BE Awards 2018 Booklet

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Celebrating the Best of the Best of Business on Vancouver Island

EIGHTEENTH AN N UAL � ���� Proudly presented by

January 25, 2018

Gold Sponsors:

at the

Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria

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Category Sponsors: 2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Platinum Media Sponsor:

We are proud to congratulate

on your nomination for Business of the Year.

Congratulations! www.sertasimmons.com

Welcome to the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards January 25, 2018 at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria What a great way to start of 2018 - with an evening of celebration for the “all stars” of business on Vancouver Island over the last year!

The businesses represented in this program and that have packed this ballroom represent the best of the best in 17 categories. Business owners, managers and leaders are gathered tonight for an evening of positive reflection about their accomplishments, networking and camaraderie?

This what the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards has always been about. There are always good stories to tell in every environment and economy, and these Awards were created for exactly this purpose: To celebrate the successes of companies in our economy in a wide variety of sectors.

The pages of this Official Souvenir Book are filled with profiles, photos and contact Information for some of the most successful businesses on Vancouver Island over the 2017 calendar year. There are some amazing stories to be told, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to highlight these as sterling examples of what can be, and is being done, in our region.

This event is brought to you by our generous Sponsors: Platinum Media Sponsors Black Press, Gold Sponsors Grant Thornton LLP, RBC Royal Bank, Liquid Capital and Shaw Business Vancouver Island.

Our Category Sponsors this year are Grieg Seafood, Island Savings Credit Union, Invest Comox Valley, Helijet, Coastal Community Credit Union and BE Digital. Without them, the Business Excellence Awards would not be possible.

And this year, we’re delighted to have Amber Schinkel of CTV Vancouver Island serve as our Master of Ceremonies!

Of course, this also wouldn’t be possible without all the businesses that have been nominated for the 17 categories in this year’s awards.

Business Examiner Victoria and Business Examiner Vancouver Island tell stories about business, and the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards gives the publication a great opportunity to highlight some of the biggest and brightest stars of the year.

They are honored to be able to combine their efforts to put together this night to remember. Don’t forget to look for photos and the winners at: www.businessexaminer.ca

Table of Contents Category

Page

Judges’ Biographies

2

Automotive

4

Construction/Development & Real Estate 6 Entrepreneur of the Year

20

Food & Food Production

24

Health Care

28

Hospitality

32

Industrial Manufacturer

37

Manufactured Wood Products

42

Ocean Products

44

Professional

46

Restaurant

50

Retail

52

Technology

56

Tourism

58

Trades

60

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

66

Business of the Year

73

Mark MacDonald President

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 1

Judges for the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Jolynn Green

Jolynn Green

Jolynn’s hands-on experience assisting hundreds of small business from startup to expansion and her rich and diverse work experience combined with lifelong learning has created a business acumen steeped in business, human resources, project management, organizational development and nonprofit sector management. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has been self-employed.

Her career began in the community economic development arena as a Chamber of Commerce Manager/EDO actively pursuing economic development opportunities. Motivated by the grassroots development approach and the business development aspect of Western Diversification Canada’s Community Futures Program mandate, Jolynn joined the team of Community Futures Central Island in July 2010 as an Executive Director. Community Futures, a not for profit itself, understands the need for diversified income streams and self-reliance. Community Futures provides capital to businesses in the way of repayable loans whether operated by an individual, corporation or not for profit. Jolynn’s work experience gave her the desire to continue to expand her knowledge base and as a result she is a graduate from Royal Roads University of Victoria, BC.

Michelle Konkle

Michelle is currently the Director of Excel Career College and has worked at Excel for the past 17 years. Michelle often wears many hats, including Administrative, Instructional, Accounting, and Admissions. Her favourite role is seeking and obtaining government contracts specifically to address skills shortages in various industries and communities.

When Michelle is not working she can be found travelling with her husband, Shane, spending time with her 3 kids and other family or 10-pin bowling (typically also while travelling or with her kids).

Michelle Konkle

Pauline Stevenson

Pauline Stevenson is the President and founder of Excel Career College on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Ms. Stevenson, began her career as a Data Entry Clerk for a Chartered Accounting Firm. Ms. Stevenson, as a young career professional, in 1989, was already committed to service and was a founding member of the Women’s Business Network and served as its President shortly thereafter.

Over 20 years ago, Ms. Stevenson demonstrated her trail-blazing spirit once again, by accepting the invitation to be one of the first women to join the all-male (up to that point) Courtenay Rotary Club.

Since 2014, Ms. Stevenson has volunteered her time and expertise to the Women’s Enterprise Centre as a mentor for Women in Business and has contributed to many women’s entrepreneurial success.

Ms. Stevenson believes in not only helping her students reach their goals – but nurtures the professional growth of her employees, leading to very loyal long-term positive relationships that resemble family in many aspects.

Pauline Stevenson

Derrold Norgaard

For most of his career, Derrold was a Tax Partner with KPMG LLP, one of Canada’s largest accountancy and consultancy firms, working out of both the Vancouver and Victoria offices. Derrold held the dual role of Tax Partner in Victoria and Office Managing Partner for the office until his departure from KPMG LLP in 2008.

Derrold is the Principal behind Island Tax. Derrold focuses on a family office role acting as a private tax advisor for high wealth individuals, families and businesses. His team of assistants and associates allow for his work and practice to take place across Canada.

Derrold’s primary areas of practice include personal tax planning, international tax and corporate taxation. He has authored several articles on Canadian tax planning and has been an instructor in Canadian Institute tax programs for many years. He is a frequently requested speaker to business groups throughout Canada and Asia. He has also been recognized as one of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC, and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, Top Instructors for his teaching in various tax programs over the years, including the Advanced Tax Program sponsored jointly by the Canadian Tax Foundation.

Over the years, Derrold has worked on a variety of assignments throughout Canada, and has also been an active speaker and seminar leader for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Certified General Accountants Institutes of British Columbia and Hong Kong, as well as various business associations throughout Canada, Germany, and several Pacific Rim nations.

Derrold Norgaard

Amber Schinkel, Master of Ceremonies We’re extremely pleased to have Amber Schinkel, the anchor of CTV Vancouver Island weekend newscasts and a reporter, as our MC this year.

Amber joined the team in November 2017 after working for more than a decade with Global News in Alberta; first in Lethbridge and then Calgary.

A graduate of Mount Royal University’s Broadcasting program in 2006, Amber started her career in radio with 660 News in

2

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Calgary. The lure of television news reporting took her briefly to Swift Current, Saskatchewan before settling in Lethbridge in 2007 then Calgary in 2009. Amber grew up northwest of Calgary on a farm and loves the outdoors. She’s looking forward to exploring all the island has to offer in camping, hiking and fishing with her husband, Brendan, and dog, Hatch.

She is also an avid equestrian, but her horse, Wizard, hasn’t yet made the move.

Amber Schinkel

Audit • Tax • Advisory

Excellence always deserves recognition.

Hearty congratulations to all of the finalists of this year’s Business Excellence Awards. Your hard work and perseverance are exemplary, and you’re an inspiration to everyone in the Vancouver Island business community.

At Grant Thornton LLP, we’re proud to sponsor this prestigious event. We firmly believe that when private businesses succeed, we succeed.

That’s why our dedicated team of professionals is committed to finding solutions that help private business unlock their potential for growth.

Victoria | Duncan | Nanaimo T +1 888 746 4406 GrantThornton.ca © Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 3

Sponsored By

Automotive Harris Mazda Harris Mazda is the longest standing car dealership in Nanaimo having been in business since 43 years. Formerly Christensen Mazda, the Harris Family purchased the dealership in 2007 and this year enjoyed their 10 year anniversary. They are a new and used car dealership representing the Mazda brand and they service all makes an models.

Harris Mazda enjoyed explosive growth in 2017 in all aspects of their business. The nexus of their innovative philosophy around automotive retailing began in their sales operation where they made a quantum leap forward in their approach to selling cars.

Harris Mazda 2525 Bowen Road Nanaimo www.harrisauto.ca

NER N I DW R A W BE A

Steve Marshall Ford Steve Marshall Ford is Campbell River’s largest auto/ truck dealer. Steve has been leading the city is sales for over 10 years straight and has been one of leading Ford dealers in BC with Customer satisfaction since his inception in 1966.

In 2016 Steve celebrated 50 years of being a ford dealer in CR. The biggest innovation and change has been a new state of the art facility that opened in March, 2017, making the dealership the largest in CR by square footage, total service visits and overall volume of sales.

Steve Marshall Ford 2300 N. Island Highway Campbell River www.stevemarshallfordcampbellriver.com

Acme Safe Safe provides provides both both in in shop shop and and on on the the road residential locksmith services, from rekeying locks to fresh installations.

We supply We supply and and install install aa wide wide variety variety of of products products ranging ranging from from deadbolts deadbolts to to door door viewers, viewers, and and including including keyless keyless entry entry systems. systems.

There are many additional security products for There many additional security products ourare customers to choose from which can for ourenhance customers chooseoffrom the to security theirwhich home.can

enhance the security of their home.

250-383-6899 (shop)| | www.acmesafe.ca www.acmesafe.ca 250-383-6899 (shop)

250-383-6899 (shop) | www.acmesafe.ca Since 1968, our 50th year

4

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Multi-discipline valuation & appraisal ďŹ rm

(250) 929-2929 | www.MalahatValuationGroup.com

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18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 5

Construction/Development & Real Estate Sponsored By

Alair Homes Founded in Nanaimo in 2007, and over the 10 years since Alair Homes has expanded across Canada and the United States, currently servicing 102 locations.

Alair Homes has successfully taken the good business practices they learned here on Vancouver Island to the construction market, growing to the largest custom contracting company in North America. Focusing on custom homes and renovations, they use their unique construction model to work with clients, educate them on the construction process, work hand in hand with

Congratulations to the team at Alair Homes on being a finalist!

250-751-1727 www.mazzeielectric.com

them to finalize the construction drawings, budget, product selections as well as the construction schedule.

By doing this they are able to ensure project budget, quality, and schedule, prior to starting construction. The industry has remained, for the most part, unchanged for decades. Alair used modern tools like its proprietary project management software to bring the construction process into the modern era. This allows all employees to have a flexible work schedule to balance their home and work lives. Out of their Nanaimo Head Office they also process all of the accounting, receivables / payables, payroll, legal, marketing, business coaching, HR, graphic design as well as web design services for all of our locations.

They are keeping their roots firmly planted here on Vancouver Island.

Alair Homes 96 Wallace Street Nanaimo www.alairhomes.ca

BE AWARD WINNER

Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops, Murphy Beds, Built-Ins & Commercial Millwork

Congratulations on your nomination!

We’re proud to be working with Alair Homes.

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18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Parksville: 250.954.1789 | Nanaimo: 250.585.2118

www.midislandcabinets.com

Sponsored By

Construction/Development & Real Estate

Butler Wilson Quality Construction Ltd. Butler Wilson Quality Construction Ltd. is a family owned and operated construction company serving Ladysmith to Qualicum Beach.

They provide framing, finishing, and general contracting services. They have been in business for five years, but their team has decades of construction experience on Vancouver Island.

Over the course of the first five years in business, the company has really established itself.

They have put together a solid crew and are now operating at maximum efficiency.

Butler Wilson Quality Construction Ltd. 3587 Fairview Drive, Nanaimo www.butlerwilsonconstruction.com

Hook & Hook Renovations Hook & Hook Renovations & Design Inc. is a family-owned and operated business specializing in creating custom designs, custom cabinetry, furniture and millworks, and providing full-service project management, from kitchen renovations to renovating a home.

Andi and Larry Hook moved to PEI in 2008, where they opened Hook & Hook Renovations and began to specialize in renovating historic homes as well as kitchen and bathroom renovations. When their son, River, was born, they moved to Victoria to be closer to Andi’s mother. Their son, now four, has been learning the family business and is an expert with a drill. Andi brings her expertise and over 10 years of experience in designing custom homes, while Larry brings over 20 years of experience in construction and custom cabinetry.

Hook & Hook Renovations #3-2042 Mills Road, Sidney www.handhrenovations.com

a suite of community amenities and an unparalleled waterfront location.

With open-concept living areas, spacious terraces are designed for the lifestyle you want.

Inventory is limited – act now to discover your new home in our vibrant community.

Proud to support Vancouver Island businesses and initiatives.

