Congratulations Award Recipients and Finalists

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of The Chamber’s 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Finalists for the prestigious awards represented a range of future-thinking businesses judged to have gone above and beyond. They inspire us. And their stories of success make us eager to take on each day with renewed excitement and energy.
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The award recipients 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.

This year’s program has transitioned to a purely digital format, enjoy meeting our winners and finalists by reading their profiles and watching the videos below.

2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards Program

Click on the categories below to discover who made it all the way through the nomination process.

Nature Bee

Katie Gamble
Nature Bee is a Canadian small business focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness. They manufacture reusable Beeswax Food Wraps, Swedish Dishcloths, concentrated Cleaning Tablets, and other eco-friendly items. As a female-owned and operated business, Nature Bee values sustainability, community, education, and impact. They are passionate about giving back and promoting global sustainability. Nature Bee has created an inspiring and supportive organization that provides a space for people of all abilities and backgrounds to learn, grow and create. They believe that even one small change can have a major impact on living a more sustainable life.
Learn more about Nature Bee in this video

The Athlete Centre

Sarah Black & Michelle Meckling

The Athlete Centre (TAC) is an integrated, multidisciplinary clinic with a team of athletic therapists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and nutritionists who work together to support healthy and active communities. TAC believes there is an athlete in every body and is:

  • Redefining: Rehab, by bridging the gap between rehab and performance to keep people doing what they love.
  • Redefining: Health, by meeting people where they are at, understanding their specific goals, and bringing an individualized and integrated approach to their care to support total wellbeing.
  • Redefining: Athlete, by inspiring and empowering the community to stay active and bringing the same care and attention that high performance athletes receive to every body.

Learn more about The Athlete Centre in this video
Sponsored by:  City of Victoria

Oswego Hotel

Sarah Webb
The Oswego Hotel is one of Victoria’s favourite boutique hotels, and is known for great service – the kind that make people feel genuinely good about the human connection. They aim to ensure a guest’s  trip to the Oswego is not just a place to stay, but a place where memories are made, where special events are truly celebrated, and where there is actual authenticity in the interactions between staff, guests, and any people in the hotel. From the top down, there is a level of caring that is carefully managed at the Oswego, and this shows in everything from their pillow selection (since guests are there primarily to sleep!) to the warm greetings extended to each and every guest.

Sheringham Distillery​

Jason MacIsaac & Alayne MacIsaac
Sheringham Distillery is on a mission to craft the world’s most approachable gin, prioritizing sustainability and quality ingredients with a chef’s approach to distillation. Sheringham gained global attention after its Seaside Gin won the World’s Best Contemporary Gin award. Inspired by their West Coast home, Sheringham contributes each spirit’s flavor profile to a unique story. Proudly B.C. Green Business Certified, Surf Rider Approved, and a Climate Pledge signatory, they prioritize clean, locally sourced ingredients. Their renowned Seaside Gin features sustainably harvested winged kelp for a fresh oceanic touch. With their Master Distiller, Jason MacIsaac, formerly a chef, Sheringham applies culinary principles to achieve exquisite spirits. Expanding globally, Sheringham aims to share the essence of Canada’s West Coast with the world.
Sponsored by:  Grant Thornton LLP

Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress

Love Dodd
Locally owned & operated since 1977, Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress is Vancouver Island’s #1 independent furniture retailer. With 3 locations – in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River – Dodd’s specializes in providing Island families just like yours with a vast array of beautiful, functional and affordable furniture for every room in your home. While local entrepreneur and founder Gordy Dodd has made quite a name for himself through his many memorable television commercials over the years, he is most proud of his on-going philanthropic initiatives and of course his growing family. Mr. & Mrs. Dodd are doting grandparents to 3 beautiful granddaughters, and they feel truly blessed to experience the world around them, through their eyes.

Kinetic Construction Ltd.

