Capital region businesses were celebrated this week at the annual Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce business awards.
Mandy Farmer of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed received this year’s Award of Distinction, while Ann Squires Ferguson of Western Design+Build is the Member of the Year.
The Award of Distinction recognizes a chamber member who has had a positive influence on the economy, businesses and the overall community. The award signifies achievement, resourcefulness and determination.
The 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, and who fosters relationships with the community while advocating on behalf of business.
Award recipients are “truly exceptional and deserving of being honoured for their contribution to Greater Victoria’s businesses community,” said Chamber chief executive Bruce Williams.
“It’s important to recognize the hard work and innovation of the award winners and finalists. They deserve the spotlight and will inspire our region’s many amazing entrepreneurs to keep striving for excellence.”
Winners and finalists were honoured in 14 categories such as outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging business people and long-term leadership.
An independent panel of business leaders served as judges.
The award ceremony was held at Fairmont Empress on Thursday with close to 400 people on hand.
Here are the award winners and finalists:
Business of the Year (1-10 employees)
- Winner: Market Collective
- Finalist: Off the Eaten Track Tours
Business of the Year (11-39 employee)
- Winner: L.A. Limousines & Transportation Services
- Finalist: Songhees Events & Catering
Business of the Year (40+ employees)
- Winner: ColdStar Solutions Inc.
- Finalist: Berwick Retirement Communities
Business Person of the Year
- Winner: Dave Stephens, LIDA Homes Inc.
- Finalist: Brenda Ollis, Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
Chamber Award of Distinction
- Winner: Mandy Farmer, Accent Inns | Hotel Zed
Chamber Member of the Year
- Winner: Ann Squires Ferguson, Western Design+Build
Community Builder
- Winner: Lifetime Networks
- Finalist: Aryze
Emerging Business Person of the Year
- Winner: Mackenzie Wavryk, Upcycle Clothing Collective
- Finalist: Jeff Crone, Fig’s Mobile Detailing
Innovation
- Winner: joni
- Finalist: ASEP Medical Holdings Inc.
New Business
- Winner: Compass Mobile Massage Therapy
- Finalist: BCause
Non-Profit of the Year
- Winner: Beacon Community Services
- Finalist: Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Outstanding Customer Service
- Winner: Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
- Finalist: Beehive Wool Shop
Outstanding Workplace of the Year
- Winner: Brentwood Bay Resort
- Finalist: Orca Masonry
Sustainable Business Practices
- Winner: Harbour Air Seaplanes
- Finalist: Clean Air Yard Care