Now selling 2 bedroom, 2 bath luxury homes to learn more Register at 3221 Heatherbell Road, Victoria, BC • 778.265.8288

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 7

Construction/Development & Real Estate Sponsored By

Excalibur Custom Homes Ltd. GR Excalibur Custom Homes Ltd. is a general contractor/full construction company, doing everything from small renovations to large custom homes, as well as multi-family projects and commercial work.

Excalibur has been in business since 2005 and Excalibur Custom Homes was incorporated in 2009. It has continued to grow and increase profits throughout that time. Based out of Nanaimo and work most of central Vancouver Island, they have done business as far as Courtenay, Port Alberni, Parksville,

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Ladysmith, Salt Air and Qualicum Beach. They have been 10-plus years accident free which is hard to do in the construction industry.

GR Excalibur Custom Homes LTD 3237 Ridgeview Place Nanaimo www.excaliburcustomhomes.ca

Hein Mechanical Services Inc.

Hein Mechanical working together with Excalibur Custom Homes to provide a comfortable, healthy home environment with energy efficient natural gas products.

250.729.8815 | 4434 Wellington Rd, Nanaimo 8

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Congratulations to Excalibur Custom Homes on your nomination for a Business Excellence Award

CE Spray Foam Solutions Inc.

10221 McDonald Park Rd. | Sidney, BC V8L 5X7 OfďŹ ce: 778-426-0888 | sprayfoamadmin@shaw.ca

www.cefoam.ca

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 9

Construction/Development & Real Estate Sponsored By

Lanson’s Drywall Systems With over 40 years of experience, Lanson’s Drywall Systems Ltd. has provided Nanaimo and isurrounding communities with the best in insulation and drywall services, products and expertise. Servicing both the residential and commercial marketplaces, Lanson’s is the established leader in drywall systems for Vancouver Island’s central region; however, the company has completed work from as far south as Victoria and as far north as Port Hardy.

They offer the following services: Exterior/Interior Steel Stud Framing, Drywall Installation, Repairs, Retexturing & Finishing, Installation of Blown-In Insulation, Acoustic Insulation, Batt Insulation, and Spray Foam Insulation, Acoustic Ceilings, Suspended Drywall Ceilings, T-Bar Ceilings and Tile Installation.

Sales have increased 60% over the previous year.

Lanson’s Drywall Systems Ltd. #9-2535 McCullough Road Nanaimo www.lansonsdrywall.com

10 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Congratulations to Lanson’s Drywall on your nomination, it is well deserved.

Nanaimo | Victoria | Ucluelet www.heroldengineering.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 11

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Cut your costs with the BizSimple™ Business Account†

Congratulations Steven.

We enjoy working with you on many fine projects.

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Keeping it Simple®

†The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, a statutory corporation, fully guarantees all BC credit union deposits. Credit Union equity shares and investments such as mutual funds or RSP equity plans are not covered by deposit insurance.

250-748-1418 bryan.sundeckcentre@shaw.ca

Congratulations to all the winners!

Saanich Centre Royal Oak Shopping Centre Gateway Village Saanich Plaza Munro Centre Torquay Village

“EVERYTHING FOR EVERYDAY” 12 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Our mission is to help you find lighting that you love, at an affordable price, with as much fun as possible.

We take the stress out of your decisions and help you find lighting you’ll love for years to come.

790 Spruce Ave

250.475.0105

www.pinelightingvictoria.com

Sponsored By

Construction/Development & Real Estate

Made To Last Custom Homes Made to Last Custom Homes operates in the Cowichan Valley, including the Malahat and surrounding Gulf Islands. Their goal is to provide excellent customer service along with high quality custom home builds.

Custom homes is their niche market and focus, and the company has expanded by adding new team members, such as project managers and a salesman so they can give clients the best attention. Their goal is to be the premier custom home builder for the Cowichan Valley and they believe they can attain that through transparency and quality customer care: Putting our clients as number one. The company has updated its website to better suit its vision, and has also created a Home building Guide.

Made to Last Custom Homes 2512 Trillium Terrace, Duncan www.madetolast.ca

Congratulations to the Made To Last team on your nomination.

1550 Thain Rd | Cobble Hill, BC 250.743.5804 | cowichanwoodwork.com

H. GODEFROY & ASSOCIATES INC. Congratulations on your endeavours in the Cowichan Valley 201-281 Canada Avenue, Duncan, BC V9L 1T6 Phone: (250)746-6311 | Fax: (250)746-4227 E-mail: admin@hgtcpa.ca

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 13

Construction/Development & Real Estate

Sponsored By

Mike Geric Construction is being featured as the lead Business Profile in the February edition of the Business Examiner. The feature was made possible through the support of the company’s vendors and suppliers, including: Cornerstone Properties KPL James Architecture Ruffell & Brown Interiors Seafirst Insurance Brokers AAA Rebar Only Gordon & Gordon Interiors Cox Taylor, Barristers and Solicitors/Notaries Pine Lighting O'G. Painting Ltd. Cougar Pacific Systems Corp

HHS Drilling & Blasting Travelers Insurance Company of Canada Applied Engineering Solutions Pacific Coast Floor Coverings Array Web & Creative J. Dias Masonry Coast Wholesale Appliances Houston Sign 90 Harbour City Kitchens Don Mann Excavating

Dr. Jas Sidhu • Dr. Lien Neale Dr. Melinda Mo • Dr. Mandy McIntosh Dr. Brin MacMillan • Dr. Sabrina Ma

New Patients Welcomed!

Olde Country Masonry Northwest Fencing Westeck Windows May Construction The Commissionaires Edwards Electric Power & Communication

All General Dentistry for the Whole Family (Fillings, Root Canals, Extractions and Implants) ✦

Monday - Thursday 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Friday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

IV Sedation and Oral Sedation for our Patient’s Comfort Zoom Bleaching / Invisalign

(250) 474-2296 www.westshoredental.com

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14 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

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Construction/Development & Real Estate

Mike Geric Construction Mike Geric Construction was founded by Mike Geric (retired) in 1968 to build quality family homes in Saanich. In the almost 50 years since, the Geric family has built more than 1,500 homes and grown the company into a leader in high-quality, sustainable, multifamily development in Greater Victoria.

They take great pride in their reputation as a trusted, local developer who plans and builds each of their developments, carefully managing their success every step of the way.

The company started out in the business of single-family custom homes. In recent years they have been rapidly expanding - implementing a succession of larger multifamily projects, often with more than one under construction at a time. Since 2010, the company has completed or begun construction on more than 450 homes with projects valued at almost $225 million.

Broadmead – 60 Condos $24 million Heatherdale - 93 homes $50 million The Duval - 47 homes $20 million

Brizo 19 - 19 homes $8 million Travino 250 homes $120 million The company is excited about the future because it keeps an ear to the ground to find land in unique locations. They’re nimble and have a solid business foundation so they’re able to make decisions and act quickly when opportunities arise.

They know how to use each piece of land to its full potential – that means a profitable development but also a smart and beautiful design that makes communities proud. They expand not to maximize density, but positive growth in the community.

Mike Geric Construction 4520 West Saanich Road Saanich www.gericconstruction.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 15

Construction/Development & Real Estate Sponsored By Nu-View Homes

Nu-View Homes has been on Vancouver Island since 2008. President Keith Andrews saw an opportunity in 2013 to create a construction business that was truly Design/Build by adding Architectural Designer Martine Kiliwnik to the company.

Nu-View Homes 132-328 Wale Road Victoria www.nuviewhomes.com

Having Designer and Builder exist under one roof creates a synergy to create and plan in complete harmony which allows Nu-View Homes and their clients to maximize the potential of every build. Completing projects throughout all of Greater Victoria including the Peninsula, Nu-View Homes’ model has efficiently and cost-effectively created beautiful custom homes and renovated spaces for a multitude of clients over the past four years.

The beginning of 2017 saw Nu-View Homes embark on a new venture (while still servicing their renovation and building clients), implementing their in-house Design/Build model to a multi-family Development project on a highly-prominent corner in Sidney.

16 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Always proud to support Nu-View Homes

www.coastalhvac.ca 250.656.6868

|

Victoria, BC

Construction/Development & Real Estate

Sponsored By

Soare Contracting Soare Contracting is a family owned and operated company and has been in business for 15 years, initially in 2002 as a sole proprietorship doing roofing and siding, and it incorporated in 2007.

Soare Contracting provides roofing and exterior finishes such as siding, gutters, door & window replacement, carpentry, etc. with an emphasis on metal panel manufacturing and installation.

Soare owns a standing seam metal roofing panel machine that can be used for both roofing and siding. The company services the Greater Victoria area from Sooke to Sidney as well as the Southern Gulf Islands.

Soare Contracting Inc. 2519 Wentwich Road Victoria www.soarecontracting.com

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18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 17

Construction/Development & Real Estate Sponsored By Pheasant Hill Homes Pheasant Hill Homes began in 1999 when Ken Connolly embarked on his long-held dream of becoming a quality new home builder and renovator.

In 2007 Jason Schmidt joined the company as a partner and continued down the path of offering our clients quality, integrity, and a commitment to listening to them.

This approach has put the company on the leading edge of sustainable building on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for 18 years.

Pheasant Hill Homes offers high quality custom new home work, renovations, select commercial projects, passive house building, and sustainable building. In addition to above code building standards, the company offers the opportunity for clients to incorporate the Canadian Passive House Institute Standards, Net Zero Energy housing technology, Energy Star, and Built Green standards into their homes.

In addition, detailed budgeting, drafting services, on-line timeline/tracking system, trained project managers, and interior design. Pheasant Hill Homes builds better homes by reducing the environmental impact of the houses it builds.

Proud partner of Pheasant Hill Homes, congratulations on your 2018 Business Excellence Award nomination!

Pheasant Hill Homes Ltd. Unit 9, 2480 Kenworth Rd Nanaimo www.buildbetterhomes.ca

2220 Wilgress Rd, Nanaimo P: 250.751.7584 www.kitchenandbathclassics.com

Congratulations Ken, Jason and all the staff at Pheasant Hill Homes. t

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Hein Mechanical

gln-rvnwd@shaw.ca

Hein Mechanical Services Inc.

Hein Mechanical working together with Pheasant Hill Homes to provide a comfortable, healthy home environment with energy efficient natural gas products!

250.729.8815

| 4434 Wellington Rd, Nanaimo

18 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

We are proud to congratulate

PAINT Pheasant Hill Homes

on another successful year!

Caroline Paterson, Sheila Henn and associate Sandra Boyd congratulate all 2018 BE Award nominees and winners. Our ɹUP LV KHUH WR DVVLVW EXVLQHVV RZQHUV ZLWK professional accounting services. We XQGHUVWDQG WKH KDUG ZRUN DQG GHGLFDWLRQ QHHGHG IRU D VXFFHVVIXO EXVLQHVV Congratulations!

SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING CANADIAN & US TAX RETURNS, NEW CLIENTS WELCOME!

LANTZVILLE PAINTING & MAINTENANCE

www.patersonhenn.com 2440 Bevan Ave, Sidney BC V8L 5C5

(250) 656-7284

250-390-3035

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monk.ca | hello@monk.ca | 250.384.0565 | 1.800.735.3433

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 19

Entrepreneur

Sponsored By

Coco Cafe

Coco Cafe is a project of the Cedar Opportunities Cooperative. The intention of COCO Operations is to serve the community as a revenue-neutral social enterprise.

Coco Cafe has been operational since June 3, 2011. The cafe provides a full breakfast and lunch menu, specialty beverages, frozen retail meals and homestyle baking within the cafe. Coco Cafe has become a local meeting place for members of the community. The cafe makes almost everything it serves from scratch, and subsequently, the Coco staff also learns life skills which will be helpful in finding meaningful employment in the future and can also be used in their everyday lives.

Over the past three years, the number of employees with developmental disabilities has risen from 10 in 2015 to 17 in 2016-17, of a total number of staff ranging from 30-36.

Coco Cafe (Cedar Opportunities Co-operative) #41 1840 Cedar Road, Cedar

www.cococafe.ca

WINNER D R A W A BE

CR Animal Parties CR Animal Parties offers live, educational reptile shows for birthdays, schools and events covering the entirety of Vancouver Island. The company takes in sick or unwanted reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, rehabilitates them and then brings them on location to educate the public on various topics including biology, ecology and pet care.

