Chamber announces 2024 Business Awards finalists

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards

The finalists, listed below, have distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation.   

The Chamber’s 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards are an opportunity to appreciate the talent and effort of some of the brightest stars in our business community. An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries. 

“Every year, we have so many deserving businesses. It’s never easy for the judges to narrow down the list to two finalists who represent businesses that have had exceptional years,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “By celebrating our finalists’ success, we celebrate all of the exceptional entrepreneurs in Greater Victoria and the hard work and innovation they strive to achieve.”

The Chamber previously announced Erinn Pinkerton as the recipient of The Chamber’s 2024 Award of Distinction, while James Gatsi is The Chamber’s Member of the Year

The Award of Distinction recognizes the positive influence the honouree has had 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 Chamber’s 2024 Business Awards Ceremony will be held May 7 at the Victoria Conference Centre. Tickets go on sale March 4 at victoriachamber.ca.
 
2024 Finalists

Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) – sponsored by City of Victoria 
Nature Bee 
The Athlete Centre 
 
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees) – sponsored by Grant Thornton 
Oswego Hotel 
Sheringham Distillery 
 
Business of the Year (40+ Employees) – sponsored by Harbour Air 
Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress 
Kinetic Construction Ltd. 
 
New Business of the Year – Sponsored by BCLC 
BestCoast Outfitters 
Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency Inc. 
 
Non-Profit of the Year – Sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island 
Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation 
Threshold Housing Society 
 
Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Canadian Tire 
Lori & Peter Stofko | Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre 
Neetu Kaloti | National Courier Service 
 
Community Builder of the Year – Sponsored by Coast Capital Savings 
Intrepid Theatre 
Pacifica Housing Advisory Association 
 
Emerging Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Royal Roads University 
Katie Gamble | Nature Bee 
Inderbir Singh | Western Canada Security Corp. 
 
Innovation Award – Sponsored by Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria 
HAVN Saunas 
Open Ocean Robotics 
 
Outstanding Customer Service Award – Sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions 
Oak Bay Beach Hotel 
Robinson’s Outdoor Store 
 
Outstanding Workplace of the Year – Sponsored by Worldline 
Peninsula Co-op 
WildPlay Element Parks 
 
Sustainable Business Practices – Sponsored by Camosun College 
Elate Cosmetics 
Huntingdon Manor Hotel & Pendray Inn and Tea House 
 
Chamber Member of the Year – Sponsored by Air Canada 
James Gatsi, CEO, CL Web Developers 
 

Chamber Award of Distinction – Sponsored by Times Colonist 
Erinn Pinkerton, President & CEO, BC Transit 

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development, and innovative services as changing times require. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 

250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

Erinn Pinkerton receives Chamber Award of Distinction

VICTORIA, BC – Erinn Pinkerton is the recipient of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Award of Distinction. 

Pinkerton is the first woman to serve as President and CEO of BC Transit, overseeing the delivery of public transit across 130 communities in B.C. The agency has an annual operating budget of more than $420 million, employs a fleet of roughly 1,200 vehicles, and has more than 1,100 employees and 1,700 contracted employees.  

“Erinn is a titan in Greater Victoria’s business community, highly respected in communities across B.C. and across the continent for the innovation she has led,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “It’s always difficult for the award judges to choose one person among the many worthy candidates each year, but Erinn’s success speaks for itself.”

Pinkerton is known as a visionary leader who is modernizing public transit through innovation and technology. This includes transitioning BC Transit’s entire fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2040 and introducing electronic fare payments in 30 transit systems across the province by the end of 2024.  

The Chamber’s Award of Distinction honours a businessperson still active in business who, over a number of years, has made a noteworthy contribution to the Greater Victoria community. This award is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, business, and the overall community, signifying the achievement, resourcefulness, and determination they have shown. An independent panel of prominent business leaders served as judges. 

