Chamber announces 2023 Business Awards finalists

VICTORIA, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for The Chamber’s 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards. 

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

2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards Finalists

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