James Gatsi, chief executive of CL Web Developers Inc. and a committee lead on emerging entrepreneurs and inclusion and diversity, has been named the Greater Victoria’s Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year for 2024.
The award recognizes an individual serving as a volunteer at the Chamber who has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.
Gatsi fit all those bills.
He was elected to the Chamber’s board last year, and serves as vice-chair of its Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committee as well as the board liaison for its Emerge Committee.
“The Chamber’s work to assist emerging entrepreneurs and future leaders [and] actions taken on Indigenous reconciliation and the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are something we can all be proud of,” Gatsi said in a statement Monday.
“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.”
Gatsi, originally from Zimbabwe, is an alumni and former employee of the University of Victoria.
Chamber chair Kris Wirk said the business group is fortunate to have Gatsi on the board as secretary and working on committees.
“One of his remarkable qualities, among many, is his passion for giving back to community by serving as a mentor,” said Wirk. “He brings a practical and entrepreneurial lens to the big issues we’re working to address as the voice of business in Greater Victoria.”
The recipient of the Chamber’s Award of Distinction, which honours a member for outstanding leadership and innovation, will be announced in January. Meanwhile, nominations in 12 categories for the 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards are open now until Jan. 18.
For more information, go to victoriachamber.ca.
