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Victoria eye care business co-owner honoured as Chamber member of the year

Mary Lou Newbold often first to welcome new members; is strong advocate for Chamber of Commerce
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Mary Lou Newbold has been named Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year for 2022. (Courtesy of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce)

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has named business owner and Ambassador Committee member Mary Lou Newbold as their Member of the Year for 2022.

“During the pandemic, we rose to the many challenges by reminding ourselves that we were in this together,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in a news release. “Mary Lou lived that and has been a steady voice of optimism and support. As our economy continues to recover and grow, Mary Lou is a shining example of how we can work together to build good business and great community for all.”

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Newbold was awarded the distinction for her active role in the Chamber’s committees, fostering relationships with the community and advocating on behalf of chamber businesses. On the Ambassador Committee she voluntarily fosters participation and connection-building between Chamber member businesses. She and her partner, Stephen Taylor, own Mayfair Optometric Clinic, which received the Business of the Year award in 2016 for 11 to 25 employees.

“Mary Lou cares deeply about our community and her enthusiasm is absolutely infectious,” said Chamber board chair John Wilson. “She truly enjoys connecting businesses with each other and is often one of the first people to reach out to welcome new members at Chamber events.”

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The Chamber will announce its Award of Distinction winner in January, honouring a Chamber member for their outstanding leadership and innovation, and the way they inspire others and add resilience to Greater Victoria’s economy.

The public is invited to “give the gift of recognition” by nominating a business or business leader for the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 24. For more information, visit victoriachamber.ca/business-awards.


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