Their shows offer the public a unique, hands-on experience that leaves them raving about it for years to come. Customers get up close and personal with these exotic animal ambassadors while learning to love and respect living things and their care requirements in captivity. Although birthday parties are their primary seller, CR Animal Parties have been repeat guests at adult care facilities, fundraisers, community events and more.

CR Animal Parties 3386 Heather Road Black Creek www.CRAnimalParties.com

We’ve got over 130 years of residential and commercial real estate experience, and are proud to serve communites all across Vancouver Island - from Victoria to Courtenay and the Gulf Islands.

LIFETIME MEMORIES

www.pembertonholmes.com

250-385-3541

Congratulations to all of the BE Award Nominees!

www.islandtentsandevents.com NEW MANAGEMENT

NEW IDENTITY

NEW ATTITUDE

NEW SERVICE

20 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Entrepreneur

Sponsored By

Foley Dog Treat Company Foley Dog Treat Company is an independent dog treat manufacturer incorporated under Foley Dog Treat Company in 2010. The company sources and manufactures wholesale dog treats thropughout Canada and the United States. Foley Dog Treats are in local independent grocery stores, independent pet food retailers and Winners and Homesense in Canada and the United States.

The company produces a healthy grain and gluten-free dog treat with high quality locally sourced ingredients.

They started the year with 6 employees and ended the year with 10-plus employees.

In 2017 they expanded their company to accommodate sales in to grocery stores, specifically in the U.S This expansion allowed them to achieve their business revenue goals and hire extra employees.

Foley Dog Treat Company B-1945 Bollinger Road, Nanaimo www.foleydogtreat.com

Juan de Fuca Veterinary Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic is a full service veterinary hospital serving the Westshore area since 1981.

John Gayfer and John Basterfield started working together in 1980 at the original location near Royal Roads University. Very soon, they realized that ownership was the direction they wanted to go, and so, together they purchased Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic in 1981.

In 1988 Margaret Cairns joined the group as an associate veterinarian. It didn’t take long to realize that she was the natural fit for the ownership team. She then became the third and valuable partner.

When Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic started out it was a mixed practice, caring for both large and small animals. However, with the rapid growth in the Westshore the partners made the decision to focus on small animals only.

Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic 117-2244 Sooke Roa, Victoria www.jdfvet.com

BC Regional Council of Carpenters

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 21

Entrepreneur

Sponsored By

West Coast Heeler Pack West Coast Heeler Pack has been in operation since June, 2016.

The primary services they offer includes K9 Adventure Hikes and has expanded to Trick Training in the western communities, specifically Sooke and now Shirley.

In addition to the local services, West Coast Heeler Pack serves as brand reps for several outdoor and pet gear companies. West Coast Heeler Pack has worked with Therm-a-rest, Ruffwear, Rex Specs and Zumi, to name a few.

In 2017 they had a small feature in Outside Magazine and have twice made the cover of Canadian magazine Pet Connection. They have a large presence on social media, specifically Instagram, gaining almost 80,000 followers. This has been a great platform to showcase life of Heelers, Kona and Cali.

West Coast Heeler Pack 2752 Woodhaven Road Sooke & Shirley www.westcoastheelerpack.com

Locals, Bring Your Meeting to Victoria and Be Rewarded!

A successful, meaningful event highlights the latest developments in your industry, from a uniquely Victoria perspective.

It’s easy to become a local host. Business Events Victoria will provide you with the tools and resources you’ll need to make it happen.

Plus, you’ll be rewarded! Earn 1% of the hotel guest room revenue you book*. Simply send an email to localhost@tourismvictoria.com RU ´OO RXW WKH IRUP DW TourismVictoria.com/LocalHost to learn more.

22 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

es your sinessDoes Your Business Need ed Working Working Capital? pital?

Liquid Capital West Coast Financing Corp. offers alternative

ďŹ nancing options which provide businesses on Vancouver with

apital West Coast Financing Island quick access to operating cash fers alternative financing options rovide businesses on 7BODPVWFS Ä‘ĆŤ ounts Receivable Factoring VJDL access to operating cash Ä‘ĆŤ //!0ĆŤ /! ĆŤ !* %*# counts Receivable Factoring, Ä‘ĆŤ 1. $ /!ĆŤ . ased Lending, Purchase Order!.ĆŤ %* * %*# ng and more.and more.

To learn more, contact Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at 778.265.7990

or visit www.lcwestcoastďŹ nancing.com """ " #

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 23

Receivable Factoring, Asset Based Lending, Purchase Order Financing and more.

Mention this Ad and we will cover the document fee.**

Food & Food Production

Sponsored To learn more, contact Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at By 778.265.7990 or visit www.lcwestcoastfinancing.com. * Island operated and owned. ** Some conditions apply.

Hearthstone Artisan Bakery

F5_170 WCF AD Dec 2017_V3.indd 1

2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Hearthstone Artisan Bakery is a small artisan bakery in South Nanaimo that believes in producing high quality products with real ingredients from scratch every day.

For their breads they use only BC Grown and Milled organic flours and work with local farmers for seasonal fruits and vegetables. They make many different kinds of breads, cakes, and pastries - all with lots of butter and lots of love.

They have been in business for almost two years. Since opening on December 28, 2015 their business has quickly grown from 4 to 8 staff in order to keep up with the demand. Hearthstone has caught the attention of YTV for a segment on 92 Things to do in Summer as well as Food Network Canada where they filmed a segment with The Baker Sisters.

Hearthstone Artisan Bakery 115A-50 Tenth Street Nanaimo www.hearthstonebakery.ca

Salt & Harrow

Salt & Harrow is a 37-acre, certified organic farm located on the beautiful eastern coast of Vancouver Island. The farm sits along French Creek between the towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach, nestled in the shadow of Mount Arrowsmith. The farm grows over 50 varieties of vegetables, fruits, legumes and herbs and has a small flock of heritage breed hens for eggs.

They expanded their acreage to take on more customers and increase sales, so now they offer more produce and have expanded their market share. Simply put: They are farmers, trying to put good, organic food on people’s tables.

Salt & Harrow 1477 Hodges Road Parksville www.saltandharrow.com

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SMALL LOCKER

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Call today for an estimate.

Ask us about our custom maintenance packages designed for property managers and strata units.

$ave Time, $ave Money!

878 Viewfield Road | Victoria, BC | 250.381.8725

www.upakstorage.com 24 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

250.885.5455

www.garagedoordepot.ca

hase Order Financing and more.

Food & Food Production

Sponsored Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at By stcoastfinancing.com.

2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Riot Brewing Riot Brewing Co. is an award-winning production craft brewery located in Chemainus.

They have an on-site lounge, an outdoor patio and retail store, and products are available in 6-pack cans, 650ml. glass bomber bottles, 19 and 50 litre kegs, and growler-fills in the lounge.

Riot Brewing currently distributes packaged products throughout the whole of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Whistler and parts of the Okanagan and Interior.

Although they incorporated in 2013, it took us an additional 3 years to obtain funding and open the doors. In total, it was a 7-year struggle to realize their dream. They just celebrated their first year in business in November, 2017.

The Riot Brewing lounge is family (minors permitted in the company of adult/s) and pet friendly, and they’re able to provide a destination for locals

Plunmbing Plunmbing FireProtection Protection Fire Gas• •Heating Heating Gas www.mountbensonmechanical.com www.mountbensonmechanical.com

NNER I W RD A W BE A

and tourists alike. Patrons have the option to dine in – by bringing in their own food or by ordering in from local restaurants who will deliver right to their table.

Riot Brewing Co. Inc. 101A – 3055 Oak Street Chemainus www.riotbrewing.com

Proud to have been a part of the Riot Brewing team! zeidler.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 25

giving businesses on Vancouver Island quick access to operating cash with Accounts Receivable Factoring, Asset Based Lending, Purchase Order Financing and more.

Mention this Ad and we will cover the document fee.**

Food & Food Production

Sponsored To learn more, contact Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at By 778.265.7990 or visit www.lcwestcoastfinancing.com. * Island operated and owned. ** Some conditions apply.

F5_170 WCF AD Dec 2017_V3.indd 1

Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt

2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt is celebrating their fifth anniversary in February.

Now delivering to over 200 stores in Canada, the Island company has grown from a farmer’s market business to a federally licensed dairy processor with 14 products popular at the local Thrifty Foods, at BE retailers, and selling as far away as Montreal and Hong Kong.

Husband and wife team Scott DiGuistini and Merissa Myles employ a team of 23 and are champions of the local food movement, working with island chefs, farmers and communities to bring island food to life in the kitchens of Canadians. The company’s recipes are known for their quality ingredients and commitment to using 100 per cent Canadian milk, sourced from grass-fed farms on Vancouver Island.

In 2017, the company became a federally registered dairy with the capacity to ship across Canada and for export. For sales, the company delivered Island artisan yogurt to 70 new locations in Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal.

Within production, the company focused on energy efficient upgrades, which helped to reduce production processing time, saved 13,000 litres of water per week, and increased yogurt cup filling capacity by 30 per cent.

The team purchased over 416,000 litres of milk produced on Vancouver Island in 2017 and developed three more products made with “More Fruit, Less Sugar”, sourced direct from organic farms, which will hit dairy shelves in February.

Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt 3747 Island Highway South Courtenay www.treeislandyogurt.com

26 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 27

Health Care

Sponsored By

Arbutus Dental Clinic Arbutus Dental is a warm, friendly, bright, modern cheerful dental practice in the heart of downtown Qualicum Beach. When Dr. Francis LaCouvee built the dental clinic in 1998, he was clear that he wanted to create a relaxed, comfortable environment, where patients are greeted by name and have a positive experience.

Arbutus Dental is a full service practice offering a broad range of dental services from cleaning and fillings to more complicated root canals, crowns, bridges and implant surgery. The practice is modern with laser dentistry and has fully digital charting and x-ray technology.

Arbutus Dental Clinic 183 Fern Road W Qualicum Beach www.arbutusdentalclinic.com

Clinic 805 Clinic 805 is a fully accredited “state of the art” surgical facility located in the core of Victoria’s vibrant Humboldt Valley. With over 20 years’ experience in the field of cosmetic medicine, Clinic 805 is able to offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Consultation, surgery, and post-operative care take place in one location, providing continuity of care and convenience to patients. As well, they offer clients a full spectrum of non-surgical treatments such as laser skin rejuvenation, dermal fillers, Botox, and medicalgrade skincare.

Business increased by 17% in 2017 over 2016 through the addition of new laser technologies, addition of another injector nurse, expanding their scar management program, as well as exponential surgical growth.

Clinic 805 805 Fairfield Road Victoria wwwclinic805.ca

Vancouver Island Construction Association

VANCOUVER ISLAND CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE BUILDING RESILIENCY in our industry

We specialize in residential and commercial finishing, including doors, trim, hardware, paneling, stairs, flooring and building specialties.

www.dandhwoodworks.com dandhwoodworks@gmail.com

250 419 3782

28 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Friday, April 27, 2018 Victoria Conference Centre WWW.VICABC.CA

Health Care

Sponsored By

Colwood Dental Group As Colwood dentists with over 41 years experience, Colwood Dental Group understands what it means to provide exceptional dental care.

A patient’s experience starts as soon as they call the office’s fun, friendly staff to book an appointment. Their high-energy professionals value attention to detail and work quickly to ensure dental needs are met as soon as possible.

When patients walk through their doors, they will notice a calm, comfortable environment – perfectly suited to a relaxing experience for oral health and hygiene.

Colwood Dental Group 318 Goldstream Avenue Victoria www.colwooddental.ca

Comfort Keepers Victoria Comfort Keepers Victoria has been in business for 4.5 years and they work primarily in Victoria, but also provide services from Sooke to Sidney.

This family-owned company primarily serves the elderly, providing assistance to help them live as safely and as independently as possible, in the comfort of their own home. They essentially have three tiers of service. The first is called “homemaking and companionship” where caregivers assist with tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, driving to/from appointments, helping organizing activities, etc. The next tier is “personal care”, where they provide assistance with showering, toileting, dressing, medication management, dementia care, etc. The final level of service is “24-hour care”. This is usually reserved for clients who have severe health challenges, such as a hip replacement, for those with advanced dementia or those who are in the palliative stage.

