Co-op students make a difference in the community
Co-op student Nick Head (right), works alongside Director of Marketing Nicki Reich (left) at Used.ca
There’s no doubt about it; the Used.ca office is full of wonderful surprises. From the bright purple walls to energetic staff, the online buy/sell/trade business is all about creating space for communities to blossom, an attitude that has connected them with the University of Victoria’s co-operative education (co-op) program. Over the past five years, Used.ca has hired over a dozen UVic co-op students. UVic’s co-op program connects talented students with employers all over the world, giving them a chance to gain hands-on experience relevant to their studies. In turn, employers benefit from innovative, energetic employees with knowledge in 50+ disciplines. “We always seem to find the right student for the right time,” says Used.ca Director of Marketing Nicki Reich. “Each student comes to us with their own set of skills and strengths, and they always impress us!”
Last summer, Used.ca welcomed commerce student Nick Head as a marketing assistant, and his background in information technology was extremely valuable to the company. “By understanding both the business and technology sides of Used.ca’s operation, I worked on projects that influenced both marketing and development, such as changes to the mobile app,” he says. “At the end of each term, I’m amazed by how much I’ve learned from our students,” says Reich. “We mentor them in the early days of their careers and, in return, they help us become better leaders.” This profile was written in the summer of 2019. Co-op students continue to be available to support employers as the community responds to COVID-19. Contact us to discuss flexible options that may make it easier to continue to hire during this time.
Students like Nick bring real-world skills relevant to your workplace. Co-operative Education Program and Career Services uvic.ca/employers 250.721.6616
Co-op and Career Services camosun.ca/cecs 250.370.4181
Hire a co-op student today.
Chair and CEO Message By Chamber CEO Bruce Williams Looking back at the last 12 months, the pre-COVID months were the good part, and the last six months are, to put it mildly, the bad part. Before the pandemic, Greater Victoria enjoyed a robust economy driven by the strength of sectors and elements including marine tech and industry, tourism and hospitality, education and skills training, advance technology and manufacturing, agriculture and public administration. We were the envy of the country and not just because of our climate and the splendour of our landscape. Real estate was buoyant, unemployment numbers were the lowest in the country, construction was booming, confidence in the future was strong. And the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce continued to be a strong and influential voice for our 1,400 members. The disruption initiated by COVID-19 was abrupt and escalated quickly. Amid the panic, misunderstanding, fear and uncertainty, a sense of caring emerged as we started to look out for each other, check in on each other, offering support and assistance to family, friends, colleagues, co-workers and complete strangers. We watched as measured steps were announced by governments to guide and support us in understanding the safety precautions we should follow and the financial relief that was in place to protect our wellbeing. We watched as many of our jobs shifted into working from home. We watched as essential services and front-line health care workers persevered. All of us needed to pivot. In the midst of that, The Chamber bid a fond farewell to Catherine Holt after four stellar years of leadership and welcomed me in to the role of CEO. Was I daunted? Of course. Did I lose faith in the future of The Chamber? Not for a second. The strength of our organization lies in our purpose, principles and people. You can see it in the most challenging times. When we step forward, with still so much uncertainty about the future, and go above and beyond to keep each other safe, we ensure that we can return to prosperity. Even when we wear masks that cover our nose and mouth, we can see each other’s eyes. Too often there is a look of sadness, fatigue and frustration. But more and more there’s something else. When you see someone’s eyes, you know instantly when they’re smiling. We don’t hug or even shake hands, but we can feel each other’s energy with a look. We can build each other up and help shine a little light on the path forward. Together, we are rebuilding the culture of connecting. This is evident in how the hashtags we created or support have become the culture we embrace — #COVID, #DrBonnie, #facemask, #sanitizer, #sociallydistance, #cabinfever, #ilovemykidsbutIneedabreak, #ZOOM! My favorite though is the one started by The Chamber in the early days of the pandemic affecting our community:
JOHN WILSON CHAIR
BRUCE WILLIAMS CEO
#InItTogetherYYJ. This has never been more true. On behalf of Board Chair John Wilson, I want to thank each and every Chamber member. You are the backbone of our economy. The Chamber’s Board of Directors and all of our Committee members are pillars of our policy and advocacy. And our staff are skilled at supporting all that we do with astounding acumen, flexibility and skill. COVID has made us resilient in crafting strategy for engagement, advocacy and connectivity but we have had challenges. Many people in our community continuing to face so much disruption. Wherever we land, whatever comes next, The Chamber will continue to work hard for you.
2020 BUSINESS AWARDS
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Board of Governors’ Message
2020 Virtual Auction November 15 - 22 Showcase your business
Donate Today! V I C T O R I AC H A M B E R . C A O R CALL: 25 0- 3 6 0-3478
The proceeds from this event support our work as the largest and most influential business advocate in the region.