“I’m honoured to receive this award from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and I share this recognition with everyone at BC Transit,” Pinkerton said. “This award is a meaningful affirmation of our shared commitment to providing safe and reliable service to our customers. I accept it with gratitude, knowing that every member of our team has played a crucial role in achieving this success. Having the support of great partners like The Chamber helps strengthen our ability to meet our goals and ongoing commitment to the community. Together, we will continue to drive positive change and excellence in the world of public transit not only in Greater Victoria, but across the province as well.”

The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, will be officially celebrated at the 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards, which feature 14 categories recognizing organizations and individuals that have distinguished themselves through excellent customer service, community leadership, innovation and more. 

In December 2023, James Gatsi was announced as Chamber Member of the Year for 2024

The Chamber’s 2024 Business Awards Ceremony will be held in May at the Victoria Conference Centre. Nominations are open until Jan. 18. The 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards are sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, Royal Roads University, Times Colonist, Air Canada, BCLCCamosun College, Canadian Tire, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, City of VictoriaGrant ThorntonGustavson School of Business,Harbour AirInnvo8 Digital Solutions Inc.,  PARC Retirement LivingWorldLine and The Number Creative.  

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Acera Insurance, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, TELUS Business, TD Commercial Banking, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca
  
Media Contact:  
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce  
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca 

Chamber announces 2024 Member of the Year

PictureKevin Light photo courtesy of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

VICTORIA – James Gatsi has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2024 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber has been a remarkable experience for me this year, and I am humbled to receive this honour,” said James Gatsi, founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc. “The connections and opportunity to be deeply involved in Greater Victoria’s business community have been super rewarding. And the chance to give back and make a difference by welcoming more business people into our community is something that is so important to me personally.” 

Gatsi was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2022, and serves as Vice Chair on the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee as well as the Board liaison for the Emerge Committee.

He has been a passionate and pragmatic voice helping The Chamber achieve its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

“The Chamber’s work to assist emerging entrepreneurs and future leaders, as well as the actions taken on Indigenous reconciliation and the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are something we can all be proud of,” Gatsi said. “It hasn’t been easy for many businesses still working to recover from the pandemic during difficult economic times, but by working together we are building resilience that will sustain jobs and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in the years to come.” 

The Chamber Member of the Year award, sponsored by Air Canada, recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.

“We are lucky to have James on our Board and Committees. One of his remarkable qualities, among many, is his passion for giving back to community by serving as a mentor,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk says. “He brings a practical and entrepreneurial lens to the big issues we’re working to address as the voice of business in Greater Victoria.”

Gatsi holds the executive position of Secretary on The Chamber’s Board.  Originally from Zimbabwe, Gatsi’s background is in information technology services. He is an alumni and former employee of the University of Victoria.

“When I first was introduced to James, I could see the incredible leadership potential he could bring to our organization,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “His effort to promote The Chamber and contribute to conversations that create real change have been pivotal to our success since he joined us.”

The recipient of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, which honours a Chamber member for outstanding leadership and innovation, will be announced in January. Recipients are chosen for inspiring others and adding resilience to Greater Victoria’s economy.

Give the Gift of Recognition this holiday season by nominating a business or business leader for the 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 18, 2024. From innovation to sustainability to being an outstanding workplace, nominating a business you love, own or work for is fast and easy. For more information, go to victoriachamber.ca/business-awards.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: Acera Insurance, BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca


Bruce Williams named Canada’s top Chamber executive

Picture

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams with Deneen Belliveau, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada.

CHESTER, NS – Bruce Williams has been named Executive of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC). The CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce was recognized as the top executive among the largest chambers in the country.  
 
“Bruce demonstrated that he is a masterful relationship builder and community champion,” stated the media release announcing the honour. “As a leader in economic reconciliation, Bruce has furthered conversations about diversity, equity, access and inclusion — helping the entire community take a fresh look at their region’s economic history, and ensuring his Chamber achieved the 50-30 challenge to create a more inclusive organization. “ 
 
The CCEC was founded in 1967 to promote professional development and provide research and information sharing to Canada’s chambers of commerce. The organization names Executives of the Year for chambers with more than 1,000 members, such as Greater Victoria, as well as for smaller chambers with fewer than 500 members.  
 