Comfort Keepers Victoria #202-1770 Fort Street, Victoria www.victoria.comfortkeepers.ca

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Congratulations Congratulations to of allthe of the 2018 to all 2018 Business Awards Business Awards Nominees Nominees

TIABC TIABC

Congratulations to all of the 2018 Business Awards Nominees

Wilson's Group is proud todoing be doing TheThe Wilson's Group is proud to be Providing transportation for of your business ontransportation Vancouver Island supporting Providing for all all of your tra business on Vancouver Island andand supporting our community for over 50 years. our community for over 50 years.

Vancouver Island and beyond on on Vancouver Island and beyond Convenient, affordable and frequent Convenient, affordable and frequent YYJ AIRPORT SHUTTLE YYJ AIRPORT SHUTTLE travel between & downtown Victoria travel between YYJ &YYJ downtown Victoria

Direct transfer from to downtown Direct transfer from YYJYYJ to downtown Vic

BC FERRIES CONNECTOR BC FERRIES CONNECTOR

Multiple departures between Multiple daily daily departures between Daily bus transfer between Victoria Daily bus transfer between Victoria and an Victoria and downtown Vancouver, Victoria and downtown Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, YVR Downtown Vancouver, YVR and and YVR and Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal YVR and Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal

Vancouver Cruise Terminal Vancouver Cruise ShipShip Terminal

CHARTER SERVICE CHARTER BUSBUS SERVICE

Diverse fleet includes minifull and full Diverse fleet includes mini and travel options with a of eetover of ove travel with a eet sizeGroup coaches, VIPoptions luxury coach and sizeGroup coaches, VIP luxury coach and 140 vehicles even school buses!

140 vehicles even school buses!

SIGHTSEEING VICTORIA SIGHTSEEING VICTORIA

On Hop Off and Harbour Sights to HopHop On Hop Off and Harbour Sights tours www.gowilsonsgroup.com www.gowilsonsgroup.com www.gowilsonsgroup.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 29

Health Care

Sponsored By

Home Care Assistance Home Care Assistance is a home support company that focuses on keeping seniors in their own homes and providing the care they require there. They offer Companion, Live-In and Health Care Aide services. We serve all of Lower Vancouver Island. Greater Victoria, Saanich, Westshore, Sooke, Cadboro Bay, Oak Bay, Saanichton, Sidney and everything inbetween. Their goal for 2018 is to expand up Island and open offices in Duncan and Nanaimo.

They started using a system called the Balanced Care Method that takes into account all of a client’s potential needs from physical to nutritional and beyond. They also started a Cognitive Therapeutics program administered by all of their caregivers that is really beneficial to clients with Dementia and Alzheimers. This year they focused on building a really solid foundation in terms of team members and focused on recruiting the best caregivers they could find. This has paid off immensely in terms of customer satisfaction and customer retention.

Home Care Assistance Victoria 1133 Fort Street Victoria www.homecareassistancevictoria.ca

Victoria Eye VICTORIA EYE is a comprehensive medical eye care centre equipped with the state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technology. VICTORIA EYE offers traditional cataract and Femtosecond Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS), Custom Wavefront Guided Intralase Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (iLASIK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS).

Since 2015, VICTORIA EYE delivers the highest level of ocular care by being the first to house the Femtosecond Laser and implanting the most current Intraocular Lens implants for ReLACS procedures. Drs. Olivia Dam

30 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

and Darren Behn are assisting patients to see distance and near without glasses. The technology used and procedures performed by the VICTORIA EYE surgeons places Victoria firmly on the map as a leader in refractive and cataract surgical care.

Victoria Eye 300-1537 Hillside Avenue Victoria www.victoriaeye.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 31

Hospitality

Sponsored By

Blue Marlin Inn The Blue Marlin Inn is a full facility hotel with 15 newly renovated rooms in 2017, a renovated Cafe (6am to 8pm), Drive thru Chicken/Mexican Cantina MAGS 99 (a branch of our Squamish MAGS 99), a 160 seat pub, and 50 seat lounge, all renovated, including new furniture.

Their commitment is to their community so they have many fundraising events for different charities throughout the town. They just finished our biggest event of the year - The Annual Great Sailpast that they hold at the Harbour Quay. This year they had 14 decorated boats, a Fireworks show, gave out hot dogs, hot chocolate, and raised $1,200 for Alberni Valley Hospice Society. The Salvation Army joined them with their kettles, a band, and their van.

The Blue Marlin Inn 5022 Johnson Road Port Alberni Email: missush@telus.net

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa (BBR) is an award winning, luxury oceanfront boutique resort with 36 beautifully designed suites, an awe-inspiring Dining Room, a casual Pub, a wellness Spa and a Marina all tailored for the luxury traveler.

Operating since 2004 on the Saanich Peninsula and servicing both local and international travelers, BBR seeks to enrich the lives of their guests and themselves through collaborative learning. BBR offers space for growth and fulfillment for all who join them. They are mindful which means that that they already know that thoughts, feelings and behaviours either take up space or contribute something to the world.

Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa 849 Verdier Avenue Brentwood Bay www.brentwoodbayresort.com

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BLINDS & SHADES FOR LESS...GUARANTEED!

Visit Victoria’s Largest Window Fashions Showroom

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Congratulations to all Business Examiner Awards Nominees!

for FREE ‘Shop-At-Home’ Service call

250.384.1230

or visit: www.ruffell-brown.com 1-2745 Bridge Street, Victoria \ Monday to Friday: 9 to 5 Saturday: 10 to 4

32 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Victoria: 905 Fort St., Victoria BC V8V 3K3 Tel: 250-385-9786 Sidney: 2411 Beacon Ave., Sidney BC V8L 2X2 Tel: 250-656-1233

www.islandblue.com

Hospitality

Sponsored By

Kwa’Lilas Hotel KEDC did a complete, multimillion dollar renovation to an old outdated property in Port Hardy. It is the first major investment in tourism infrastructure within Port Hardy in 15 years (or longer). The retrofit project was a complete overhaul of all aspects of the buildings infrastructure as well as a complete change in concept of the property.

KEDC (www.kedc.ca) is the economic development arm of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation. KEDC has an economic development strategy that is inclusive of a tourism strategy- Kwa’lilas Hotel is the physical manifestation of one component of the strategy.

Kwa’lilas is the first luxury First Nations property on the North end of Vancouver Island.

The property sits within the town of Port Hardy which is the gateway to many outdoor adventures.

Kwa’Lilas Hotel 9040 Granville Street, Port Hardy www.kwalilashotel.ca

RD AWA Long Beach Lodge

RIT E M OF

Long Beach Lodge Resort opened in spring 2002 and was designed to resemble a grand West Cost style home. It is located in Tofino, which is a small surf town located at the “end of the road” on Vancouver Island. The luxurious resort has 41 lodge rooms, 20 Rainforest Cottages, and is located on 8 acres of oceanfront property on the beautiful beach of Cox Bay. The Great Room restaurant is the gathering place and the heart of the resort where guests can enjoy full service dining & lounge with spectacular ocean views, comfy chairs, and a roaring fireplace. The Sandbar Bistro is an outdoor patio restaurant and was created as an extension of the Great Room. Being “Tofino’s Luxury Adventure Resort” they offer an on-site surf school and exclusive marine wildlife tours.

Long Beach Lodge Resort 1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino www.longbeachlodgeresort.com

Impress your clients and friends, introduce them to the Malahat Chalet & Moon Water Lodge! Come for the view, come back for the food. Stay in our spacious, luxury plus accommodations with nothing but nature outside your window.

Offering accommodations, dining and catering.

t HEAT PUMPS t REFRIGERATION t AIR CONDITIONING t GEOTHERMAL

Contact us at 778-432-4606 or email malahatchalet@gmail.com Visit our website

malahatchalet.com

“Our Strength is in Our Service”

Locally Owned & Operated

250.665.7766 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 33

Hospitality

Sponsored By

Qualicum Beach Inn The Qualicum Beach Inn is an independent 32 room boutique hotel that strives to provide the ultimate travelling experience for guests who are visiting the Oceanside community. More than just a hotel but an extension of the local community members’ homes, the Inn is a reflection of the values and characteristics that make Qualicum Beach such a unique and wonderful place to experience.

The building has been around since the 1950’s as the Shoreline Motor Inn and then the Old Dutch Inn, however the QBI came to existence in 2014 after a series of major renovations. The Qualicum Beach Inn has a private dining and conference room tailored specially for boutique corporate and leisure gatherings.

Qualicum Beach Inn 2690 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach www.qualicumbeachinn.com

The Stick In The Mud Coffee House The Stick opened on 07/07/07 and has been serving Specialty Coffee in a uniquely West Coast environment in Sooke since that date. The Stick never intended to be a bakery, but the lack of freshly baked goods available in Sooke meant they needed to buy an oven and hire a baker immediately!

In 2009 they reached the goals within their first 5 Year Plan and installed a Coffee Roaster. This move allowed better vertical integration of their supply chain and enabled them to begin wholesaling coffee to other cafes, restaurants and offices. In 2011 they began using a larger roaster and have been expanding their retail, wholesale and on-line presence since then.

The Stick in the Mud Coffee House Ltd. 6715 Eustace Road, Sooke www.stickinthemud.ca

Congratulations to all the nominees COMMERCIAL

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by Canadian Canadian Lawyer magazine. by Canadian Lawyer magazine. by Lawyer magazine.

Thank you clients and peers Thank you to our clients and peers Thank youto toour our clients and peers Named by Canadian Lawyer Magazine in 2017 as one of the for and recognition. for this honour honour and recognition. for this honour and recognition. top 10 tax boutiques in Canada.

Susan,

Senior Commercial Insurance Broker

412-0932 • harbordinsurance.com 34 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Harbord Insurance

Dwyer Dwyer Dwyer Tax Vancouver Island’ s Premier Vancouver Island’s Premier Vancouver Island’s Premier Tax and Estate Planning and Estate Planning TaxTax and Estate Planning Law 900 Boutique Law 900 Boutique Douglas Street, Victoria Boutique Douglas Street, Victoria 900--1175 -1175 1175 Douglas Street, Victoria TTT250 360.2110 F 250 250 360.2110 F 250 360.0440 250 360.2110 F360.0440 250 360.0440 www.dwyertaxlaw.com www.dwyertaxlaw.com www.dwyertaxlaw.com

OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

With the exterior restoration and the Centennial Ballroom renovation now complete...

MEMBERSHIP HAS NEVER LOOKED BETTER! Tiffany Armstrong, Sales & Marketing Manager membership@unionclub.com T: 250 384 1151 (ext. 320) 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 35

36 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Industrial Manufacturer

Sponsored By

Coulson Ice Blast

Based in Port Alberni, Coulson Ice Blast is part of the family owned Coulson Group of Companies, which is involved in aerial firefighting, entertainment and now industrial cleaning technology.

Coulson Ice Blast is the only manufacturer of industrial cleaning equipment, in the world, that uses ice as a blast media. This newly developed technology is similar to sandblasting, but uses crushed ice instead of sand. Standard ice cubes, made with any freezer, ice cube maker or purchased and delivered from a worldwide network of suppliers, are loaded into our machines.

The ice is then crushed into grain sized particles with our patented jaw crusher mechanism, fed into a pressurized air stream and blasted at high

speed from a nozzle, focused by the operator at the surface to be cleaned.

Ice has many advantages over other blast media, including: low levels of airborne contaminants, ease of containment, superior effectiveness, 1/10th the water usage of a pressure washer and reduced media and cleanup cost.

Coulson Ice Blast 4890 Cherry Creek Road Port Alberni www.coulsoniceblast.com

RD AWA

RIT E M OF

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 37

Industrial Manufacturer

Sponsored By

VMAC Global Technology Inc. Founded in 1986, VMAC began as a family run business. By leveraging its high value core technology, VMAC has grown to become a market leader for mobile air compressors in industries such as construction, utilities, tire service, oil and gas and mining.

VMAC designs and manufactures the most compact and powerful mobile air compressors and multi-power systems available, all within its 33,000 square foot facility in Nanaimo.

The company features a suite of six different types of air compressors and multi-power systems, including diesel, gas and hydraulic driven air compressors, UNDERHOOD and transmission mounted air compressors, and multifunction power systems.

,IVE YOUR LIFE IN THE DETAILS

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VMAC air compressors and multi-power systems are sold worldwide and are trusted by the world’s leading brands, including Cummins, Finning Cat, Kal Tire, Lincoln Electric, and Quality Product Solutions. Products are exported to over 30 different countries, and exported through a dealer network of over 400 global partners in the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

VMAC Global Technology Inc. 1333 Kipp Road Nanaimo www.vmacair.com

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18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 39

CONVENIENCE. CUSTOMER SERVICE. CASH BACK. $27 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP. We’re in your neighbourhood.