DAN DAGG, CHAIR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS The Chamber is delighted to honour Bill McCreadie with the 2020 Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award, for all of his work to give back to our community and promote our region. Bill is not one to steal the spotlight, but his volunteer efforts have helped countless young athletes and sports teams thrive in Greater Victoria. As well, he is the driving force behind our sister city relationship with Morioka, Japan. Inside, you can learn more about Bill and his life and why he chose to dedicate so much time and energy to helping others. From humble beginnings to success in business and a long-standing connection with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Bill has made the world a better more inclusive place. We can aspire to be grateful for the kindness we have been shown, and do more to be kind to others.
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G OV E R N O R S ’ L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D W I N N E R
Bill McCreadie
CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR
AWARD FINALISTS 7 COMMUNITY BUILDER Scale Collaborative Victoria Cool Aid Society
8 NEW BUSINESS Fettle + Food KWENCH
9 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ( 1 - 1 0 E M P LOY E E S )
Four Frames Photo Booth House of Boateng
10 B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R ( 1 1 - 3 9 E M P LOY E E S )
Maple Leaf Adventures Russell Books
11 B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R ( 4 0 + E M P LOY E E S )
Heart Pharmacy Ralmax Group of Companies
12 O U T STA N D I N G WO R K P L AC E Flytographer Vancouver Island Brewing
13 I N N OVAT I O N BRNKL by Barnacle Systems Inc. Moduurn
14 O U T STA N D I N G C U STO M E R SERVICE Victoria Comfort Keepers Victoria HarbourCats
15 S U STA I N A B L E B U S I N E S S P R AC T I C E S
Rahim Khudabux
Elate Cosmetics TOPSOIL - Innovative Urban Agriculture Inc.
MEET THE JUDGES
16 N O N - P R O F I T O F T H E YEAR
DEIRDRE CAMPBELL
The Cridge Centre for the Family Ocean Networks Canada
17 E M E R G I N G B U S I N E S S PERSON Erin Boggs, Robinson’s Outdoor Store Mike Walker, Roll.Focus. Productions
18 B U S I N E S S P E R S O N O F THE YEAR Lise Gyorkos, Page One Publishing Inc. Dave Obee, Times Colonist
19 PA ST L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T A N D CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE YEAR WINNERS 20 G OV E R N O R S ’ L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D WINNER Bill McCreadie, McCreadie & Tait
22 C H A M B E R M E M B E R O F THE YEAR Rahim Khudabux, Max Furniture
Managing Director Beattie Tartan Integrated Communications
KIMBERLEY HUGHES General Manager Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
MARGARET LUCAS Executive Director of Business Development, PARC Retirement Communities
MIKE WHALLEY
President Babcock Canada Inc.
GEOFF WILMSHURST Vice-President Partnerships Camosun College
2020 BUSINESS AWARDS
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EVENT SPONSORS:
AWARD SPONSORS:
CLOSED CAPTIONING SPONSOR:
MEDIA SPONSOR:
Weeknights at 5 and 6 with Stacy Ross and Joe Perkins
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VIDEO PRODUCER:
SPONSORED BY
COAST CAPITAL SAVINGS
COMMUNITY BUILDER Scale Collaborative Scale Collaborative works to build a strong social change sector on Vancouver Island. We support leaders, organizations and public institutions to incorporate enterprising and impactful approaches to strengthen local communities and social economy. LEE HERRIN, KRISTI FAIRHOLM Since 2014, we have worked MADER AND KRISTI RIVAIT with hundreds of organizations and have convened initiatives such as Social Enterprise Catalyst (30+ partners), Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative (20+ members) and THRIVE Impact Investment Fund. In response to COVID-19 and in partnership with community allies, Scale supported 50+ non-profits and charities through ‘Survive & Thrive’ and ‘Thriving Non-Profit’ programs with a focus on financial resilience. Scale manages theDock - Centre for Social Impact, a community space for social entrepreneurship, coworking and community gathering, innovative programs and events.
Behind every impressive business is an impressive team.
WWW.SCALECOLLABORATIVE.CA
Victoria Cool Aid Society Cool Aid believes that “everyone deserves home.” We create hope and opportunities for people who are homeless and living in poverty. For over 50 years, Cool Aid has provided affordable housing, emergency shelters, primary health and KATHY STINSON dental care, nutritious meals and wellness programs for tens of thousands of local residents. As one of the largest employers in the region, with 340 employees at 18 locations, we support about 12,000 adults a year through our diverse range of services, including serving 360,000 meals in the community for those who would otherwise go hungry. The heart of our organization is community, and every day Cool Aid strives to help our most vulnerable citizens make positive changes in their lives and to support them in their journey forward.
Congratulations to all the nominees of the 2020 Greater Victoria Business Awards.