The CCEC awards were handed out during its annual meeting, held in early October in Calgary ahead of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM. At that event, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce earned a prestigious Inclusive Growth Award for helping advance economic reconciliation and foster diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Canadian business landscape. 

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Acera Insurance (formerly Megson FitzPatrick Inc.), Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. 

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communication
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca 

 
About Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada
CCEC has been Canada’s network of Chamber professionals since 1967. We offer professional development training, research and information sharing, facilitate networking opportunities and recognize excellence in Chamber management. 

Media contact:
Deneen Belliveau, Executive Director

Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada 
ExecutiveDirector@CCEC.biz  

Chamber earns national recognition for championing inclusive growth


Calgary, Alberta
— The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has earned a prestigious Inclusive Growth Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes outstanding efforts to advance economic reconciliation and foster diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Canadian business landscape. Greater Victoria Chamber member WeBC was also recognized for their work in this space.
 
“Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword,” said Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a cornerstone of a resilient and thriving business landscape. We’re proud to recognize these exceptional organizations and entrepreneurs who are leading the way in creating a Canada where everyone has a chance to succeed.”
 
The award ceremony was held Oct. 14 — the final day of the national chamber network’s annual general meeting in Calgary.
 
“The DEI initiatives we are making mean we are better reflecting the diversity within the economy and business community of Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The team working in our Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement Committee, as well as our chamber staff, are making this advancement possible. This award belongs to them.“

Williams was also honoured before the AGM as the nation’s top chamber executive by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada. The organization connects 450 professional members in 175 chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the country.
 
The Canadian Chamber’s Inclusive Growth Awards recognize chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and business members who have implemented successful initiatives to advance economic reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in their organizations and business operations. These awards also recognize underrepresented entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in innovation and social impact.
 
“We are a Chamber that works for everyone, so it is important that everyone sees themselves reflected in our membership and our organization,” IDEA Committee Chair Richard Michaels said. “I’m proud of the initiative shown by Bruce and the Chamber team to create spaces that we can use to build diversity and, in turn, grow our organization and help our region’s economy become more sustainable and resilient.”
 
The Chamber was applauded for showing national leadership to take action on Indigenous reconciliation and working to help all people feel welcome in Greater Victoria’s business community.
 
“As part of our 160th anniversary, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce created a digital archive looking back at our region’s history and the role diverse communities played in building a resilient economy,” Chamber Board Chair Kris Wirk said. “By acknowledging our past mistakes, we can take action on building a better community now and for future generations.”
 
On Canada Day 2021, the Greater Victoria Chamber publicly acknowledged and apologized for its historical role in the social and economic suppression of Indigenous People, becoming the first Chamber in Canada to do so. The Chamber ntroduced an economic reconciliation membership program for Indigenous-owned businesses, leading to a significant increase in Indigenous business membership.
 
Greater Victoria was one of three chambers recognized by the national chamber. Winnipeg and Newmarket were also celebrated.
 
In a separate category for members of chambers, WeBC earned recognition for supporting women entrepreneurs in BC since 1995. WeBC’s Enhancing the Mosaic of Women Entrepreneurs project, funded by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund, expanded access to mentoring, training, and resources for underrepresented segments of the population.This support was particularly critical during the pandemic, as it offered proactive assistance to women-owned businesses impacted by COVID-19.
 
For more information about the Inclusive Growth Awards and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, please visit https://chamber.ca/events/inclusive-growth-awards/
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and
great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Acera Insurance (formerly Megson FitzPatrick Inc.), Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria.
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communication 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca
 
About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic performance.

Contact
Rewa Mourad, Public Relations Specialist
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
613.238.4000 (2211) | rmourad@chamber.ca

Chamber and DVBA celebrate Small Business Month

VICTORIA, BC – October is Small Business Month. It’s a good time to check in on the many businesses we rely on every day to provide essential goods and services, create jobs and support our communities. 

