Greater Victoria, a community renowned for hospitality and tourism, was serving up – and recognizing – a bit of both at the recent Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Awards. The annual soiree, held at the Victoria Conference Centre, saw five of the 14 awards presented go to tourism and hospitality-oriented businesses. From a marine adventure company (think whale watching) to summer music festival organizer and prominent local brewery, public-facing firms were recognized by an independent judges’ panel of prominent local business leaders.
The winners (and category finalists)
Business of the Year (1-10 employees)
Finalist: Alley Kat Signs and Marketing
Business of the Year (11-39 employees)
Finalist: LIDA Construction
Business of the Year (40-plus employees)
Finalist: Red Barn Market
New Business of the Year
Finalist: DermaLight Clinic
Non-Profit of the Year
Finalist: Garth Homer Society
Business Person of the Year
Tessa McLoughlin, KWENCH
Finalist: Hana Akai, Level Up Salon Suites
Community Builder of the Year
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
Finalist: Island Savings
Emerging Business Person of the Year
Inderbir Singh, Western Canada Security
Finalist: Kane Hammontree, Solve Energy
Innovation Award
Rifflandia Entertainment Company
Finalist: Hakai Energy Solutions
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Finalist: Ooh La La Cupcakes + Cakes
Outstanding Workplace of the Year
Finalist: Green Island Builders
Sustainable Business Practices Award
Finalist: The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer
Chamber Member of the Year
Josue Dubon, DesignWealth
Chamber Award of Distinction
Cathy Scott, Departures Travel