WWW.COOLAID.ORG 2020 BUSINESS AWARDS
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SPONSORED BY
COMMUNITY FUTURES - ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES
NEW BUSINESS
Fettle + Food
The Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program helps people with disabilities or health conditions start and grow businesses.
• Business Plan Development We can assist you with creating your business plan and cash flow projections.
• Business Resources We can direct you to and support you with available business training and resources in your community.
ANN CONROD
Fettle + Food is a nutrition company focused on bringing preventative health and nutrition coaching to the community. We believe everyone should have access to nutrition coaching. Fettle + Food brings together aspects of sport and exercise nutrition with holistic-based nutrition coaching to ensure our clients get the results they are looking for. Since opening our doors inside Innovative Fitness Victoria, we have expanded from one-on-one coaching to provide group coaching, cooking lessons, meal prep workshops, and corporate seminars. All of our services and workshops are available virtually and in-person. When we are working with our clients, our main focus centers on educating and creating sustainable changes that can be maintained now and into the future.
WWW.FETTLEANDFOOD.COM
• Access to Capital We can assist you with accessing various forms of financing for your viable business plan.
Contact Community Futures BC for more information:
1-888-303-2232 Communityfutures.ca/edp
Supported by:
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KWENCH KWENCH is a one-stop, multi-service work club that provides individuals and businesses with office space, fitness facilities, creative studios, learning, community and food all under one roof. Opening it’s doors in October 2019, this 23,000 square foot, purpose-built work club has rapidly become the city’s most unique and sought after workspace, gathering place and event venue. By removing the busyness, allowing for flexibility and instigating connection, KWENCH bridges the gap that bars successful, hard-working individuals from living happy, engaged and inspired lives. KWENCH has become a vital connector in Victoria’s thriving creative and business community and leads the way in creating a new way of working.
WWW.CLUBKWENCH.COM
TESSA MCLOUGHLIN
SPONSORED BY
the City of Victoria
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (1-10 EMPLOYEES) Four Frames Photo Booth Four Frames Photo Booth is more than a photo booth company, it’s an interactive experience that facilitates fun, laughter and memories. It’s a group of silly picture taking, dedicated fun facilitators with the goal of getting everyone in front of the camera to let loose, DEREK KRUIKSHANKS AND strike a pose and repeat! LINDSAY REHNER What started out as one photo booth in 2011 has grown into a small fleet of photo booths and a new business, the Bubble Bus Co., a portable tap truck rental ready to roll into your next event. With a variety of options to cater to any budget, there is something for everyone. Our goal is to not simply take photos but to create lasting memories for our clients. We love what we do and can’t wait to capture your photo too!
Welcome to Victoria YOU HAVE ARRIVED
Make the Business Hub your first stop!
WWW.FOURFRAMESPHOTOBOOTH.COM
House of Boateng House of Boateng (HOB) is an award-winning catering company and café with a diverse staff representing many countries and cultures, where everyone is welcome. There are no strangers here, just friends. Open for brunch, dinner and Take & Bake. In less than two years, the business has grown to become one of the Island’s best brunch spots. Our menu highlights local ingredients and we are proud to celebrate the flavours of West Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific Northwest cuisine. We are grateful for our community’s support of our business and look forward to welcoming you back to the café.
WWW.HOUSEOFBOATENG.CA
The Business Hub at City Hall is your first point of contact if you are an entrepreneur, investor or anyone looking to do business in Victoria. We will help you access information and connect you to the right resources to get your business open quicker. Connect with our Business Ambassador today! CASTRO AND CHARLOTTE BOATENG
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1 Centennial Square, Victoria 250.361.0629 bizhub@victoria.ca victoria.ca/bizhub
2020 BUSINESS AWARDS
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SPONSORED BY
TELUS PureFibre
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (11-39 EMPLOYEES) Maple Leaf Adventures
KEVIN SMITH AND MAUREEN GORDON
TELUS PureFibre The fastest internet technolgy.
Maple Leaf Adventures is a boutique expedition company. We practice ecotourism and provide spectacular week-long odysseys by yacht throughout the coastal rainforest, from Victoria to Haida Gwaii. Exploring beyond, our trips ashore provide special access to view wildlife, walk wild landscapes, experience culture and enjoy the beauty of the coastline — while providing the excitement of an adventure by boat. Smell the sweet coniferous forests, taste freshly caught prawns and huckleberries, and view our majestic whales and bears as a guest of local experts and naturalists. Our mission is to give you the best of the coast, while protecting our environment and communities. We invite you aboard for a true West Coast adventure.
