On May 16, the Family Business Association of Vancouver Island (FBA VI) held a special general meeting to vote to join forces with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. The attendees of this special general meeting along with proxies voted unanimously to wind down FBA VI and to transfer their assets to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“On behalf of all Chamber members, I want to thank members of the Family Business Association for entrusting us with continuing their important work,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk said. “We know how vital it is to foster strong relationships and build connections that will benefit our region’s economy for generations to come.”

The crux of the discussion at the meeting was that the FBA VI is looking at this change as the beginning of a new era, one that will expand help for family businesses and help successfully transition them to future generations.

“The Chamber and the Family Business Association of Vancouver Island share common goals, which made this an easier decision,” FBA Board President Dean Clarke said. “I feel confident that after collaborating over the last few months with Chamber Chair Kris Wirk and CEO Bruce Williams, this committee will help more family businesses benefit through the many programs and benefits offered.”

The result came after eight months of work by the FBA executive team, led by Barb Quinn, to craft a succession plan that bolsters the association’s support of family businesses. In March, FBA began working with The Chamber to form a Family Business Committee that will report directly to The Chamber’s Board.

The Chamber has a long history of committees that represent community stakeholders, including many that went on to become standalone organizations such as Destination Greater Victoria, VIATEC, Vancouver Island South Film Commission and the South Island Prosperity Partnership.

Over the next few months, The Chamber staff will be working with FBA members – 51% of which are already outstanding Chamber members – to find a new home at The Chamber. If you’re a family business and want to be a part of the Family Business Committee or attend some of the great workshops and programs focused on family business continuity and growth, email our membership team at chamber@victoriachamber.ca. We’ll have more details in the months to come.

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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, Camosun College, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, 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 Communication
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca 

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of The Chamber’s 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Finalists for the prestigious awards represented a range of future-thinking businesses, ranging from sustainable menstrual care innovators to electric planes to long-time local institutions.

The winners and finalists, listed below, have distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businesspeople and long-term leadership. The recipients were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. 

“Tonight’s award recipients are truly exceptional and deserving of being honoured for their contribution to Greater Victoria’s businesses community,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “It’s important to recognize the hard work and innovation of the award winners and finalists. They deserve the spotlight and will inspire our region’s many amazing entrepreneurs to keep striving for excellence.”

This year, two outstanding women will be taking the stage to receive The Chamber’s Award of Distinction and The Chamber’s Member of the Year. The Chamber previously announced Mandy Farmer as the recipient of the Award of Distinction, while Ann Squires Ferguson is the Member of the Year. 

The Award of Distinction is in recognition of a Chamber member who has had a positive influence on the economy, businesses, and the overall community. The award signifies 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, and who fosters relationships with the community while advocating on behalf of business. 

The Chamber’s 2023 Business Awards were held May 4 at the Fairmont Empress with nearly 400 people in attendance to celebrate hard-working businesses, businesspeople and community leaders.

2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards Winners and Finalists

Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by City of Victoria

• Winner: Market Collective
• Finalist: Off the Eaten Track Tours

 
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP

• Winner: L.A. Limousines & Transportation Services
• Finalist: Songhees Events & Catering

 
Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by BCLC

• Winner: ColdStar Solutions Inc.
• Finalist: Berwick Retirement Communities

 
Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Canadian Tire

• Winner: Dave Stephens, LIDA Homes Inc.
• Finalist: Brenda Ollis, Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites

 
Chamber Award of Distinction; sponsored by Times Colonist

• Winner: Mandy Farmer, Accent Inns | Hotel Zed

 
Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada

• Winner: Ann Squires Ferguson, Western Design+Build

 
Community Builder; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings​

• Winner: Lifetime Networks
• Finalist: Aryze

 
Emerging Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University 

• Winner: Mackenzie Wavryk, Upcycle Clothing Collective
• Finalist: Jeff Crone, Fig’s Mobile Detailing

 
Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

• Winner: joni
• Finalist: ASEP Medical Holdings Inc.

 
New Business; sponsored by Futurpreneur 

• Winner: Compass Mobile Massage Therapy
• Finalist: BCause

 
Non-Profit of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

• Winner: Beacon Community Services
• Finalist: Victoria Native Friendship Centre

 
Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.

• Winner: Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
• Finalist: Beehive Wool Shop

 
Outstanding Workplace of the Year; sponsored by TELUS

• Winner: Brentwood Bay Resort
• Finalist: Orca Masonry

 
Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College

• Winner: Harbour Air Seaplanes
• Finalist: Clean Air Yard Care

 
 
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, Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, 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