The winner of “Bloomingest” community this year is Sidney, with a total of 7.58 billion blossoms counted. The runner-up community this year is North Saanich, with 7.56 billion blossoms counted.
Elementary school participation is a major component of Greater Victoria Flower Count. This year’s winning elementary school class is Ms. Jessica Manness’s class at Hillcrest Elementary School in Saanich. The Grade 4 class counted 1.56 billion blossoms and has won a special trip via L.A. Limousines to the ultimate floral experience at Butchart Gardens. (max. cohort/class size of 30). The winner of the photo contest draw will be notified by end of day March 15.

Flower Count is rooted in a tourism promotion started by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s. In those days, a delegation would dress in Victorian-era clothing and hand-deliver daffodils to people to Prairie cities. The publicity stunt generated favourable coverage of our region as a desirable destination. The event shifted in 1975 to having residents count flowers, and the fun but spirited contest continues to this day.

“Our civic pride is in full bloom today,” Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said. “Our warmth and vibrancy as a community is reflected in the devotion shown by our municipal staff, who beautify our parks and boulevards, and our residents who take so much care in their yards and gardens.”

“Congratulations to Hillcrest Elementary school and Ms. Jessica Manness’s class on winning this year’s Greater Victoria Flower Count,” said Paul Nursey – CEO, Destination Greater Victoria. “This was a special flower count for the visitor economy. We are welcoming back visitors with open arms and want them to enjoy everything Greater Victoria has to offer. This includes our numerous flowers and gardens.”

“It was great to see our community come together for another successful Greater Victoria Flower Count,” said Bruce Williams – CEO, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “The blooms were out and residents responded by submitting their counts from across the region. Congratulations to Sidney and Ms. Manness and thank you to our sponsors and prize donors for making it such a great event.”

Sponsorship and Support:
The 48th annual Greater Victoria Flower Count is proudly sponsored and supported by Destination Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Butchart Gardens, Fairmont Empress, Black Press, Used Victoria, CHEK, John Overall, Ocean 98.5, and L.A. Limousines.
The Bloomingest community will be announced on CHEK News at 5 p.m. on March 15.
 
Backgrounders

Elementary School Contest Details:
Students in this year’s winning class will win a trip to Butchart Gardens travelling in style via L.A. Limousines:. (max. cohort/class size of 30)

Social Media Contest Details:
Entrants received one (1) entry by tagging #FlowerCount in related garden and floral posts on Instagram. The winner by direct message on March 15, 2023. Our winner will enjoy the time-honored tradition of Fairmont Empress Afternoon Tea for you and a guest! Enjoy a seasonal menu of savoury tea sandwiches, fresh scones with fruit preserves and cream, and a selection of mouth-watering sweets as you look out over the natural beauty of the Inner Harbour.

Hunting for hidden blooms:
Used.ca hosted a contest to find the bloom during Flower Count Week. Each day one lucky person went home with a fabulous prize package packed in a Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce #ShopLocal bag filled with local goodies sourced by Destination Greater Victoria including a Goldilocks Goods beeswax food wrap, Silk Road Tea sampling kit, an assortment of Rogers’ Chocolates, honey from Country Bee Honey Farm, and a seasoning blend from Kove Ocean Foods to make your meal a success. The goodie bag will also include a $25 gift card to a local restaurant.

As Flower Count comes to a close, a grand prize winner will be chosen to receive all of the items above plus a Pacific FC swag bag and a $50 gift card to Barb’s Fish and Chips.

About Fairmont Empress
Recognized as one of the Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine and honored by Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards for Top 3 City Hotels in Canada, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. A Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond property that offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa with signature West Coast experiences, and Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, award-winning wine list and regionally focused cocktail culture. World-famous Tea at the Empress is served in the Lobby Lounge with stunning harbor views. The Grande Dame property completed a $60+ million restoration in 2017 that celebrated its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury and transforming the iconic property into a must-visit destination. In 2023, the property introduced a revamped Fairmont Gold Experience, including a major renovation to the Fairmont Gold lounge and conversion of 22 rooms to Gold Experience rooms. Located on Vancouver Island, Canada’s Castle on the Coast is the ideal starting point to explore British Columbia’s stunning natural and expansive beauty.
 