This year, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Victoria Business Association encourage everyone to say hello and thank their local business owners and staff the next time you see them. Small gestures of support mean a lot, especially for business owners working hard to navigate our complicated economic environment. 

“Greater Victoria’s support for small businesses over the pandemic was powerful. It truly energized the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in our region,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said, noting that more than 90 per cent of Chamber members are small businesses. “So many businesses were able to make it through the last few years because of the support of our community. It really reinforces our mission of ‘working together to build good business and great community for all.’”

Small businesses employ more than half of all British Columbians. And the dollars that go to local businesses recirculate in the community about 4.6 times more than the same money spent at corporations that have head offices far away or even in other countries. The types of small businesses also represent every sector of the economy, from professionals and tradespeople who aren’t always top of mind to the highly visible retailers and restaurateurs who we interact with every day.  

“Victoria’s small businesses are a cornerstone of our healthy, dynamic community. At a time when consumers are bombarded with online choices, shopping local is more important than ever,” said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto. “Supporting small businesses is an investment in the people, the character and the sense of community that make Victoria an incredible place to live and visit.”  

Throughout October, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Small Business Month, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP.  Visit victoriachamber.ca/small-business-month for resources and information on events designed to help small businesses thrive. 

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Victoria’s economy, driving innovation, fostering local communities, and providing opportunities for growth,” said Kyman Chan, Partner, Assurance and Business Advisory, Grant Thornton LLP. “Supporting the small business community is not just an investment in economic prosperity, but a commitment to preserving the unique character and vitality of our region.” 

Over the month, the DVBA will be releasing short videos on their social media pages featuring a different small business every day. Check out the videos by following @downtownvictoriabc on Instagram, or @DowntownVictoria on Facebook. 

“More than ever, we understand the value and importance of our small businesses,” DVBA CEO Jeff Bray said. “They are the heart and soul of our communities, as well as being a key economic driver for our city and province.”

About the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA):
The Downtown Victoria Business Association nurtures and promotes the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Victoria and its business community. With more than 1,400 businesses in their membership, the DVBA aims to be the authority on all things happening in the downtown core. Find out more about the DVBA at downtownvictoria.ca.

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Acera Insurance (formerly Megson FitzPatrick Inc.), Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria..Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contacts:
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communication
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca  

Extension of CEBA repayment deadline helps, but many businesses still at risk: The Chamber

VICTORIA, B.C. – After reviewing the federal government’s announcement on Sept. 14 regarding changes to requirements for repayment of CEBA loans, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is joining our national chamber network as well as our many partner organizations to call for an extension to the repayment deadline while maintaining the forgivable portion. 

“We’re thankful that the government appears to be listening, however, they’re only hearing part of the message. A lot of organizations are still fighting for survival and there is a real risk they could fail and never repay their loan,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “These are businesses that stayed open through the pandemic, kept people employed, and planned for better days. Unfortunately, they’re now facing a new struggle against rising costs and a challenging financing environment.” 

Razor sharp margins and a steep increase in interest rates have created unfavorable conditions for doing business. The Chamber is calling for a two-year extension to give businesses and interest rates enough time to stabilize. 

“Many organizations still need time, and extending the deadline for repayment of the loan is reasonable, however, that needs to be coupled with continuing to allow the forgivable portion of the loan,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said. “The reality facing many small businesses — especially those in hospitality, tourism and retail — is that they have a viable path to making a full recovery but it’s going to take longer than expected.” 

The Chamber is also working to help businesses and non-profits better understand their options. It’s vital that these organizations seek expert guidance to know what their specific agreements require, and whether it makes sense to adapt their operations or consider existing alternatives for refinancing their loan.

Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Policy and Strategic Communications
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 |
communications@victoriachamber.ca.

About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development, and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Acera Insurance (formerly Megson FitzPatrick Inc.), Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, TD Commercial Banking, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.