Saanich Peninsula Locations:

Westshore Locations:

Greater Victoria Locations:

Mill Bay to Duncan Locations:

• • • • • • • • •

2132 Keating X Rd, Saanichton 6739 W Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay 2526 Bevan Ave, Sidney 10350 McDonald Park Rd, Sidney 10930 W Saanich Rd, Deep Cove 4472 W Saanich Rd, Victoria 6429 Pat Bay Hwy, Victoria 4140 Wilkinson Rd, Victoria 628 Gorge Rd E, Victoria

• • • •

• • • •

894 Goldstream Ave, Langford 2320 Millstream Rd, Langford 321 Wale Rd, Colwood 4397 West Shore Parkway, Langford

805 Deloume Rd, Mill Bay 1007 Canada Ave, North Duncan 281 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 4804 Bench Rd, South Duncan

Comox Valley:

• 699 Aspen Rd, Comox 40 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

www.peninsulaco-op.com

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18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 41

Manufactured Wood Products Sponsored By

Creative Woodcraft Creative Woodcraft specializes in the design, build and installation of custom cabinetry for the home, office or commercial space. Their shop and showroom in Cobble Hill is where almost everything is made and finished.

With 11,000 square feet of shop space, and over 30 employees, they are able to take on small and large jobs with a focus on custom manufacturing and quality construction.

As a custom manufacturer, they are not restricted to a certain door style or cabinet size. They can take a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideas, design it and manufacture it the way the customer envisions. Each job is drawn on their state-of-the-art cabinet drafting software where cabinets are sized to best suit the room

42 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

layout, incorporating the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideas and choices Over the past 32 years, they have provided quality cabinetry to designers, contractors and homeowners across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Their scope of work includes, but is not limited to kitchens, vanities, builtins, home theatre and commercial millwork.

Creative Woodcraft 1340 Fisher Road Cobble Hill www.creativewoodcraft.ca

NER N I DW R A W BE A

Sponsored By

Manufactured Wood Products

Cumberland Crate Company The Cumberland Crate Company was launched in 2013 by two old friends, Archie Pateman and Roderick Lane. Their mission was to encourage people to use value added BC wood products instead of plastic.

Currently they make custom crates (including customized branding) for over 200 corporate entities. They wholesale their signature line of 30+ products to around 50 retailers, and are a go - to woodshop for many multi-­‐national brands such as Lush Cosmetics and Saje Natural Wellness for all types of custom fixtures and display units.

They opened their first brick and mortar storefront in July, 2017 in Cumberland, and they are making plans to open a store in Victoria in 2018.

They treat their employees well, and use all natural products, and pride themselves on their customer relations. Their goal is to create an internationally recognized product using local workers, wood and affiliates.

Cumberland Crate Company Inc. 2694 Dunsmuir Avenue Cumberland www.cumberlandcratecompany.com Client: HELIJET / Size: 8.00” x 5.25” / CMYK / BE Awards Ad

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helijet.com | @helijet | helijet | 1.800.665.4354 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 43

Ocean Products

Sponsored By

Marine Harvest Canada Marine Harvest globally produces one-fifth of the world’s farm-raised salmon at facilities in Norway, Scotland, Canada, Chile, Ireland and the Faroe Islands. Globally, they employ over 12,000 people. Marine Harvest is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) and its shares also trade on the US OTC market.

Marine Harvest has been operating in Canada for 30 years. They operate hatcheries and processing plants on the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, where 600 people produce 45,000 tonnes of sustainable farm-raised Atlantic salmon each year.

Their salmon is four-star certified to the Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices and they are the first company in North America to have a farm certified to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council salmon standard.

Marine Harvest Canada 124-1334 Island Highway, Campbell River

www.marineharvest.ca

Saltwest Naturals Saltwest Naturals was founded in 2011 by Jessica and Jeff Abel. Canada’s second oldest sea salt producer, Saltwest harvests sea water from Otter Point, B.C. to create a wide variety of salt products: Culinary infused and blended sea salts as well as mineral bath soaks and soaps.

Innovating the traditional sea salt methods of production they have created Canada’s first desalinated bottled ocean water, “Salish Pure”. Their burgeoning business has grown to service over 400 locations from coast to coast in Canada, and educate over 1000 visitors every year through our sea salt production tours.

Saltwest Naturals 7585 Lemare Crescent Sooke www.saltwest.com

NER N I RD W A W BE A

Sasco Contractors Ltd. is the trusted electrical contractor for many of BC’s premier contractors, property management companies, facilities, and building owners.

Based out of Burnaby, with an office in Kamloops, and now an office on Vancouver Island, we challenge ourselves with each new project or service call to build upon our solid reputation within the industry.

Contact our new Vancouver Island Office 101 - 2785 Leigh Road Langford, BC V9B 4G1

Quality 3d Marketing Exterior / Interior Renderings & Animations

BDM3d.com | (250) 514-6774 office@bdm3d.com 44 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

COMPANIES DON’T CREATE RELATIONSHIPS, PEOPLE DO.

250.885.3096

vanisle@sascocontractors.com

www.sascocontractors.com Service excellence for over 30 years

Sponsored By

Ocean Products Seaflora Skin Care Seaflora Skincare is a world-class supplier of seaweed-based skincare products for spas.

Founded over 15 years ago, Seaflora Skincare uses sustainably harvested ocean products such as seaweed and ocean mud to formulate unique spa treatments and retail products.

Promoting the natural resources of Vancouver Island in a sustainable way is the guiding principle at Seaflora Skincare.

Bridging together forest protection initiatives and ocean conservation along with the luxury skincare market is what Seaflora accomplishes.

Seaflora Skincare now offers a full product line of over 30 products for Face, Body, and Anti-Aging. Sold in both â&#x20AC;&#x153;professional useâ&#x20AC;? and retail, Seaflora Skincare products are found in such hallmark West Coast destinations as the spa at Sonora Resort on Sonora Island, the spa at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, the spa at Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, the spa at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, the spa at Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver, and more.

Seaflora Skincare 2105 Otter Point Road Sooke www.seafloraskincare.com

A part of coastal communities griegseafoodcanada.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 45

Sponsored By

Professional

Alinea Legal Coaching Alinea Legal Coaching is a law firm offering a new type of legal services for clients going through separation or divorce, clients dealing with parenting matters or guardianship matters.

They provide legal advice, coaching and consultation to clients who want to save cost by managing their own matter themselves. This is a client-guided service and they tailor their legal support to what the client wants and needs.

All legal services are provided by lawyers.

They opened their doors on October 1, 2016 in Victoria and Duncan.

Alinea Legal Coaching #512 – 620 View Street, Victoria 122A Station Street, Duncan www.legalcoach.ca

Datum Point Studios Datum Point Studios is a studio practice providing high quality technical building design services, specializing in the planning and design of custom residences and quality market-ready homes within the residential marketplace here on Vancouver Island.

Founded in January 2015, its principal Austin Werner brings over 20 years’ experience to each project opportunity. Datum Point Studios is a member in good standing of ASTTBC, ASTTBC-BD, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and CHBA-VI. Datum Point Studios Inc. 101-5170 Dunster Road, Suite 256 Nanaimo www.datumpoint.ca

Engaged HR Engaged HR is a human resources management consulting firm that started in 2011 and transforms workplaces by providing essential human resource management services, systems, advise, and expertise to not-for-profit organizations and for-profit organizations of all sizes.

They are solution-focused in our approach and know that a happy, healthy workplace is within every organization’s reach. Today, Engaged HR is the fastest growing full-service human resources management consulting firm on Vancouver Island, proudly serving well over 100 organizations and helping them achieve success in the people side of their business.

They are pioneers of new service delivery models, and consistently provide HR professionals and business leaders with forums for learning and new ways of creating and fostering the culture they wish their organization to have.

They are proud to be the HR department for many of Victoria’s most successful organizations. Over the past six years, they have achieved consistent growth off over 40% per year.

Engaged HR Inc. 602-620 View Street Victoria www.engagedhr.com

46 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

NER N I DW R A W BE A

Sponsored By

Professional

Old House Law and Notary Public Old House Law and Notary Public is a new way of practicing law (in an old house).

How new? Like a partnership between a Notary Public and a Lawyer - they are the second multi-disciplinary practice between a lawyer and a notary in BC. Their work is performed on an â&#x20AC;&#x153;all inâ&#x20AC;? quoted fee, so they take away the fear of hourly costs and mysterious disbursements.

They practice in the area of non-contentious law- buying and selling a home, wills, trusts, probate, estate administration and company law. Clients no longer have to choose between the specialized expertise of a notary public and the broader ability of a lawyer to provide more complex legal work.

T. Dale Roberts opened his Notary Public practice in 2009 after a long and successful career as an insurance broker. Lyle Carlstrom was a partner in a large successful Alberta law firm and the founder of the iconic Estate and Financial Planning Institute. He wanted to make the move to the Comox Valley. Dale and Lyle have been friends for over 40 years, so a partnership made sense.

LYLE D. CARLSTROM, LAWYER T. DALE ROBERTS, NOTARY PUBLIC

A New Way of Practicing Law (in an Old House)

1760 RIVERSIDE LANE, COURTENAY, B.C. 250-871-7737 l law@ohlp.ca

Old House Law and Notary Public 1760 Riverside Lane Courtenay www.ohlp.ca

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 47

Professional Pain Free Tax

Pain Free Tax & Bookkeeping Service has been in business for four years. They primarily serve clients in the greater Victoria area, but also have a number of clients who are spread across Canada as well as some Canadians who are working around the globe.

They prepare taxes and do tax planning for individuals, small businesses, and corporations.

For many of these clients they also do their bookkeeping as well as keeping the books for clients who continue to have their taxes done a prior accountant. They now have three office locations to better service clients as well as a small fleet of vehicles, including a Tax Ambulance, to provide mobile tax and bookkeeping help to clients wherever it’s needed. They have been able to make use of modern technology to help clients first get bookkeeping and taxes caught up and then help them continue to keep on top of them.

Pain Free Tax & Bookkeeping Service Ltd. 306-830 Shamrock Street Victoria www.painfreetaxes.ca

Waymark Architecture Will King and Graeme Verhulst founded Waymark Architecture in 2015 based on the following principals: - Democratization of design (designing buildings for the people that use them and that are affected by them) - (Re)connection with place (designing buildings to enhance the connections people have with the world they live in and the people they live amongst) - Sustainable design (net positive buildings and interventions in our world) Theirs is a collaborative, expertise driven architecture firm informed by science, ethics, and the arts. They are inspired by Architecture’s potential to contribute to positive change.

We offer architectural services and solutions for a broad variety of projects. Their niche is defined not by building type, but by how well a project’s values align with Waymark’s.

Waymark Architecture 1826 Government Street Victoria www.waymarkarchitecture.com

Western Interior Design Western Interior Design Group Ltd was incorporated in 1991 by founding partner Pauline Van Blokland as a full service commercial interior design studio with integrated procurement and construction management. Their mission statement is: Connect. Create. Construct.

They first connect personally with each client, immersing themselves in their world, developing a relationship of trust and shared vision. Then, they tackle the creative process together, coupling their industry specific knowledge with their experience and technical expertise. Finally, they shepherd them through the daunting process of construction, leveraging their personal connections with trades and suppliers to build the physical embodiment of their vision.

They have projects in all commercial sectors, designing and constructing hotels, restaurants, medical clinics, elder care facilities, retail stores, spas, salons, offices, multi-unit residential developments, educational and institutional facilities and even a superyacht marina and a radio station.

Western Interior Design Group Ltd 100-2105 Dowler Place Victoria www.westerninteriordesign.ca

48 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Sponsored By

d Lending, Purchase Order Financing and more.

ument fee.**

Restaurant

Sponsored t Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at By www.lcwestcoastfinancing.com.

2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Big Wheel Burger In November 2011, Big Wheel Burger opened its first location in Cook Street Village.

The approach has been simple: re-creating the classic American cheeseburger using quality, fresh ingredients in an environment devoted to sustainability. Big Wheel Burger has been carbon neutral since 2012 making them the first fast-food restaurant in Victoria with this designation.

