Chamber announces 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards recipients

VICTORIA, BC – The 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards were presented Wednesday, June 4, in front of an audience of 350 at the Lecture Theatre in the Victoria Conference Centre.

“What a great evening celebrating business in Greater Victoria and the incredible successes so many organizations are having even in these times. We needed that,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “The words of encouragement and the respect for all the finalists really represents our business community’s sense of camaraderie — especially among those aspiring to be the best at what they do.”

The recipients, listed below, distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging businessperson and innovation.

An independent panel of prominent business leaders chose the finalists from a wide range of entries.

“There are so many businesses that deserve their moment in the spotlight, and all of this year’s recipients are amazing inspirations for other entrepreneurs and organizations,” Chamber Chair Christina Clarke said. “It’s never easy for the panel to narrow the field to two finalists and then choose a recipient. We’re grateful for the effort and integrity of everyone who was part of the selection process, and we can’t wait to continue celebrating tonight’s finalists in the weeks and months ahead.”

The Chamber previously announced Josue Dubon as Chamber Member of the Year and Cathy Scott as Chamber Award of Distinction recipient.

The Award of Distinction signifies achievement, resourcefulness and determination and recognizes a business leader who makes a positive contribution to the economy and our community overall. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate and committed individual who fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business and has taken an active role with the Chamber Board or Chamber Committee.

Photos of The Chamber’s 2025 Greater Victoria Business Awards will be available at: victoriachamber.ca/connect/event-photos/

 

2025 Award Recipients and Finalists

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

• Alley Kat Signs and Marketing
• This Week’s Lunch – Recipient

 

Business of the Year (11-39 Employees) sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton  ​​

• LIDA Construction
• Prince of Whales– Recipient

 

Business of the Year (40+ Employees) sponsored by Harbour Air

• Phillips Brewing and Malting– Recipient
• Red Barn Market

 

New Business of the Year sponsored by BCLC

• DermaLight Clinic
• FORGE Technical Solutions – Recipient

 

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

• Garth Homer Society
• Victoria Brain Injury Society– Recipient

 

Business Person of the Year sponsored by Canadian Tire

• Hana Akai, Level Up Salon Suites
• Tessa McLoughlin, KWENCH– Recipient

 

Community Builder of the Year sponsored by Emerge

• Island Savings
• Victoria Native Friendship Centre– Recipient

 

Emerging Business Person of the Year sponsored by Royal Roads University

• Inderbir Singh,Western Canada Security – Recipient
• Kane Hammontree, Solve Energy

 

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

• Hakai Energy Solutions
• Rifflandia Entertainment Company– Recipient

 

Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions

• Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes
• The Green Kiss– Recipient

 

Outstanding Workplace of the Year sponsored by WorkBC Victoria

• Green Island Builders
• Brentwood Bay Resort– Recipient

 

Sustainable Business Practices sponsored by Camosun College

• The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
• Schneider Electric– Recipient

 

Chamber Member of the Year sponsored by Air Canada

• Josue Dubon, ​​DesignWealth

 

Chamber Award of Distinction sponsored by Times Colonist

• Cathy Scott, Departures Travel

 

VIP Reception sponsored by PARC Retirement Living, General Reception sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, and Video Production sponsored by 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: Acera Insurance, Berwick Retirement Communities, BC Ferries, Camosun College, Canadian Western Bank, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, City of Victoria, ColdStar Solutions, Edwards Heritage Consulting, H2 Accelerator, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, PARC Retirement Living, Peninsula Co-op, RBC, Scotiabank, TD Commercial Banking, Tecnet Canada, TELUS Business, Times Colonist and the University of Victoria.

Find out more at victoriachamber.ca.

Media Contact:
Jim Zeeben
Director, Communication
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca