We have a winner for the 2016 Family Enterprise of the Year Award.
John Wilson, CEO of Wilson’s Transportation, will receive the award from the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) Vancouver Island at a gala on Feb. 11 at the Victoria Golf Club. The three-generation, family-owned charter bus business from Salt Spring Island, which has a location in Saanich, is being recognized for representing community values through its yearly investment of more than $300,000 toward various organizations, schools, charities and sports teams.
“We have a love affair with our community and we realized quite early in our business life that giving back is important,” said Wilson. “I’m very excited and honoured to be able to accept the award on behalf of my family and extended family here at Wilson’s. Our management and staff and drivers should be recognized as much as myself and my family as far as the growth and stability that we’ve been able to have as a company in the past five to 10 years.”
Wilson listed the family members involved with the company, including his semi-retired father, his wife Val, his son Andrew, his daughter Samantha and his nephew Travis.
“As per every business, it has its challenges and ups and downs, but the family are a key component to getting it where it is today.”
Tru Value Foods, which has a location in Cordova Bay, and the Business Examiner were named as finalists in the category. Black Press is a platinum sponsor of the award.
“I was taken aback by it because I didn’t even know we were nominated,” said Phil Greenhalgh, general manager and partner with Tru Value. “It’s great, nonetheless, to be recognized and it’s something that we’re very proud of. Our main focus is giving back to the communities in which we belong.”
As the latest recipient of the Family Enterprise of the Year Award with CAFE Vancouver Island, Wilson’s Transportation is eligible to apply for the national FEYA award. One finalist will be selected from across the country and be featured during a gala dinner at the Calgary Hyatt Regency on May 16.
Past recipients of the CAFE Vancouver Island FEYA award include The Canada Homestay Network, Capital Iron, Country Grocer, McCall Brothers Funeral Directors, Pacific Sands Resort, Robinson’s Outdoor Store, Monk Office and Accent Inns.
To purchase tickets to the Feb. 11 gala at the Victoria Golf Club, visit www.cafecanada.ca/chapters/vancouver-island.