OPEN 11AM-10PM

COOK ST. VILLAGE 341 Cook St. • 250-381-0050

Six years later, their original location, together with their two newer locations in Victoria, employs over 50 people and are still providing the best quality burgers, shakes, sodas and fries through local, sustainable and environmentally friendly resources.

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

They are proud to have been awarded the 2014 Chamber Business Award, Sustainable Business Practice, the 2016 Eco Star Award for Waste Management, the 2015 and 2016 Eco Star Award for Greenest Restaurant.

703-771 Vernon Ave. • 778-265-5140

Big Wheel Burger 341 Cook Street, Victoria www.bigwheelburger.com

NER N I RD W A W BE A

210-172 Wilson St. • 778-265-4805

GATEWAY VILLAGE

REAL. FOOD. FAST

bigwheelburger.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 49

Receivable Factoring, Asset Based Lending, Purchase Order Financing and more.

Mention this Ad and we will cover the document fee.**

Restaurant

Sponsored To learn more, contact Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at By 778.265.7990 or visit www.lcwestcoastfinancing.com.

* Island operated and owned. ** Some conditions apply.

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2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant

Every dish at Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant is created using only the freshest ingredients, and every salsa, marinade and salad dressing is made from scratch.

Their Mexican Chorizo, authentic Mexican tamales and their desserts are also all made from scratch. The auhentic menu and atmosphere create a truly enjoyable dining experience.

They have a fully licensed bar, and a seasonal outdoor patio.

Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant #205-550 Fifth Street Nanaimo www.babysalsa.ca

Bread & Honey Food Co. Just 10 days after the husband-and-wife owners married, on June 14th, 2015, they opened the doors to their restaurant for what they have now coined as their ‘Bread & Honeymoon’. Initially it was just the two of them, but as they became established their team did, too.

Recently they did small renovations (e.g. painting the restaurant, new dining chairs, kitchen line organization) which has improved daily operations. Global News recognized Bread & Honey as one of Yelps Top 10 restaurants in Canada, along with winning the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Excellence Award, the word was certainly spreading. Bread and Honey’s business increased 38% in 2017 over 2016. They were also nominated and chosen as finalists for the 2016 BCRFA Restaurant Hall Of Fame and Awards in the Best Independent Restaurant category.

Bread & Honey Food Co. 4-162 Harrison Avenue, Parksville www.breadandhoneyfoodco.com

Nori Japanese Restaurant Nori Japanese restaurant began in 2010 and became one of the most popular japanese restaurants in Nanaimo. To owner and chef, John, nothing is more important than the quality or freshness of their food and they are therefore deeply involved with the overseeing of all ingredients within Nori’s presentational menu.

Nori not only presents its guests with the finest seasonal ingredients and extensive range of premium wines, and liqueurs, it also treats diners to traditional japanese refreshments such as sake and shochu, and beverages.

Nori Japanese Restaurant 203-6750 Island Highway Nanaimo www.nanaimonori.com

Norwoods Restaurant Norwoods restaurant has been open since 2007 and is dedicated to serving indigenous ingredients from the pacific north west.

Working with local artisan farmers, they strive to offer high quality ingredients in ways that reflect the chef’s travels through Asia, Europe and the Americas. Customers are as likely to find braised lamb done in the French style as a seviche or plate of very fresh sashimi. This eclectic mix of styles is as diverse as the many cultures Canada represents, allowing guests to experience a wide variety of tastes and textures. All this in a cozy wine bar style setting in a fishing village perched on the edge of Vancouver Island.

Norwoods Restaurant 1714 Peninsula Road Ucluelet www.norwoods.ca

50 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

d Lending, Purchase Order Financing and more.

ument fee.**

Restaurant

Sponsored t Stephen Ison or Rebekah Hutchison at By www.lcwestcoastfinancing.com.

2016-11-30 9:58 AM

Malahat Chalet

Three and a half years ago, the owners breathed new life into the closed and decaying Malahat Chalet. After three months of intense renovation, they opened in May, 2014.

Since then, they have been serving quality, house made meals with an emphasis on quality and supporting local farms, wineries and breweries.

Located 500 feet above sea-level, overlooking the Saanich Inlet, they are a destination to travellers from all over the globe. They are a great meeting place for Islanders and, while they meet many interesting folks, they have enjoyed being part of creating a sense of community on the Malahat. In addition to food services, they have a gift shop where they support BC artists and host live demonstrations for them.

In 2017, they launched a wholesale business; expanded their grab-and-go counter sales by providing more take away and baked goods; and opened up to include full catering services.

Malahat Chalet 265 Trans Canada Highway Malahat www.malahatchalet.com

$POHSBUVMBUJPOT PO ZPVS SFDFOU TVDDFTT UIF GSVJU PG Congratulati ons on your recent success, ZPVS MBCPVS JT TXFFU the fruit of your labour is sweet!

Greater Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wholesale produce and distribution centre.

4247 Dieppe Rd., Victoria, BC Ph: 250-727-0744 Fx: 250-727-9666 Toll Free: 1-800-477-4088

www.islandswest.com (SFBUFS 7JDUPSJBÂľT XIPMFTBMF QSPEVDF BOE EJTUSJCVUJPO DFOUSF

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from your friends at Hoyne Brewing Company

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 51

Retail

Sponsored By

Alcove Homegrown Living Established in June 2016, Alcove Homegrown Living is a 500 square-foot retail shop located in the heart of Qualicum Beach. They sell handmade, local products created within 100 miles of the shop! They are passionate about supporting the local community and the people who make the products and provide the services to sustain our daily lives.

Alcove is always filled with fresh and unique products including apparel, jewelry, home decor, body care products, cards, books and artwork. In 2016 they were awarded the “New Business Of The Year” award by the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Alcove Homegrown Living 689 Memorial Avenue Qualicum Beach www.alcoveliving.ca

April’s Tack Boutique April’s Tack Boutique officially opened April 15, 2016. Thanks to the incredible support of family, friends, and Community Futures, this dream of an Equestrian store became a reality. April’s Tack Boutique carries superior quality English horse equipment (including English saddles, bridles, strapgoods, horse blankets, grooming supplies), and Equestrian Apparel (Riding breeches, helmets, gloves, shirts, show clothes and Riding boots). Products are sourced primarily from Canadian and European companies, to ensure quality, good business practices, and uniqueness. April’s Tack Boutique also displays multiple pieces of locally made Equestrian Art, serving as a gallery for these artists. They offer saddle fitting services to those looking for optimal fit for their horse and themselves.

April’s Tack Boutique 411B 1st Avenue Ladysmith www.aprilstackboutique.com

Cascadia Liquor - Langford Cascadia Liquor in Langford is unique in the local liquor retail market. It is a large- scale boutique store dedicated to delivering outstanding service and a diverse product range with a focus on local, organic and hard-to-find products from the Pacific Northwest and around the world, all at everyday best value pricing.

They pair a unique product mix with a commitment to exceptional customer service. Staff goes out of their way to help guests find special bottles for big occasions. When they can, they will consult on building a wine cellar, stocking home bars and tracking down hard to find products.

Their craft beer wall is unmatched in the area. It allows them to carry a dizzying array of products from all the local breweries.

Cascadia Liquor – Langford 107-977 Langford Parkway Victoria www.cascadialiquor.com

52 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Retail

Sponsored By

Close To You Ltd.

NER N I RD W A W BE A

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Close To You was started in 1991 as a small 700 sq ft. lingerie store. Over the years they have evolved into a full store, occupying 4,300 sq feet of women’s fashion, lingerie and footwear.

They are proud to have maintained their Parksville location while building their client base to include all of Vancouver Island, the lower mainland and of course visitors from all parts of the globe.

They offer lingerie in a full range of sizings and have recommendations coming from friends, family and health practitioners. A few years ago, with the increase in health issues, they are proud to say they added providing breast prosthesis fittings and products to their services.

After many requests they added clothing and have not turned back since. Their fashions compliment the women of today…those 30-80 year old fashion forward women who appreciate style and want to feel and look great!

Their clothing lines represent many recognized Canadian collections and designers with an ever-expanding request to carry even more lines. They expanded the store again in 2010 and have added a footwear division.

Close To You Ltd. 174 Corfield Street, Parksville www.closetoyou.ca

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Congratulations on being a finalist for the Best Retail Business!

Thank you for your years of support and partnership!

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Parksville, BC

CONGRATULATIONS CLOSE TO YOU ON YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD! We are open 7 days a week Mon. to Sat. from 9:30-5:30 Sunday from 12-4

174 Corfield St. Parksville, BC, V9P 2G5

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Retail Maffeo Salon and Day Spa Maffeo Salon and Day Spa is located in beautiful downtown Nanaimo. Previously the home of former mayor Pete Maffeo and his family, this fine historical house has been transformed into an elegant and attractive full-service salon.

The inside of the salon features a relaxing waiting area with comfortable seating and tables, and clients are able to relax in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere while knowing that their stylist will strive to provide professional top-quality results.

They consistently achieve a high standard in all of their services, by maintaining a weekly training program, monitoring fashion trends, and listening closely to the individual needs of clients.

Maffeo Salon and Day Spa 538 Wentworth Street Nanaimo www.maffeosalon.ca

Tudor House Liquor Store Established in 1970 as the former Tudor House Pub & Liquor Store, the business has risen from the ashes as a state of the art Liquor Store in late 2017 following the fire that destroyed the business in 2013.

From the architecture to our selection, everything in the store is unique. Its history is engraved in the walls, since they are covered by pictures that were recovered from the fire and others that they got from the Esquimalt archives. The west coast look and design features like the living walls were thought in detail to balance each other and bring life to the building and color to an open concept retail space.

Their in-house sommelier has hand-picked an impressive selection of wines that range from affordable, easy-drinking Tuesday night table wines to impressive cellar-able selections that can be found in their Cellar Room.

They have also talked with local brewers and will be cellaring some of their oak aged cellar beers from 2017 in their glass bottle wall.

Tudor House Liquor Store 533 Admirals Road Victoria www.tudorhouseliquorstore.com

54 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Sponsored By

Retail

Sponsored By

M&N Mattress Shop M&N Mattress Shop has been in business for the last 17 years and counting.

They specialize in B.C made bedroom furniture, Mattresses and cabinet beds. Their clientele is primarily Vancouver Island based with focus on Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and Nanaimo, but their company has reached just about the whole Island and as far as Ontario, California, Phenix, Maui, and Puerto Rico.

Proudly carrying B.C. MADE Bedroom Furniture, Cabinet Beds and Mattresses 2017 Torch Award WINNER since 2000 1st Place for Customer Service

Mark

Neelam

IRONMAN QUEEN MATTRESS

They have created their own brand â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cella Sleep productsâ&#x20AC;? (mattresses and pillows) which are hypo-allergenic and are deemed to be a class 1 medical device in Canada. They are working on expanding and opening a new store in Victoria, which will be our third store.

Sukh

With the increase of sales, they have expanded our store by opening an additional warehouse as well as a clearance center.

They have also installed a state of the art surveillance and alarm system to improve the safety of their store and staff.

M&N Mattress Shop #1-291 East Island Hwy Parksville www.parksvillemattress.com

Award Winning Team!

Troy

Rheanie

CABINET BEDS

ONE YEAR NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS NO DOWN PAYMENTS

Russ

Dustin

291 E. Island Hwy, Parksville | 250.248.7133 (across from Thrifty Foods) www.parksvillemattress.com 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 55

Technology

Sponsored By

First Light Technologies In October 2017, First Light Technologies celebrated 8 years in business.

They are Solar Lighting experts. Since their inception they have designed and manufactured over 12,000 self-contained solar powered light fixtures. Most of them are installed in commercial and municipal environments around North America, but they have worked in more than 30 countries. Their solar lights are mainly deployed along pathways, in parks, and in parking lots.

All their products are designed and manufactured at their facility in Victoria and they ship hundreds of lights every week. They source as much of their materials locally and ensure that everything is recyclable at end of life.

First Light Technologies 104-455 Banga Place Victoria www.firstlighttechnologies.com

FreshWorks Studio FreshWorks Studio is an award winning Victoria and Vancouver based firm working in the space of digital transformation and specializes in designing & developing mobile & web apps.

They have offices in Victoria, Vancouver, San Francisco, and India. Their primary client base is in BC though they have clients from across Canada and in the US. Originally started under the name AirSenze in 2014, the company became FreshWorks and fully adopted the current business model in January 2016.

