Chamber announces 2024 Member of the Year

VICTORIA – James Gatsi has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2024 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber has been a remarkable experience for me this year, and I am humbled to receive this honour,” said James Gatsi, founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc. “The connections and opportunity to be deeply involved in Greater Victoria’s business community have been super rewarding. And the chance to give back and make a difference by welcoming more business people into our community is something that is so important to me personally.” 

Gatsi was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2022, and serves as Vice Chair on the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee as well as the Board liaison for the Emerge Committee.

He has been a passionate and pragmatic voice helping The Chamber achieve its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

“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,” Gatsi said. “It hasn’t been easy for many businesses still working to recover from the pandemic during difficult economic times, but by working together we are building resilience that will sustain jobs and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in the years to come.” 

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.

“We are lucky to have James on our Board and Committees. One of his remarkable qualities, among many, is his passion for giving back to community by serving as a mentor,” Chamber Chair Kris Wirk says. “He brings a practical and entrepreneurial lens to the big issues we’re working to address as the voice of business in Greater Victoria.”

Gatsi holds the executive position of Secretary on The Chamber’s Board.  Originally from Zimbabwe, Gatsi’s background is in information technology services. He is an alumni and former employee of the University of Victoria.

“When I first was introduced to James, I could see the incredible leadership potential he could bring to our organization,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “His effort to promote The Chamber and contribute to conversations that create real change have been pivotal to our success since he joined us.”

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 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Nominations for 12 categories are open now until Jan. 18, 2024. 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: Acera Insurance, BC Ferries, Berwick Retirement Communities, Big Wheel Burger, Camosun College, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, ColdStar Solutions, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Starlight Developments, Times Colonist, 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