WWW.MAPLELEAFADVENTURES.COM
™
Find out more at telus.com/PureFibre
Russell Books Russell Books is a family-owned store offering used, new and antiquarian books. It has become one of Canada’s largest independent bookstores, putting Victoria on the map as a major hub on the literary scene. We strive to give customers an unforgettable experience. Our No. 1 goal is to connect visitors with books that will nurture an adoration of the written word. In 2019, we expanded to a new larger location that provides an accessible space for customers to browse thousands of books. To mark the grand opening, we were successful in building a 1,000 book tower and set a record in the Guinness Book of World Records.
WWW.RUSSELLBOOKS.COM
ANDREA MINTER A Family
Bookstore
RUSSELL BOOKS Victoria, BC Est. 1961
* Conditions apply. © 2020 TELUS
10 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
SPONSORED BY
Berwick Retirement Communities
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (40+ EMPLOYEES) Heart Pharmacy
RASOOL RAYANI, ZAHRA RAYANI-KANJI AND MARIO BRUNO BOSSIO
Heart Pharmacy is an awardwinning, family owned and operated group of pharmacies serving Greater Victoria and the West Shore. The “heart� in Heart Pharmacy speaks to our patientcentered approach driven by empathy and clinical excellence. We believe building relationships is as important as building business. We support a diverse society and this is reflected in our staff who are comprised of a variety of ethnicities, cultures and sexual orientation. Inspired by our founder, Naz Rayani, our staff members play an active role in the local and global community through fundraising for community programs that foster health awareness and global awareness including the annual World Partnership Walk.
WWW.HEARTPHARMACY.COM
Ralmax Group of Companies Ralmax is the parent company of 11 marine industrial businesses all with a connection to Victoria harbour and the Salish Sea. Champions of the working harbour, Ralmax has long understood the strategic role that the marine environment and Victoria harbour play in local, regional and provincial economies. IAN MAXWELL Launched in 1978 with one truck, today Ralmax employs more than 450 people, and its operations fuel a supply chain of approximately 600 other businesses. Privately owned, Ralmax is dedicated to employment lands that create and sustain high-value jobs. Profits are reinvested locally into the businesses, training and the community. Ralmax has made it a priority to invest in harbour restoration and in environmental management systems across their companies, ensuring responsible stewardship as part of a diversified economy for future generations.
WWW.RALMAX.COM
Live your best life, the Berwick way. At Berwick, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living. Join one of our vibrant communities today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.
BerwickRetirement.com 4062 SHELBOURNE STREET GORDON HEAD, VICTORIA | 250.721.4062
Proud to be BC Owned and Operated CAMPBELL RIVER | COMOX | KAMLOOPS NANAIMO | QUALICUM BEACH VICTORIA: GORDON HEAD & ROYAL OAK
2020 BUSINESS AWARDS
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SPONSORED BY
Ralmax Group of Companies
OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.”
Flytographer
–Anonymous
Congratulations to all Nominees and Recipients of The 2020 Greater Victoria Business Awards
NICOLE SMITH
Flytographer is a marketplace that connects people with hand-picked, local photographers for quick and easy photo shoots in over 300 cities globally. Since our beginning in a spare room in Oak Bay just seven years ago, we have helped capture more than two million memories. Our team is currently 100% women and our global community of 600+ photographers represents the diversity of the world we live in today — spanning race, age, LGBTQ, geography etc. We believe that empathy, gratitude, and a growth-mindset are powerful strategic tools that positively impact culture and the bottom line. Flytographer helps customers all over the world create memories that will be treasured for generations, but we also create career opportunities by developing local talent in-house. We are proud to show the world what Victoria has to offer.
WWW.FLYTOGRAPHER.COM
Vancouver Island Brewing
Proud champions of Victoria’s employment lands and the working harbour. Responsible industry creating jobs for today and future generations.
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Vancouver Island Brewing is made up of passionate, inspired people. We are proud to be driving innovation in an industry that we helped pioneer more than 35 years ago. We love giving back to our local communities, and being neighbourly is a core value that we put into action CHRIS BJERRISGAARD, TIERRA every day. MADANI AND DAVE NICHOLLS We focus on promoting healthy practices in our workplace and encourage everyone on our team to pursue and explore an active lifestyle. Whether we are skiing on Mount Washington, going for a morning kayak or mountain biking in the valley, our team is always seeking adventure wherever we can find it. Our diverse team plays an active role in everything we do at our brewery and is at the center of our businesses’ success.
WWW.VIBREWING.COM
SPONSORED BY
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
BRNKL by Barnacle Systems Inc.
BRANDON WRIGHT
Barnacle Systems Inc., is an awardwinning manufacturer of boat security and monitoring products. Our flagship product, BRNKL (pronounced ‘barnacle’), is a home security system for your boat that allows you to monitor the critical systems on your boat as well as prevent theft. We have also launched the Mate, an accessory to the BRNKL that bridges the gap between the “smart boat” and the “smart home” by integrating Samsung SmartThings sensors into the BRNKL ecosystem. This partnership was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2020. BRNKL products are proudly designed in Victoria and manufactured in Vancouver. These home-grown devices are being used to protect recreational, industrial and military boats in more than 20 countries.