They are currently ranked #1 in BC and #3 in all of Canada for app developers with a client portfolio that includes BC Ferries, BC Hydro, Harbour Air, Used.ca, BC Government, CGI, Ipsos, CBRE, Deloitte, and Sierra Systems.

FreshWorks Studio 101-736 Broughton Street Victoria www.freshworks.io

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Resonance Software Resonance Software Inc., founded in 1993, created the WorkSight workforce management solution — a secure SaaS and On-Premise application trusted by many Fortune 500 companies, including some of the most recognized brands in North America.

The secret to the company’s success is that its products work how employees want, while also granting enterprise IT teams the data security, visibility, and control they require.

Resonance’s team encompasses some of the most experienced consultants, developers, and trainers in North America, specializing in workforce management solutions for the manufacturing environment.

All WorkSight products and solutions are designed by industry experts, created specifically for niche markets, and are developed from industry analysis to maximize appeal for the target consumer.

Resonance Software, Inc. 208-335 Wesley Street Nanaimo www.worksight.net

56 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Technology

Sponsored By

VRX Simulators VRX Simulators designs, fabricates, and assembles the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced simulation systems by integrating high-end hardware with leadingedge software, for clients all over the world.

Since 1999, VRX has worked with leading edge technology and gaming companies to develop state-of-the-art simulators used for interactive training and entertainment solutions.

as Microsoft and D-BOX, incorporating their technologies into VRX manufactured designs, to create unparalleled simulation experiences.

VRX Simulators 8-2042 Mills Rd West Sidney www.vrx.ca

Their main area of products/services to date has been: racing/flight simulator, driving simulator, and entertainment solutions.

At VRX their mission statement is â&#x20AC;&#x153;to expand the possibilities for simulation, and to provide the highest quality solutions for entertainment and human interaction in a simulation environmentâ&#x20AC;?.

To achieve that, VRX has formed strategic alliances with corporations such

Congratulations to the VRX team on your nomination!

Serious Work, Serious Boats.

Visit us online at www.titanboats.com 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 57

Tourism

Sponsored By

Cove Adventure Tours Cove Adventure Tours offers hassle-free hiking tours to remote locations on Vancouver Island North. They are currently in their first year of business and their main offering is day tours to San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park.

They want to make the rugged, hard-to-access locations easy and safe for guests to visit. They also offer custom hiking tours and corporate excursions.

They currently have two tour guides and one employee who works in their storefront for a total of three. They plan on hiring another tour guide for the upcoming season.

Cove Adventure Tours 8640 Granville Street Port Hardy www.coveadventuretours.com

Eagle Wing Tours Eagle Wing Tours is an ecotourism company offering year-round whale and wildlife tours from Victoria, extending throughout the Salish Sea. Since their inception in 1997, they have dedicated themselves to becoming the most environmentally sensitive whale watching company, offering not just an opportunity to see whales in the wild but also to develop educational programs for youth, educate the travelling public on each and every tour, and fund projects that sustain and enhance the marine wildlife in our region. They are the leaders in sustainability in Victoria, financially supporting not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the long-term study and conservation of the endangered southern resident killer whale population in Washington and British Columbia.

Eagle Wing Tours is a founding member of the Victoria Sustainable Tourism Alliance, an organization dedicated to informing people about sustainable tourism in the region and encouraging other businesses to become more sustainable.

Eagle Wing Tours Ltd. 12 Erie Street Victoria www.eaglewingtours.com

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Maple Leaf Adventures Corp.

Maple Leaf Adventures has a reputation as one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top operators of small ship cruises, providing multi-day boutique expeditions. They are world renowned for giving guests one-of-akind experiences in some of the most beautiful and rare places on earth. Maple Leaf Adventures has been delivering on the promise of big adventures and memorable experiences since 1986 aboard their expedition ships, Maple Leaf and Swell. Each ship is a unique, heritage piece of art built with coastal woods.

A long time practitioner of ecotourism, they have pioneered travel in BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Bear Rainforest and northwestern Vancouver Island, making significant contributions to conservation. By travelling with Maple Leaf, guests become part of the important, emerging conservation-based economy on the coast.

Their careful, thoughtful approach to trips, to nature, and to all of the people they visit has earned them a reputation as a model for conservation travel.

Maple Leaf Adventures Corp.

1110 Government St. Suite 209 Victoria www.mapleleafadventures.com

58 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Trades

Sponsored By

Alpine Auto Repair & Tirecraft Alpine Auto Repair & Tirecraft has been locally owned and operated for 15 years. The business is operated by the owner Dale and his two daughters Jessica and Jennifer.

They are located in downtown Langford and are very fortunate to have customers that come from all areas of the southern island. They are a full service automotive repair and tire shop.

They have the ability to work on all makes and models of vehicles, including motorhomes.

Dale has over 40 years of experience in the automotive and tire industry. They pride ourselves on providing our customers with honest reliable work.

Alpine Auto Repair & Tirecraft 110-721 Station Avenue Victoria www.alpineautorepair.ca

Tex Electric Ltd. Tex Electric Ltd is a newly founded electrical contracting company based out of Port Hardy. Incorporated in May 26, 2016, they set out to serve the North Vancouver Island.

Tex Electric Ltd specializes in installations, maintenance, and trouble shooting with: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, High Voltage, Marine Electrical, Automation and Process Control With a combined 40 years experience, they pride themselves with their ability to deliver fast, friendly, and affordable electrical contracting services to the businesses and people of the North Island. As they continue to expand, it allows them to meet the continuing demands of our growing customer base.

Tex Electric Ltd. 9200 Trustee Road Unit 9A Port Hardy Tel.: 250-230-1027 Email: Tex-Electric@hotmail.com

Tim’s Automotive Repair & Used Car Sales Tim’s is a full service auto repair and inspection facility and used car dealership.

Tim’s was started in 1982 as a mobile repair business and then expanded to a brick and mortar repair facility in 2005. Dave Seymour purchased the business on May 20, 2010 and continued the same business model until December of the same year.

At that time, due to safety and environmental concerns, they discontinued the mobile service and added the used car sales. They sell lower cost vehicles, which provide a market for everyone including those with limited funds and ability to get credit.

All their vehicles come with a limited warranty regardless of their value. Most of their business comes from the Nanaimo area; however they have customers from all over Vancouver Island and the Mainland.

Tim’s Automotive Repair & Used Car Sales 1481 Bowen Road Nanaimo, www.timsautorepair.ca

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 59

Trades

ARD W A BE

Sponsored By

NER N I W

Mazzei Electric Ltd.

Mazzei Electric Ltd. is a family owned and operated electrical contracting business that has been operating on Vancouver Island for 23 years.

The Company President, Ben Mazzei is a third‐generation electrician, who began working for the company in 2002.

Mazzei Electric specializes in residential, commercial and industrial installations. The company takes on a wide variety of projects from residential services to large scale commercial projects and everything in between.

Their core values include: Safety, Integrity, Teamwork and Quality.

Mazzei Electric is committed to the health, safety, and well‐being of all of our staff and customers, and strives towards the goal of an accident‐ free workplace. In addition, we operate with the highest standards of integrity throughout all levels of the company. They remain true to their founders’ values of quality, honesty, and hard work.

They recognize that their primary asset is people. To be successful, Mazzei Electric must be a rewarding place to work. They provide opportunity and encouragement to help their people work in a professional environment and inspire them to reach their full potential.

They serve clients all over Vancouver Island as far north as Gold River, and as far south as Victoria and everywhere in between. They expanded north to the Fort St. John / Dawson Creek area in 2013.

Mazzei Electric Ltd. 10 – 1850 Northfield Road, Nanaimo www.mazzeielectric.com

A FAMILY RUN WITH YOU

Reside Congratulations to Mazzei Electric Comme on being a finalist for the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards Indus

250.756.1177 2363 Cienar Dr, Nanaimo www.nedco.ca A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH YOU IN MIND

Residential Commercial Industrial P : 250 - 751 - 1727

P : 250 - 75

F : 250 - 75

s RESIDENTIAL s COMMERCIAL www.mazzeie s INDUSTRIAL

Ucluelet : 250

No job too big or too small www.mazzeielectric.com | 250.751.1727 F : 250 - 751 - 8172 www.mazzeielectric.com Ucluelet : 250 - 726-1272

No60 job18th too big or too Business small Annual Excellence Awards 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Excellence Award Winner for Vancouver Island Trades Business of The Year

Excellence Award Winner contractor *24141

24 HOUR EMERGE

Trades

Sponsored By

Totem Tree Service Totem Tree Service is a full service tree service that has been operating since 2012. They offer danger tree removal, bucket truck services, spiral pruning, wind firming, chipping and clean up stump and root grinding, pruning and hedge trimming and trail building.

They work in both residential and commercial settings. Located in Port Alberni, they conduct business on the West Coast of Vancouver island from Ucluelet and Tofino, through Port Alberni, Cowichan, Bamberton, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Denman island, Courtenay, Campbell River, Quadra, and as far as Port Hardy. They also work in remote locations such as the West Coast Trail and Heli or boat access only sites.

Totem Tree Service 5189 Compton Road Port Alberni www.totemtree.ca

Wade Roberts Plumbing Wade Roberts Plumbing is a full service plumbing company, with a dedicated team that will go above and beyond with plumbing service work, drain cleaning, and gas work/fitting.

They provide a wealth of knowledge with experience behind their name, being in business since 2005.â&#x20AC;¨Wade Roberts Plumbing also provides emergency services insuring no one gets left out in the cold when emergencies happen outside of normal operating hours. â&#x20AC;¨ Fully Servicing the greater Victoria area as a focus, the company has been known to go from the tip of Sidney to the Comox/Courtenay to look after customers.

Wade Roberts Plumbing

15-6782 Veyaness Road Saanichton www.waderobertsplumbing.com

Westcom Plumbing and Heating Westcom Plumbing and Heating is a female owned and operated plumbing and gas fitting company that has been in business for almost three years.

They offer new construction plumbing and gas, renovations, plumbing and gas service work, water heater replacements, gas fireplace servicing and repairs, and currently service from Port Renfrew to Sidney.

The company purchased another two vans and many more tools to offer better timing and options for both serving and new construction jobs to save clients and the company time and money.

Westcom Plumbing and Heating 3025 Robinson Road, Sooke www.westcomplumbing.ca

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 61

62 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Check out our company proямБle in the January 2018 issue of Business Examiner Victoria!

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | GENERAL CONTRACTING | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | REAL ESTATE CONSULTING

1.250.818.3755

contracting.boyd@gmail.com

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | GENERAL CONTRACTING | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | REAL ESTATE CONSULTING

1.250.818.3755

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 63

Island Murphy Beds has been serving the Vancouver Island Market since 2008.

Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and winners!

Check out our in stock specials!

There you can find a selection of Murphy Beds that are IN STOCK and can be installed within 3-4 weeks.

HVAC Products and Engineered Solutions

T: 250 590-6165 TF: 888 748-1114

108 - 688 Granderson Road, Victoria, BC

Victoria www.ehpricevictoria.com

First in Quality, First in Service

E.H. Price Sales, a division of E.H. Price Limited

islandmurphybeds.com

RBC Royal Bank RBC is proud to be a key sponsor of the Business Examiner’s 2018 Business Excellence Awards.

This wonderful event celebrates our best and brightest businesses across Vancouver Island, and we at RBC want to congratulate all the nominees and Award winners for this very well deserved recognition.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful force that drives innovation, productivity, job creation and economic growth. Here on Vancouver Island, more and more people are becoming entrepreneurs. The desire to create and grow a business, large or small, requires a combination of character, talent, vision, energy, timing and good advice.

Successful entrepreneurs know that good practical information and advice can make a big difference in running a successful business. Your RBC Account Manager is your business partner and 64 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

BE Award Gold Sponsor advocate, providing solutions to meet your business needs, and help your business to achieve its fullest potential.

Your RBC Account Manager will: • Understand your company’s goals and vision for the future • Share their in-depth industry-specific knowledge and experience • Deliver products, technology and services to help your business save money, seize opportunities and reduce risk • Be your Go-To Financial Partner, working closely with your lawyer, accountant, RBC specialists, and other key partners Contact your RBC branch. Let’s make your Someday happen. ™ Congratulations to all those nominees and winners at the 2018 Business Excellence Awards.