Tom Plumb
Since 1984, Kinetic has been making the construction industry better for everyone through process transparency and lasting relationships. Kinetic is a midsized general contractor, with branches in Victoria, Courtenay, and Vancouver. They deliver exceptional client service to build commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential buildings. Their purpose, or, as they call it, their north star, is to make the construction industry better for everyone. This purpose is the driving force behind everything they do, serving as a constant reminder of the positive impact they aim to have on the industry, their clients, and their valued employees. This vision encapsulates their ambition to continue challenging the status quo and strive for new standards of excellence within the sector, ultimately redefining what’s expected.
Learn more about Kinetic in this video.
Sponsored by:  Harbour Air

BestCoast Outfitters

Lee Richardson & Asger Pjetursson

BestCoast Outfitters BCO), a kayak store run by passionate paddlers, is committed to fostering a vibrant community and advancing the paddling industry. Since its inception, BCO has prioritized collaborative relationships with fellow paddling businesses, emphasizing knowledge-sharing over competition. Experiencing rapid growth in sales, customer retention, and loyalty over a short period, BCO expanded its online presence, witnessing significant engagement on social media and a substantial increase in online orders. Through hosting multiple speaker events annually, BestCoast brings in experts to share insights and creates a platform for like-minded individuals. BCO is dedicated to strengthening paddling societies on Vancouver Island, making water sports accessible for everyone. BestCoast provides a premier shopping experience with a diverse selection of kayaks, paddling gear, and accessories.

Learn more about BestCoast Outfitters in this video.

Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency Inc.

Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber
Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency is a young, full-service shop preparing companies for the new climate future. The agency supports impact focused growth, innovative business models, and comprehensive actionable strategies to address social and environmental challenges through sustainability and ESG planning, impact measurement and monitoring, training, and reporting. Business and capital are powerful tools to create change that can effectively empower individuals, create holistic solutions, and drive sustainable financial models. Ideas for Impact is your sustainability team on demand supporting companies  to reach their higher purpose and realize their impact objectives.
Sponsored by:  BCLC

Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation

​Zoe Lauckner & Tristan Tjosvold
Take a Hike (TAH) empowers vulnerable youth to change the trajectory of their lives with a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program embedded in an alternate education classroom. They partner with public school districts, as they believe school connectedness is the number one determinant of youth mental health. TAH’s distinctive approach integrates clinical counselling into a full-time classroom setting, while immersing youth in an outdoor land-based program. This reduces stigma and empowers youth to improve their well-being, academic success, and capacity to choose their own way along the path of life. Overall, their mission is to empower vulnerable youth with the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school, build healthy relationships, and achieve success however they define it.
Learn more about Take A Hike Foundation in this video.

Threshold Housing Society

Colin Tessier
Threshold Housing opens doors for youth and prevents adult homelessness. Threshold serves youth at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, aging out of care, or fleeing violence in the home. These young adults need a place to call home and people who believe in them. Threshold offers safe housing, community, and support so youth can make healthy choices and create brighter futures. In 34 years of service, Threshold has steadily grown to meet community needs, offering a range of housing options with support, Vancouver Island’s first youth supportive recovery program that uses a harm reduction approach, robust wrap-around supports, and preventative programs such as Family and Natural Supports.
Sponsored by:  Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island 

Neetu Kaloti | National Courier Service

​Neetu Kaloti

National Courier Service (NCS), was founded in 1984 by immigrants Paul and Kamlesh Kaloti. This year marks their 40th year in business with Neetu Kaloti as CEO. Neetu has been a critical part of the business, joining at 14 where she was mentored by her grandfather. At 19, Neetu transitioned to full-time management given her unwavering dedication and ability to drive business growth. Neetu holds an Executive Master’s in Criminal Justice and in 2007, she transitioned to become CEO of NCS. Her exceptional self-taught business acumen has driven NCS’s exceptional 5x revenue growth and 10x employee growth since 2015. Branded “Victoria’s best-kept secret,” NCS reflects Neetu’s strategic vision and her unwavering commitment to customer excellence.

Learn more about National Courier in this video. 

