recipient
HAVN Saunas - finalist
• Outstanding Customer Service Award
Oak Bay Beach Hotel - recipient
Robinson’s Outdoor Store - finalist
• Outstanding Workplace of the Year
Peninsula Co-op - recipient
WildPlay Element Parks - finalist
• Sustainable Business Practices
Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and Tea House - recipient
Elate Cosmetics - finalist