INNOVATION
THE WORLD LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
WWW.BRNKL.IO
Moduurn Moduurn provides mobile ordering apps for those in the food and beverage industry looking to promote and protect their brand and increase profits. We work with organizations of all sizes — from large-scale enterprise to independent operators with take out, delivery and contactless table-service JOSE ALBIS AND ALEX COOK options. We help organizations become more profitable while protecting their most valuable asset, their brand, through the use of their own branded mobile-ordering app. Moduurn currently has more than 300 locations throughout North America, including food and beverage operations of all sizes, as well as hotels and commercial and corporate cafeterias. Our commitment to our clients is to provide excellent customer service and to help our customers increase their bottom line.
WWW.MODUURN.COM 2020 BUSINESS AWARDS 13
SPONSORED BY
Innov8 Digital Solutions
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE Victoria Comfort Keepers The new standard in office technology.
BRECON GAGE
Now in our seventh year of operation, Comfort Keepers has become a leader in the private healthcare sector in Victoria. We work 24/7 to ensure all aspects of our clients’ and their families’ expectations are exceeded. Comfort Keepers supports clients wishing to remain living independently at home, while ensuring it is done with their core values of love, integrity and respect. We are constantly finding new ways to revolutionize home care. We have arranged for local doctors to visit patients at home, developed technology for “real time” reporting for families, created a medication delivery program and advocated for patients in hospital. Comfort Keepers Victoria is proud to help raise the bar for the private health care industry.
WWW.COMFORTKEEPERS.CA
Victoria HarbourCats Congratulations to the 2020 Nominees Outstanding customer service is a
pillar of our business; we are honoured to present the final nominees.
Best of luck to all nominees of the 2020 Greater Victoria Business Awards.
innov8.ca | 1.800.663.3923 14
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The Victoria HarbourCats Baseball Club provides the best summertime sports experience in the city, offering family fun with great food and showcases top-level collegiate baseball players who have a goal of playing in the Major Leagues. A leader in West Coast JIM SWANSON League attendance since 2013, the HarbourCats continue to innovate and improve the in-game experience for fans. From an in-park zipline, fireworks, the Wilson’s Upper Deck Experience and Strathcona Party Deck, to partnering with foods trucks – the HarbourCats strive to ensure every ticket purchaser has a great time. The HarbourCats hold special events throughout the year for their customers and are dedicated to working with the community and a number of service groups. The team’s mascot, Harvey the HarbourCat, is always a favourite at events and helps brighten the day for kids of all ages.
WWW.HARBOURCATS.COM
SPONSORED BY
Camosun College
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES Elate Cosmetics
MELODIE REYNOLDS
Elate Cosmetics is a conscientious beauty brand founded on the values of kindness, community, transparency and innovation. Our vision is to educate and create innovative solutions to solve the problems of waste in cosmetics. Our product line is cruelty free and vegan and focuses on fair trade and ethical ingredients that don’t put people or the environment at risk. We believe no one should have to suffer for beauty. We choose materials that are as low waste as possible and continue to work towards becoming 100% plastic free as a company. At Elate we are committed to leading social and environmental change in the beauty industry.
WWW.ELATEBEAUTY.COM
TOPSOIL - Innovative Urban Agriculture Inc. Founded in 2015, TOPSOIL has created an innovative food-production business which utilizes non-arable land to grow food for restaurants and the surrounding community. Our business was built upon core environmental and social principles with an emphasis on growing the local economy. Our mission is to increase local food production by providing a fully integrated modular farming system that will empower people through production, employment and education. At TOPSOIL, we grow thousands of pounds of high-quality fresh produce, each season, for a wide range of restaurants and 1,000s of community members. Growing food in cities allows us to by-pass the entire industrial produce supply chain and connect directly with our customers. We believe urban agriculture is an exciting opportunity to provide food that is better for people, better for the environment and just simply tastes better.
Bikramjit Singh Diploma of Electronics & Computer Engineering
You always belong here CHRIS HILDRETH
Follow@camosunalumni
camosun.ca/alumni
WWW.TOPSOILEATLOCAL.COM 2020 BUSINESS AWARDS 15
SPONSORED BY
Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR The Cridge Centre With your gift, you’re for the Family helping kids like Lucy and Clara have access to the health care they need.
VAL FULLER
The Cridge Centre for the Family has been serving vulnerable populations for 147 years in Greater Victoria. Our mission is to provide excellence in support, housing, education and community. We work together to restore hope and a future for those overcoming challenges. Our services include child care, seniors’ assisted living, brain injury supports, emergency and supportive housing for women fleeing violence, housing for refugee and immigrant families, and supports for families with children with disabilities and young families.
WWW.CRIDGE.ORG
Ocean Networks Canada Island kids Lucy and Clara
Join us as champions for the health of every Island family by donating to the Kids First Fund today! islandkidsfirst.com formerly
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world leader in ocean observing and monitoring. For over 15 years, ONC has been bringing ocean data to the surface from the world’s first large-scale cabled observatories off Canada’s West Coast. ONC creates leading-edge research and career opportunities for scientists and students, coastal communities, industry and governments. Our partnership with coastal communities helps them to monitor and protect our ocean and transforms data into knowledge, allowing decision makers to enhance public and marine safety. From delivering BC’s new earthquake early warning system, to helping reduce the cumulative effects of shipping on atrisk whales, to measuring Arctic sea ice and ocean acidification, ONC lives up to its vision of enhancing life on Earth.
WWW.OCEANNETWORKS.CA
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KATE MORAN
SPONSORED BY
ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY
EMERGING BUSINESS PERSON Erin Boggs ROBINSON’S OUTDOOR STORE Erin is a fourth generation co-owner of her iconic family business that first opened its doors more than 91 years ago in Victoria. Erin’s extensive hiking and travel experience combined with her passion for providing outstanding service, allows her to add a fresh point of view in a continually changing marketplace. Her strategy for success includes focusing on building community, giving back, environmental stewardship and developing a strong social-media presence. In following the successful business practices of previous generations, while adding her own progressive twist, Erin plans to carry the store forward well past its 100th anniversary.
WWW.ROBINSONSOUTDOORS.COM
Mike Walker ROLL.FOCUS. PRODUCTIONS Founded in 2015 by Mike Walker and Amanda Eyolfson, Roll.Focus. has established itself as a commercial video innovator, creating custom content for organizations across Western Canada. From day one, the goal has been to develop high-quality video that’s affordable for businesses of all sizes — helping brands stay current in an ever-evolving video landscape. With extensive experience in live production, Roll.Focus. has also assembled a livestream broadcast system which rivals that of major networks for a fraction of the cost, giving local events the opportunity to capture a global audience online. Whether it’s a 30-second promo, a three-minute feature or a 30-minute documentary, Roll.Focus. will capture your moment and your message, before crafting it into a video that will wow your customers time and time again.
25 YEARS AGO, WE DECIDED TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY. To establish a place of higher learning designed specifically for, and with, working professionals. To make the latest tools and techniques available to those who want to enhance their skills. And to challenge our students to approach the world with that same entrepreneurial spirit, enabling them to transform their careers, and lives, forever. Now, we’re looking forward to another 25 years, and every transformation to come.
royalroads.ca
WWW.ROLLFOCUS.COM 2020 BUSINESS AWARDS 17
SPONSORED BY
Deloitte Canada
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Lise Gyorkos PAGE ONE PUBLISHING INC. Known for her positive business leadership and passionate community involvement, Lise has built one of the most successful and influential media companies in British Columbia. As President of Page One Publishing Inc., Lise’s success can be measured by the ongoing growth and popularity of magazines such as Douglas, YAM and Spruce. Lise is widely considered to be a business visionary who focuses on being a positive force working to shape vibrant, economically successful communities. She volunteers countless hours on boards and committees across the city and is actively engaged with mentoring new entrepreneurs to help them succeed. A true trailblazer, Lise is a prime example of community leader and business success.
WWW.PAGEONEPUBLISHING.CA
Dave Obee TIMES COLONIST
The future of BC Is made in BC Deloitte proudly celebrates the Greater Victoria Business Awards recognizing this year’s visionary leaders.
www.deloitte.ca © 2020 Deloitte LLP and affiliated entities.
At a time when the newspaper industry has been in turmoil, it’s important to have an experienced, hands-on leader at the helm. Under the sound leadership of Dave Obee as Editor-In-Chief and Publisher, the Times Colonist has managed to stave off that turmoil. His steady presence has helped pull back the curtain on newspaper operations showing readers — and advertisers — who they are and what they do for the community. He is committed to helping, and founded the annual Times Colonist Book Drive in 1998, generating $5 million towards literacy and education projects locally. Dave is leading the transformation of the Times Colonist to ensure it not only survives, but has a strong, relevant future.
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PAST LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNERS The Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award honours a business person who has made an excellent contribution to the Greater Victoria community for a significant period. This award is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, business, and the overall community, signifying the achievement, resourcefulness and determination they have shown.
2016
2018
2017
ERIC CHARMAN Charman Pacific Realty Ltd.