Lori & Peter Stofko | Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre

​​ Lori & Peter Stofko
Lori and Peter Stofko are the owners of Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre. Since they purchased Ruffell & Brown in 2022, Lori and Peter have expanded the business by adding a Sidney showroom in January 2023, and – just this month – they opened a Nanaimo showroom as well. Having also previously purchased Pacific Awnings, Lori and Peter have been working to bring these companies together with the intention to offer more comprehensive indoor and outdoor solutions for their customers. Ruffell & Brown was originally established in 1987 and has grown to be one of the largest independently owned window-covering dealers in Canada. They provide custom window treatments including blinds, shades, shutters and drapery, as well as custom closets. They are continually recognized as the best window coverings store in Victoria, including winning the Best of the City Award by VicNews year after year. They offer high-quality products from Hunter Douglas and are the brand’s only Authorized Service Centre in BC.
Sponsored by:  Canadian Tire

Intrepid Theatre

Sean Guist

Intrepid Theatre provides the local arts community with affordable venues, accessibility, advice, resources, mentorship, networking, residencies, emerging artist development programs, and opportunities to perform in Victoria. Working with other presenters and companies across BC, Canada, and around the world, Intrepid supports, nurtures, and promotes new home-grown work. They bring remarkable programming, which introduces innovative contemporary national and international artists and companies to local audiences. Intrepid presents a multidiscipline body of work, including music, dance, comedy, drag, drama, storytelling and multi-disciplinary performances from diverse artists in a range of career levels. Intrepid’s unique programming is integral to the local thriving arts community through three annual festivals, a year-round series of touring & local shows, and two downtown venues.

Learn more about Intrepid Theatre in this video.

Pacifica Housing Advisory Association

Carolina Ibarra

Operating as a registered non-profit charitable organization since 1988, Pacifica Housing (PH) is one of Vancouver Island’s largest operators and providers of affordable rental homes and supportive services programming. Their mission is to advance the independence of individuals and families through equitable housing and supportive services. Through community services programming, and with nearly 1,450 affordable homes and new developments coming in the future, PH supports more than 2,700 individuals and families in Greater Victoria and Nanaimo. Guided by 4 core values – authenticity, leadership, respect, and social justice – Pacifica Housing is committed to improving the communities they serve by following a model of “housing with heart,” which incorporates housing first and harm reduction strategies.

Learn more about Pacifica Housing in this video.
Sponsored by:  Coast Capital Savings​

Katie Gamble | Nature Bee

Katie Gamble
Katie Gamble is the founder and CEO of Nature Bee. Nature Bee is a sustainable home goods company based in Victoria, BC. Katie’s initial spark for the business came from a deep passion for the community and a growing concern for the environment. Katie has since grown to lead her team to 5 years in business, provided mentorship to other young entrepreneurs starting their businesses, advocated for people with disabilities entering the workforce, and will continue to grow her personal and professional skill set in the years to come.
Learn more about Nature Bee in this video.

Inderbir Singh | Western Canada Security Corp.

Inderbir Singh
Five years after moving to Canada, Inderbir Singh leveraged his expertise in protection services to launch an exciting local company in 2022. Western Canada Security delivers full-scope support driven by advanced technology and a mandate to create a friendly, watchful presence in our region. Inderbir’s inspirational vision and positive leadership have produced phenomenal growth. The company now employs more than 50 security professionals. They keep businesses, homes, and public spaces safe and secure. Inder goes beyond by extending his dedication to staff and clients to the local community. Greater Victoria has benefitted from his presence and his generous and creative giving. He is a crowd-favourite at networking events and eagerly contributes resources to social causes.
Sponsored by:  Royal Roads University

HAVN Saunas 

​Jayme Beaudry
HAVN is floating on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbour. Lush green spaces, cold pools, hot tubs, hand-built saunas, and a lounge offer a vibrant self-care experience. HAVN’s mission is to create unique spaces that improve people’s physical, mental, and social health. HAVN has brought year-round vibrancy to the harbour to fulfill the long-term vision that Victoria has for Ship Point. In a time where people are more distracted than ever, HAVN delivers a service that is cell phone-free and allows users to be in the present moment. HAVN offers contrast therapy, which has scientifically proven health benefits. They also offer a safe gathering space and an alternative to going out to the bar or to a traditional spa.
Learn more about HAVN Saunas in this video.