About Destination Greater Victoria
Destination Greater Victoria (Greater Victoria Visitors and Convention Bureau) is our region’s official, not-for-profit destination marketing organization working in partnership with nearly 1,000 businesses and municipalities in Greater Victoria.
 
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 News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria. Find out more at Victoriachamber.ca.

The 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 Chamber’s 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, businesspeople, and community leaders. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. 

“Choosing two finalists is always extremely difficult with so many deserving businesses in Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “I’m grateful for the work of our judges. This is another impressive list of organizations and people who stand out as leaders in the business community. We’re looking forward to gathering together on May 4 in celebration of all of the exceptional entrepreneurs in Greater Victoria.”

The Chamber previously announced Mandy Farmer as the recipient of The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, while Ann Squires Ferguson is The Chamber’s 2023 Member of the Year. 

Over the last 160 years, The Chamber has been proud to work with leaders that have shaped our region. Both awards speak to the impact true leaders make to better our community. The Award of Distinction is in recognition of 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 2023 Business Awards will be held on May 4 at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV.
 
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 News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Starlight Investments, TD Canada Trust, TELUS Business, 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

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

• Market Collective
• Off the Eaten Track Tours

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

• L.A. Limousines & Transportation Services
• Songhees Events & Catering

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

• Berwick Retirement Communities
• Coldstar Solutions Inc.

 
Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Canadian Tire

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

 
Chamber Award of Distinction; sponsored by Times Colonist

• Mandy Farmer, Accent Inns | Hotel Zed

 
Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada

• Ann Squires Ferguson, Western Design+Build

 
Community Builder; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings​

• Aryze
• Lifetime Networks

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

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

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

• JONI
• ASEP Medical Holdings Inc.

 
New Business; sponsored by Futurpreneur 

• BCause
• Compass Mobile Massage Therapy

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

• Beacon Community Services
• Victoria Native Friendship Centre

 
Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.

• Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
• Beehive Wool Shop

 
Outstanding Workplace of the Year; sponsored by TELUS

• Brentwood Bay Resort
• Orca Masonry

 
Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College

• Harbour Air Seaplanes
• Clean Air Yard Care

The President and CEO of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed, Farmer was nominated for being a visionary who is passionate about her employees, embraces an inclusive workplace and is “just a super-nice, down-to-earth person.”

The Award of Distinction highlights a businessperson who has contributed to Greater Victoria through leadership and vision as a positive role model and a sustained commitment to a prosperous community. An independent panel of prominent business leaders serve as judges.

“Mandy is a great representative of all the things this award stands for,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The judges had to make a difficult decision with a number of highly qualified nominees, but I think everyone can agree that Mandy is an excellent choice and has been truly inspirational for so many of her peers in Greater Victoria’s business community.”

Farmer leads a family business that operates five Accent Inns throughout B.C., as well as Hotel Zed accommodations in Victoria, Kelowna and Tofino. A 2020 winner of RBC’s Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, Farmer has been an Hon. Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy and has served on a number of boards and committees. Her authentic approach with customers and staff over the course of the pandemic has resonated throughout the community and across industries.

“Being recognized by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce as having a positive influence in our community means so much to me as a third-generation family business owner,” Farmer said. “I believe employers have a responsibility to take care of our people and the communities within which we work. Our purpose at Accent Inns and Hotel Zed is to Lead with Love to Radically Enrich Lives. This means that we focus on making sure our team is happy and healthy, and that love extends to our communities. Thank you for this incredible honour. I share it with my team.”

The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, will be officially celebrated at the 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards, which feature 14 categories recognizing organizations that have distinguished themselves through excellent customer service, innovation and sustainable business practices.

In November 2022, Ann Squires Ferguson was announced as Chamber Member of the Year for 2023.

