Business Hall of Fame

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Business Hall of Fame Presented by RBC

The Chamber Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, celebrates the legacy of pioneers and leaders who have played a role in the region’s economic growth and prosperity.

The individuals, businesses and families inducted into the Hall of Fame have built our economy, paved the way for entrepreneurs and immigrants, broke barriers, and built communities. We invite you to join us for a red-carpet celebration to honour inductees on the evening of October 29th, 2024 at the Fairmont Empress.

About the Business Hall of Fame:

The Hall will induct new recipients to recognize positive role models in the business community who have shown 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.

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2024 Business Hall of Fame

The Yuen Family - Fairway Market

Since 1963, the Yuen family has expanded Fairway Market from a single store into a major Vancouver Island grocer with nine locations. Under current President Doug Yuen, the family supports more than 600 jobs and numerous local initiatives, including CFAX Santa’s Anonymous and the BC Cancer Foundation. In 2011, the Ethno Business Council of BC honoured Don Yuen with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of the family’s enduring impact as immigrant entrepreneurs and community builders. In 2008, Don Yuen was honored with the Individual or Family Victoria Heritage Award and Fairway Market received the Corporate or Organizational Heritage Award at the Inaugural Golden Mountain Roots Awards and All-Canadian Benefactor Awards

CHEK Media

CHEK Television, established in 1956 as British Columbia’s first commercial TV station, has a rich history of adapting to changing times while remaining a vital part of the local community. Originally founded by entrepreneurs including Dave Armstrong and Charlie White, CHEK quickly became a household name with popular local shows like The Ida Clarkson Show and Club 6. Over the years, it transitioned from black-and-white to color, HD, and now digital streaming via CHEK+. Despite facing closure in 2009 due to financial difficulties, CHEK’s employees rallied to save the station, transforming it into the only employee-owned TV station in North America. Today, CHEK continues to thrive, producing more news and local programming than ever, supporting community causes, and remaining a prominent figure in Greater Victoria’s media landscape, even earning recognition as Business of the Year in 2021.

Alan Lowe

Alan Lowe, a prominent architect, and civic leader in Victoria, has shaped the city’s landscape since 1988. With degrees from the University of Manitoba and the University of Oregon, he founded Alan Lowe Architect Inc. and served 15 years in local government, including nine as Mayor. Lowe’s significant projects include the Victoria Police Department station and Jeneece Place. His community dedication has earned him accolades like the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and recognition as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Canadians.

Michael Williams

Michael Williams, an influential heritage developer and philanthropist, revitalized Victoria’s historic buildings after immigrating from England in 1950. His notable projects include Maynard Court and Swans Pub in downtown Victoria. Honored with an honorary degree from the University of Victoria, Williams endowed his significant estate and art collection to benefit the university. It continues to support the Williams Legacy Chair in Modern and Contemporary Arts.

Times Colonist

The Times Colonist, Western Canada’s oldest daily newspaper, was formed in 1980 from the merger of the Daily Colonist (founded in 1858) and the Victoria Times (founded in 1884). The paper reaches 250,000 readers weekly with print and online editions, covering local, national and international news. The media organization supports local causes, including literacy programs, charities and community events. The Times Colonist is a key player in Greater Victoria’s business community, recognized for its balanced reporting, impactful journalism and local investment.

Celebration Schedule:

5:30 – 6:30pm – VIP Reception in the Bengal Lounge
5:30 – 6:30pm – General Reception in Palm Court
6:30 – 7:00pm – Event Welcome and Opening Remarks
7:00 – 8:00pm – Dinner
8:00 – 9:00pm – Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
9:00 – 9:30pm – Event Closing Remarks

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Purchase Gala Tickets View the Past Business Hall of Fame Inductees