Open Ocean Robotics 

Julie Angus
Operating on oceans around the world from Victoria BC, Open Ocean Robotics is a rapidly growing marine technology company revolutionizing ocean monitoring and transforming how people understand oceans through better data. Their innovative solar-powered autonomous boats and AI-driven software scale ocean data collection by providing affordable, sustainable, and user-friendly solutions. They provide critical ocean insights for offshore energy, government, and research, and they are transforming how we study, protect, and utilize our oceans. By autonomously collecting crucial oceanic data, they empower scientists and policymakers to make informed decisions, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship. Open Ocean Robotics stands at the forefront of accessible clean/climate tech innovation, driving positive change and contributing to a more bright and sustainable future.
Sponsored by:  Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria

Oak Bay Beach Hotel 

​Dillon Carfoot

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a 100-room luxury, boutique hotel situated on the edge of the Salish Sea. With breathtaking ocean views and spacious guest rooms, the hotel provides service excellence through quality dining, spa, wellness, and hotel experiences. An award-winning property, the hotel leads the hospitality industry through continued creative and innovative adaptation, exceeding room, spa, and food and beverage revenues, achieving high guest and staff satisfaction scores consistently, and creating a positive and safe work environment. The hotel actively contributes to the local, provincial, and national tourism industry, and is dedicated to staff development, fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Learn more about Oak Bay Beach Hotel in this video.

Robinson’s Outdoor Store 

Erin Boggs

Robinson’s Outdoor Store proudly bears the name of the family that started it 95 years ago. Over 4 generations, this family-run business has evolved, but its core values remain the same – customer service, value and knowledge. Robinson’s specializes in outfitting their community for hiking, adventure travel, and fly-fishing pursuits. Their team custom fits your gear, and during this process, they build a relationship with their community which is reflected in their dedicated customer base. The Robinson’s team gives hiking and travel presentations along with community film nights focusing on environmental stewardship. The business supports Power-to-Be Adventure Therapy, along with other community and environmental organizations. Robinson’s attributes their success to the strength of their long-term staff and loyal repeat customers.

Learn more about Robinson’s Outdoor Store in this video.
Sponsored by:  Innov8 Digital Solutions 

Peninsula Co-op 

Corey Gillon
Peninsula Co-op is driven by core values, with the heart of their commitment being people first dedication to prioritizing well-being, and the growth of their community, staff, and member-owners. Peninsula Co-op takes pride in being a safe and inclusive workplace, supporting and celebrating the diversity of its team.  Their commitment to community extends beyond products and services, as Peninsula Co-op annually directs over $500,000 of profits to local charities. Taking pride in their roots, they uphold a tradition of sharing profits with 116,000 member-owners. With a dedicated team, they operate 17 retail fuel and convenience centers, 9 liquor stores, 2 card lock/home heating outlets, and a food store, working together to create a workplace that is always striving to be the best place to work.

WildPlay Element Parks ​

Tom Benson
WildPlay Element Parks exceeds the typical workplace, embodying a mission and lifestyle within a united, tight-knit family. Their ambitious goal: “To create 1 Billion Wildly Courageous Moments”, aligning with the mission to “Evolve The Human.” Rooted in trust, respect, bravery, vulnerability, fun, and adventure, WildPlay’s success hinges on their unwavering commitment to their mission and values. What distinguishes WildPlay is their culture, fostering personal and professional growth by embracing stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to “Play More. Fear Less.” Staff relish a holistic benefit package including flexible schedules, paid time off, and training, nurturing personal adventures and career development. WildPlay’s Headquarters and Park teams balance work and play, creating memorable experiences for guests, the community, and staff alike.
Sponsored by:  Worldline