The Chamber’s 2023 Business Awards will be held in May at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV. Nominations are open until Jan. 18.
The 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards are sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, Royal Roads University, Times Colonist, Air Canada, BCLC, Camosun College, Canadian Tire, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, City of Victoria, Futurpreneur, Grant Thornton, Innvo8 Digital Solutions Inc., Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, PARC Retirement Living, CHEK, 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: Megson FitzPatrick (soon to be Acera Insurance), Berwick Retirement Companies, BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, TELUS Business, 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

“I am beyond grateful for this honour — it is overwhelming to be recognized by so many who I hold in such high esteem,” said Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design + Build and a Chamber Board member. “This year has held many challenges for me personally, with a bout of ovarian cancer, and, through it all, I have been buoyed by every kind word of encouragement, every thoughtful gift, every act of support. Our business community is an incredible example of true connection, generosity and compassion. Their collective optimism has carried me through.”

Squires Ferguson has been a passionate voice as The Chamber strives to achieves its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

“I do want to honour our local business leaders’ commitment to the important work that The Chamber is doing around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advancement and with the Indigenous Reconciliation Roundtable,’ she said. “When we lift each other up, when we all come together, our whole community is so much stronger, more vibrant and resilient.”

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.

Western Design + Build won in the category of Business Leadership at the 2017 Greater Victoria Business Awards.

Squires Ferguson was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2021, and serves on The Chamber’s Ambassador committee as well as The Chamber’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee.

“Ann has been an incredible resource for our board and committees,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “She is in-tune with the times during a period of profound change and we’re lucky to have someone who is so passionate and committed to making sure we show leadership in ensuring we have a great community for all.”

“Ann has inspired us all with her resilience in managing her cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as her ongoing insightful and thoughtful input to her Chamber role” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.

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 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 18, 2023. 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: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Cold Star Solutions, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, 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

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s launch of the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC came after more than a year of planning and a few pandemic-related delays. The wait was worth it.

The inspirational stories of triumph and accomplishment drew loud applause and even a few tears of joy as the first inductees into the Business Hall of Fame took their place among our region’s pantheon of entrepreneurial excellence.

“This has been an amazing night. We’ve been anticipating this for so long and it truly delivered for everyone who was here,” Chamber Chair John Wilson said. “Our business community was tested by the pandemic. I’m not going to lie — it was tough for a lot of people. So having a celebration of business in Greater Victoria was cathartic. It’s so good to be together with the many people who have played key roles in the development of our region’s economy. These are legends who deserve to be honoured so they can inspire all of us going forward.”

An independent selection committee chose the inaugural inductees: Chief Robert Sam, Helen Beirnes, Clare Copeland, Ron Lou-Poy and Ian Maxwell. The group takes its place alongside previous winners of The Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Business Award: Bill McCreadie, Gordy Dodd, Eric Charman, Mel Cooper, Murray and Lynda Farmer, Naz Rayani, Bob Skene, Keith Dagg, Terry Farmer, Cedric Steele, Gordon Denford, Alex A. Campbell, Robert H. Wright and John Chew.

“The Business Hall of Fame was an idea I had to create a proper avenue to preserve and honour the work of leaders who paved the way for so many businesses to be successful in Greater Victoria,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We built on that idea with amazing insight from our Chamber Champions and direction from our board. I can’t say enough about the work Chamber staff has done to make this night happen. We’re truly grateful for everyone on the events team, our volunteers and RBC for presenting the event and making the inaugural Business Hall of Fame gala so successful.”

Now that a foundational cohort of community leaders are in place, the next step for the Business Hall of Fame is to begin selecting the next inductees for 2024. Planning is also underway for a permanent instalment accessible to the public.

Every two years, new inductees will be honoured as positive role models in the business community. Inductees are selected for showing regional leadership, insightful vision and a sustained and significant commitment to the prosperity of our region. The process to select inductees recognizes and respects the diversity of leaders who helped build business in Greater Victoria over the decades.

For more information on The Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame, including profiles of the inductees, go to victoriachamber.ca/business-hall-of-fame. For access to high-resolution photos from the evening, email communications@victoriachamber.ca.

• Presenting Sponsor: RBC
• Premium Sponsors: TELUS Business, Victoria Foundation, Thrifty Foods,
• VIP Reception Sponsor: Wesbild
• Dinner Sponsors: Cascadia Liquor, Royal Caribbean Group
• Supporting Sponsors: City of Victoria, Commissionaires, Oak Bay Marine Group
• Media Sponsors: Times Colonist, CHEK, Aspen Films

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, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca