Richmond Review · Page 1
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014
Best in business honoured at Business Excellence Awards by Matthew Hoekstra Staff Reporter
by Matthew Hoekstra Staff Reporter
Richard Lam photo Outgoing chamber executive director Craig Jones thanks entertaining emcee Fred Lee (right).
category. It was a tie for the 76+ employee category, as Cowell Auto Group and Paper Excellence Canada both received prizes. Other winners: Ideon Packaging for Outstanding Workplace; 505 Junk for Young Entrepreneur; Wun2Free Entertainment for New Business of the Year; Pathways Clubhouse for Association of the Year; Tien Sher Homes for Business Leadership; EXIT Canada for Innovation of the Year. Gary Cohen, of Hall of Fame
inductee Cohen Buchan Edwards LLP, offered thanks to his parents, clients and to the chamber for recognizing the people creating economic opportunity and prosperity in Richmond. Cohen also delivered a message to his business colleagues. “To you the business owners, we offer this advice: believe in yourself, communicate your ideas, trust your employees, be creative, embrace innovation, plan for change, consult with
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your advisors and give generously to your community.” Ahead of Thursday night’s event, Richmond Chamber of Commerce executive director Craig Jones announced his retirement after nearly a decade at the organization’s helm. Said Jones: “It’s been a real privilege to work with you and be part of this great community. It’s home to me, and the chamber has become home as well.” •See p. 15 for more stories.
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Gamblers at River Rock Casino Resort added another $5,346,000 to city coffers in the third quarter of this year, as revenues from the busy casino continue to break records. Richmond has netted $15.4 million from the River Road casino so far this year under provincial rules that give cities 10 per cent of net gaming revenue for hosting a casino. Richmond’s year-to-date gaming revenue is up 15.4 per cent from last year, according to a new city financial report, and third quarter revenues alone are 19.2 per cent higher than the same quarter in 2013. The city report attributes part of the increase to a new high-limit table games room that opened early this year. River Rock’s strong financial results are leading the way for the property’s owner, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. Rod Baker, Great Canadian’s president and CEO, said in a news release the Richmond casino recorded significant growth in gaming revenues and net income in the three-month period that ended Sept. 30. “These improvements continue a lengthy trend of positive momentum at the property,” he said. Last year the city netted a record $17.6 million from River Rock—40 per cent more than the 2010 Olympic year. Since 1999, Richmond has received $152.1 million in gaming cash.
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Gaming millions continue to pour into city ‘Positive momentum’ at River Rock on track to give Richmond another record take this year
Local law firm named to Hall of Fame
Some of Richmond’s most outstanding businesses were honoured Thursday at the 37th annual Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s and City of Richmond’s Business Excellence Awards. Emceed by media personality Fred Lee, the sold-out event at River Rock Show Theatre recognized 27 nominees and celebrated winners in nine categories. In addition, Vancouver Airport Authority received the Newsmaker of the Year Award, and law firm Cohen Buchan Edwards LLP was named to the Hall of Fame. “Our business sector plays a key role in building a strong city,” Mayor Malcolm Brodie told the crowd of over 320 business and community leaders. “We are very, very proud to have such a strong business sector whose members are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.” Richmond Chamber of Commerce chair Gerard Edwards said there are 14,000 businesses in Richmond—and the 27 nominees—selected from over 100 nominations—represent the best in the community. Awards for Outstanding Business of the Year went to mobile application developer 14 Oranges in the 1-25 employees category, and computer retailer NCIX in the 26-75 employees
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