​Elate Cosmetics 

Melodie Reynolds
Elate Cosmetics propels toward a world without single-use cosmetic packaging, exemplifying sustainability and innovation. Guided by a commitment to user experience, every design decision enhances product sustainability in their evolving low-waste model. Elate strives for a closed-loop system, evident in their transition to square pans, compostable refill cases, and upgraded bamboo palettes. Founded in 2014, Elate is a certified B-Corp, promoting inclusivity through its “Perfectly Imperfect” program. The team, embodying sustainability, engages in waste reduction, reuse, and education, making Elate a carbon-neutral company. Aligned with the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals, Elate’s goals address responsible consumption, innovation, and climate change. Partnering with One Tree Planted and dedicating 2% of revenue to different causes, Elate Cosmetics uniquely disrupts beauty norms with a responsible and innovative approach.

Huntingdon Hotel & Suites and Pendray Inn & Tea House 

Julia Canton
Nestled in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the Huntingdon Hotel & Suites and Pendray Inn & Tea House stand out as an independent, 3.5-star hotel and premium Bed & Breakfast with a distinguished tea house. Since 2017, they represent a paradigm shift in hospitality, having transitioned from a conventional business model to a leader in sustainable practices in the industry. They are committed to environmental stewardship, community involvement, and sustainable operations, and are dedicated to providing unique guest experiences. This transformation underlines their innovation and dedication to sustainability, setting them apart in the hospitality sector.
Sponsored by: ​ Camosun College

 James Gatsi, CEO, CL Web Developers | Tecnet

James Gatsi

James Gatsi is Chamber Member of the Year for 2024.

A Business Development Manager with Tecnet Canada and Founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., Gatsi was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2022. He also serves as Vice Chair on the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee, he’s the Board liaison for the Emerge committee, and he’s a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy committee.

“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,” said Gatsi, who adds a passionate and pragmatic voice that has made a difference in helping The Chamber achieve its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Gatsi is an alumni and former employee of the University of Victoria.
Sponsored by:  Air Canada

Erinn Pinkerton, President & CEO, BC Transit

Erinn Pinkerton

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 BC. 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.

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. ​

“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,” Pinkerton said.
​Sponsored by:  Times Colonist​

Tonight we celebrate all of our members nominated for a Greater Victoria Business Award. The recipients and finalists represent businesses judged to have gone above and beyond. They inspire us. And their stories of success make us eager to take on each day with renewed excitement and energy.

A couple of great examples are this year’s Chamber Member of the Year, James Gatsi, and our Award of Distinction recipient Erinn Pinkerton.

As we honour all of tonight’s award recipients, we also need to thank the many people who contribute so much of their time to our organization.

On behalf of The Chamber’s Board of Directors, we are immensely grateful to all of the volunteers who serve on our Board and our committees.

You made great progress at purposefully increasing the diversity of our organization and our membership, and broadly welcoming all businesses in our community.

Thank you to all Chamber members, and a special shoutout to the sponsors of the 2024 Business Awards: 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, Grant Thornton LLP, Labour Air, Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc., Peter B. Gustavson School of Business University of Victoria, WorldLine, PARC Retirement Living and The Number.

Thank you also to the judging panel, comprised of diverse business leaders who used their professional experience, knowledge of the business community in Greater Victoria and unique perspectives in deciding which businesses or individuals to put forward as finalists. A big thank you to: Bert van der Stege, CEO of Harbour Air; Catherine Holt, ICBC Board Chair; Jennifer Loo, Marketing and Community Development for Fairway Markets; Kathy Baan, TELUS Senior Community Investment Manager; Kear Porttris, Owner of Porttris Consulting Group Ltd.; and Mackenzie Wavryk, Founder & CEO or Upcycle Clothing Collective.

We wouldn’t be where we are without your support.

Congratulations finalists! Enjoy the well deserved accolades!

Thank you to our Event Sponsors:

 

Thanks to our Sponsors

 
 

To celebrate the many years of Business Award winners and finalists, simply pick a year:  2024    |    2023   |   2022   |   2021   |   prior to 2020

All Business Award winners can easily be spotted in our online Membership Directory listing by their Business Awards icon. We invite you to find out first hand why they are indeed winners.

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