MEL COOPER Telus Community Board
2012
2011
2010
CEDRIC STEELE
GORDON DENFORD Berwick Retirement Communities
TERRY FARMER Accent Inns
Cedric Steele & Associates
2015
DR. NAZMUDIN LYNDA & MURRAY (NAZ) G. RAYANI FARMER Camosun College & Heart Pharmacy Group University of Victoria
2009
ALEX A. CAMPBELL Thrifty Foods
2019 GORDY DODD Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress
2014
2013
BOB SKENE Royal Roads University
KEITH DAGG Keith Dagg Consulting Inc.
2008
2007
ROBERT H. WRIGHT Oak Bay Marine Group
JOHN CHEW Chew Excavating
PAST CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE YEAR The Chamber Member of the Year Award honours an individual who is an advocate for member businesses, is a volunteer and participates on The Chamber’s board or committees and who helps foster relationships between The Chamber and the community.
2019
ROSE ARSENAULT Agilus Work Solutions (formerly Talentcor)
2018
2017
AL HASHAM Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics
DAN DAGG H2 Accelerator (formerly Hot House Marketing)
Learn more about past winners online at: victoriachamber.ca/business-awards 2020 BUSINESS AWARDS 19
GOVERNORS’ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER
Bill McCreadie MCCREADIE & TAIT
Going to bat for Greater Victoria There are many ways to lead. Sometimes, leaders are obvious. They’re the ones who bask in the spotlight and enjoy having the attention follow them around. Others, such as Bill McCreadie, do their work in the background and let their effort and passion inspire. McCreadie, named The Chamber’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Board of Governors, past chairs of The Chamber, has lived a life dedicated to giving back. “I would never think of myself as an example for others to follow,” McCreadie says. “I have tried to pay back kindness that was extended to me as a kid, that has been my goal in life.” Born in Grenoch, Scotland in 1942, McCreadie’s family moved to Canada one year later during the height of the Second World War. The passage was fraught with danger as Nazi U-Boats actively patrolled the ocean. After initially settling in Montreal, the family faced a decision at the end of the war. Either move back to Scotland, or head west to the Pacific to a job in Victoria’s shipyards. McCreadie grew up in Esquimalt, and says he became enamored with Greater Victoria as a child. In high school, when his father once again needed to move for work, McCreadie made the tough choice to stay behind in the city he loved. “My family moved to San Diego when I was in Grade 11 and, even at that age, I knew where I wanted to live so I stayed in Victoria,” McCreadie says, recalling moving in with another family who provided room and board and treated him like a son. Looking back, he recognizes how fortunate he was to have people looking out for his best interests. “I enjoyed playing sports and coaches recognized that I didn’t have some of the advantages other kids had, and they would swing by in their cars and drive me to and from practices and games,” McCreadie says. “I was very grateful for their kindness and I have tried to pay that back by working with kids and sports as a director or as the guy who sells the most hot dogs to support the team.” After a short time at the University of Victoria, McCreadie decided his interests were elsewhere. He left the school to take a role with the accounting firm Bailey, Monteith and Holmes and began studying for his Chartered Accountant degree. After the local firm merged with international giant Price Waterhouse, McCreadie was once again faced with the prospect of moving away from his roots. He knew that to further his career with the new firm, he would need to relocate to Toronto. So, staying true to his passion for Greater Victoria, he set out to start his own business. The shift also allowed him to focus on what he loved to do. “I found that working on audits of large corporations was not satisfying to me, but helping an individual organize his or her business plans was very satisfying,” he says. “As an auditor I always felt that, when you went into an office to audit the accounts, the people working there would treat you as a necessary evil and tolerate you but not appreciate you because in their minds you were there to discover their errors. Whereas sitting down with a sole proprietor, discussing their plans and helping them get the bank financing required was beneficial for the client and very satisfying for myself.” His work with business, naturally led him to join The Chamber.
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He was encouraged to run for a seat on the Board of Directors and, after being elected, spent time as Chamber president. He was appointed to the regional Destination Marketing Commission at Tourism Victoria, which itself started as a Chamber committee. Working with longtime tourism guru Lorne Whyte, McCreadie says the commission made significant contributions to the economic growth of the region. Now retired, McCreadie is perhaps best known in the community for his work building the relationship between Greater Victoria and its sister city Morioka, Japan. McCreadie has served as president of the Victoria-Morioka Friendship Society since 1986. After an earthquake devastated Japan in 2011, McCreadie travelled to Morioka in 2013 to present a cheque to the community as a show of support. And recently — before the pandemic forced the postponement of this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, — McCreadie was acting as the liaison between the Canadian Olympic Association and Morioka, which had been hosting Canadian Olympians in training.
AWARD SPONSORED BY
Times Colonist
Congratulations Bill
That connection inspired Chamber governor Robin Adair to nominate McCreadie for this year’s Lifetime Achievement award. “It occurred to me that many people in Victoria had no idea about the 30 years Bill had devoted to the sister-city friendship society or his decades of service to community organizations, including The Chamber,” Adair said. McCreadie takes the recognition in stride, preferring to keep the attention on a community that has given him so much and that he continues to pay back. “If others are inspired by my efforts to repay kindness, then they will receive the same satisfaction I have received by my involvement in the community.”
A Chamber delegation preparing for their 1986 trip to Morioka, Japan.
Bill McCreadie “deserves recognition for volunteering behind the scenes to serve high-profile sports events and for quietly working on behalf of businesses in Greater Victoria” – Keith Dagg
timescolonist.com
Bill and his wife Rita in 1990 at Victoria Corner, Morioka Zoo.
Bill presents a cheque in 2013 to help Japanese students devastated by a tsunami.
2020 BUSINESS AWARDS 21
Sharing success the best way to enjoy the journey CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Rahim Khudabux MAX FURNITURE
22 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
Growing up, Rahim Khudabux knew how to get attention and make people smile. But it was his innate drive to succeed that caught the eye of his business mentor, Al Hasham, owner of Maximum Express Courier, who saw something special in the budding businessman. “I think the one thing that was consistent for me through school was that I was always the class clown,” says Khudabux, owner and manager of Max Furniture. “I think having fun always needs to be part of who I am and what I do.” The combination of determination, ambition and a self-deprecating sense of humour has worked well for Khudabux, earning him the honour of being the 2020 Chamber Member of the Year. “It’s a huge honour because The Chamber has done so much for me,” he says, thanking current Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce chair John Wilson for nominating him for the award. Khudabux met Wilson through The Chamber, which led to him becoming a regular sideline performer, known as Rahim the Dream, at Victoria HarbourCats baseball games. The team, owned by Wilson’s company, always gets a rise from spectators when Khudabux dances for the crowd. The gig is also a great way to promote his furniture store. Khudabux’s connections to The Chamber run deep, as he has been a member of the Board of Directors, the Ambassador committee and one of the early drivers of the Prodigy Group. However, the path to being a prominent business person wasn’t always clear. After graduating from the University of Victoria, Khudabux was drawn to the independence and energy of being an entrepreneur. However, the mystery of running a business was daunting. Fortunately for Khudabux, he was taken under the wing of Hasham, past chair of The Chamber. With guidance and a little encouragement from Hasham, Khudabux was able to find his path. “As soon as he showed me that (being a successful business owner) was a possibility I was hooked and didn’t want to look back,” Khudabux says. Hasham helped Khudabux acquire a small wholesale business with regular clients. It was during this time that Khudabux began getting more involved with The Chamber. “Al told me I should start attending mixers and mingles to network and market myself,” he says. In 2008, Khudabux also began working as manager of Max Furniture, which was started by Hasham and partners. The connections that Khudabux built through The Chamber proved invaluable for the burgeoning business. “We had a zero marketing-budget and so sweat equity was the only way I could grow the business,” Khudabux says, grateful for the opportunities provided by The Chamber. After several years of growing the business and a lot of hard work, Khudabux became co-owner of the store with Hasham, who stayed on as CEO to continue providing guidance.
“Being in business is by far the most humbling experience I have had in my life,” Khudabux says. “You are constantly challenged on many fronts, and sometimes you are right and sometimes you are wrong. However, you cannot give up. You have to keep moving forward.” These days, Khudabux is enjoying family life with his wife Rayyann and their 18-month-old daughter Taya. He’s also taking the time to look back at where he’s come from, and where he wants to go next. “I would say the biggest challenge for any business person is staying disciplined, and, at times, staying positive — especially when you start with very little money and resources,” he says, adding that the best thing to do in those times is to carry on putting one foot in front of the other and accept that success is a journey and not a one-off event. “There are times when you can lift your head up, take a step back and see what you have accomplished — with your mentors and your team,” he says. “You see the impact you have had on others and the community, and you can take pride in that. I think, when you do that once in a while, it can bring a smile to your face.” Looking ahead, Khudabux is clear that he hopes to one day have as much of an impact on another person’s career as his mentor has had on him.
AWARD SPONSORED BY
Air Canada
“Business success, and giving back to the community, actually go hand in hand – I’ve been taught that you cannot have one without the other. The community supports the business and therefore the business must give back. It is the right thing to do,” Khudabux says. “If Al hadn’t taken a chance on helping me out (through ups and downs) I wouldn’t be where I am. And if I can help someone else along the way, and change a life for the better, as mine has been changed, that would be quite an honour.”
LEADING THE WAY Congratulations to the winners
LA VOIE DE L’EXCELLENCE Rahim and his business mentor and friend, Al Hasham.
Rahim and his 18-month-old daughter, Taya.
Félicitations à tous les lauréats
Rayyann and her husband, Rahim
2020 BUSINESS AWARDS 23
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