Creating Excellence through Training and Leadership

CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES WORKSHOPS Building Local Relationships Dispelling Myths and Stereotypes Understanding History ipsociety.ca | (250) 391-0007 664 Granderson Road, Victoria, BC V9B 2R8

VICTORIA’S

BIGGEST

Victoria’s Authentic Taste of Italy

LITTLE SECRET

VICTORIA HARBOUR FERRY

Tours • Charters • Taxi • Pickle Pub Crawl www.victoriaharbourferry.com

106 Superior Street | 250.380.0088 IlCovoTrattoria.ca 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 65

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Sponsored By

Balance Home Cleaning Balance Home Cleaning (BHC) was founded in 2012 by Mattias Peemoeller, with the goal of providing a fresh alternative in the cleaning industry. Specializing in exceptional quality and personalized customer service, BHC has developed a unique position within the market. Services include; regularly scheduled home and commercial cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and

RADICAL RENOVATIONS Society

Congratulations to BALANCE HOME CLEANING for being a Finalist (Small Business) in the BE Awards of Excellence! www.herowork.com â&#x20AC;˘ 250.590.4221 â&#x20AC;˘ 1075 Alston Street, Victoria, BC

Inclusive adventures rooted in nature help people living with B CBSSJFS PS EJTBCJMJUZ mOE CBMBODF BOE DPNNVOJUZ DPOOFDUJPO 8F WF CFFO NBLJOH B EJGGFSFODF GPS ZFBST Find out how you can too at powertobe.ca.

post construction cleaning throughout Greater Victoria.

BHC operates on a foundation of trust, accountability, service, and passion. These values are personified by the highly-engaged team members and their commitment to providing exceptional cleaning services. Team members take great pride in their work and are committed to delivering upon the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission of â&#x20AC;&#x153;helping people enjoy life through better balanceâ&#x20AC;?.

Balance Home Cleaning Ltd 995 McBriar Avenue Victoria www.balancehomecleaning.com

NER N I RD W A W BE A Congratulations to Mattias & his team on the finalist nomination!

Victoria (Royal Oak) â&#x20AC;˘ Sidney â&#x20AC;˘ Brentwood Bay PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

66 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

250.656.3280 â&#x20AC;˘ www.beaconlaw.ca

Sponsored By

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Bayview Custom Motorcycles To-the-core entrepreneurs Paul and Lori Nielsen make clear that Bayview Motorcycles’ motto is “We just like bikes.”

Founded in 2011, the passion and drive to to keep riders safe and on the road is the motivation behind Bayview’s success. They provide sales, service and advice for riders of all stages and motorcycles of all types.

Custom builds from the ground up and anything vintage is a specialty, considering Paul has been in the ‘game’ for over 30 years. They welcome riders from anywhere and everywhere, Vancouver Island being their most prevalent customer base.

Focusing on Essential Motorcycle Care, (tires, brakes, battery and oil), they always ensure customers have these basics covered before offering accessories and goodies.

Bayview Custom Motorcycles 2011 Corp.

Unit 1 - 1480 Industrial Way Parksville www.bayviewmotorcycles.com

Grant Thornton LLP Grant Thornton LLP is proud to honour small businesses by sponsoring the Business Excellence Awards.

Business leaders are often community leaders, and the partners of Grant Thornton LLP are committed to giving back to the communities that they live in. It is equally important to recognize those who have taken a leadership role by operating small businesses and taking responsibility for the well-being and improvement of our communities.

With offices in Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo, Grant Thornton LLP has been meeting their clients’ business needs on Vancouver Island for over 40 years.

They have a wealth of experience in diverse

BE Award Gold Sponsor areas such as auditing, accounting, tax, business valuations, corporate restructuring and reorganizations.

Throughout the life of your business - from the start-up stage, established business stage, to developing an exit strategy and transitioning to retirement, they can provide the professional experience, knowledge and expertise you need in a timely and effective package.

Their goal is to work with you to find creative solutions to help make your enterprise as profitable and financially efficient as it can be.

Please contact them to see how they can help you. www.granthornton.ca

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 67

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Sponsored By

Beach Fire Brewing Opening in November 2016, Beach Fire Brewing aimed to bring craft beer and innovative cuisine to Downtown Campbell River along with providing a relaxed, open environment for socializing.

Their achievements include orchestrating the acquisition and renovation of the space in compliance with regulatory bodies, building and maintaining a team of 20-plus employees and bringing new products and experiences to town.

They have shied away from a traditional sports bar with TVs, pub grub and domestic lagers, coming to market with something fresh, homemade and not already offered in town.

Congratulation� Beac� Fir� Brewin� o� your Finalis� nominatio�!

A: 1101 Industrial Dr. Armstrong, BC | T: 250.546.8911 W: gambrinusmalting.com

68 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

They took a nontraditional approach to tip out, as they pool all tips and tip out to all staff for every hour they work. This encourages a more collaborative environment that focuses on teamwork rather than individual performance.

Beach Fire Brewing Company Ltd. 594 11th Avenue Campbell River www.beachfirebrewing.ca

Sponsored By

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Blinds & Bubbles Boutique Blinds & Bubbles is a Hunter Douglas Centurion Gallery Retail location providing Hunter Douglas window fashions, custom draperies, ultrasonic blind cleaning and repairs.

They started in 2004 selling many different manufacturers and covering many geographic regions. They are a husband and wife team and have one other employee, as Tracey and Brenda do the in-home consultations and man the retail showroom, while John does all installations, repairs and cleaning.

Over the years, they realized they wanted to provide quality product at a fair price, specialize in what they do and be the best at it..and build their reputation on service, reliability and fairness. This is when they became the first Hunter Douglas Gallery in British Columbia and have never looked back.

They currently keep themselves busy mostly in the Comox Valley but through request, will travel including jobs we have done in Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, Port McNeil and many in Campbell River and Oceanside.

Blinds Bubbles Boutique 221C Church Street Comox www.blindsandbubbles.com

Congratulates

For being a finalist in the 18th Annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 69

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Sponsored By

Mid Island Computer Enterprises Mid Island Computer Enterprises (MICE) Ltd is a computer service company specializing in hardware and software computer repair, data recovery from crashed hard drives, computer networking, web sites and database development. They offer training and coaching and have over 30 years of experience in systems management. The company was started in April 2004.

Their service area includes Nanoose, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Coombs, Errington, Lantzville and North Nanaimo with onsite support. They also provide remote support to clients who travel or who have moved out of their immediate support area.

Mid Island Computer Enterprises (MICE) Ltd. 1405 Reef Road Nanoose Bay www.bcmice.com

Nurture Collective Founded by three dedicated moms with nine young children between them, The Nurture Collective strives to fill the gap in the lack of support, essential products and education in the Oceanside area. Their aim is to be a centralized business focusing on nurturing families with the essentials and tools for pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Their focus is to provide local families with a welcoming place to shop, learn and share the wonders of pregnancy, birth and parenting. A large part of their business is being able to offer workshops, childbirth education, gift mailing and baby shower registries.

By utilizing a community approach and striving to be a collective business they create space to offer Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Safety Volunteer support (including car-seat technician), baby sign language classes and weekly drop-in support for Mothers and families.

The Nurture Collective Ltd. 100-126 Alberni Highway Parksville www.thenurturecollective.ca

Port Posh Wash Washed Out Ltd. has specialized in designing, building and operating carwashes for the past 20 years. Their present location for Port Posh Wash is well located, has easy access and has been open since Dec 2014. They have a staffed site which offers two automatic washes, one touchless and one soft touch as well as eight oversized, well lit self serve bays.

Each bay has 11 options on the dials which include powerful vacuums and Interior Cleaners which they fabricated. They use a number of products including custom blended products to produce high quality results.

Port Posh Wash 4508 Gertrude Street Port Alberni www.portposhwash.com

SignAge SignAge is a premier sign imaging, installation and maintenance and manufacturing company in Nanaimo BC in central Vancouver Island. SignAge Canada is proud of its more than 15 years of service to businesses in and around Nanaimo. Seeing the changes in signage and adapting to new techniques and materials, SignAge has grown into central Vancouver Island’s one stop centre for excellence in all types of signage.

SignAge Canada has invested in today’s advanced imaging/printing equipment to bring client’s indoor and outdoor creative concepts to life. If they can imagine it, SignAge’s imaging experts can do it.

SignAge Canada 103-2046 Boxwood Road Nanaimo www.signagecanada.ca

70 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Sponsored By

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Snip & Stitch Sewing Centre Snip and Stitch is a candy store for quilters, sewers, machine embroiders and beginners as well as being a premier Janome and Husqvarna Viking Dealer in B.C. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also added Bernina and Handi Quilter to their flagship of quality sewing machine brands. Their team is comprised of qualified experts in every aspect of quilting, sewing, and machine embroidery as well as machine repairs, who strive to inspire customers and to take them to the next level. The store has been in business since 1968 inspiring and instructing sewers from all over Vancouver Island and beyond. In 2006 after being and employee for 18 years, Kathy Schroter and her husband Perry Schroter purchased the store from Betty & Neil Mclean.

They offer four terms of classes each year with 90 to 120 classes in each term. Their classes cover everything for the most basic beginners to the very advanced machine embroidery and computer skills and everything in between.

Snip & Stitch Sewing Centre 4047 Norwell Drive #1 Nanaimo www.snipandstitch.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 71

Small Business (Under 50 Employees)

Sponsored By

StrongHearts School of Movement StrongHearts School of Movement opened January 6th, 2015, serving the Comox Valley. They offer a variety of programming; Crossfit, Movnat, Kettlebells, yoga, outdoor and indigenous skills, and self defence. StrongHearts believes in strength in all its aspects: physical strength, strength of character, strength of integrity, and commitment.

They focus on mindful mastery of clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bodies so that they can truly embody virtuosity - doing the common, uncommonly well.

They also focus on heart. Heart is the no quit attitude that champions possess - an unshakable inner dialog that says yes, this is possible. Heart is also a symbol of compassion and concern for each other. At StrongHearts they believe that by working together everyone will all achieve results greater than the sum of their parts. They are our community.

StrongHearts opened with a mandate to provide quality, affordable programming for families. They have implemented several strategies to reach this goal. Several times a week we run adult and youth classes at the same time. StrongHearts School of Movement Inc 4635B Madrona Pl Courtenay www.strongheartsfitness.com

Tremain Media Tremain Media is a full service media company providing video, web, print, branding and timelapse products as well as social media, marketing and technology services. Consistent, reliable and always excellent, Tremain

72 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Media has been delivering quality for their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diverse communication needs for 16 years.

Tremain Media adapts with lightning speed to the changing media and technology landscape. This ability to adapt and grow is a cornerstone of their success. Tremain has created a modern distributed workforce with democratic hours and is proud to have a team that excels at living on the leading edge of change. This skill is recognized not only on Vancouver Island but throughout the province.

Tremain Media Inc 595 Birch Street Campbell River www.tremainvisual.com

Sponsored By

Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees)

49th Parallel Grocery 49th Parallel Grocery (‘the 49th’) was established in Ladysmith in 1951 and has a long standing and rich history in the community. The 49th was purchased by the Richmond family in 1977 making 2017 our 40th year in business. In fact – 2017 – was quite the year for milestones – their Cedar store celebrated 20 years and their Duncan store celebrated 10 years as well this year.

The 49th Parallel team thanks all their valued employees, suppliers and customers for helping make this possible.

The 49th group is 100% Vancouver Island owned and operated. They have grown into four community-focused full service grocery stores (Ladysmith, Chemainus, Cedar, Duncan), two dollar store and thrift shop combinations

(Chemainus & Cedar), a flower shop (“Bloooms”), a print shop (“49th Parallel Printers”) and a café (“the 49th café”).

Their company vision has always been and will always be to play a big part in the local community. They live this each day by working with suppliers to bring the best value and selection and with their employees to bring the best service possible and by being active in their communities.

49th Parallel Grocery 1020 1st Avenue Ladysmith www.the49th.com

Congratulations to 49th Parallel Grocery on their nomination for Business of The Year!

BILL FORBES, Senior Commercial Insurance Specialist Federated Insurance Vancouver Island | 250.218.0111

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 73

Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees)

Sponsored By

Congratulations on your nomination for Business of the Year from your partners at Elran Furniture.

P R O U D LY M A D E I N C A N A D A

2751 Trans Canada Highway | Pointe Claire, QC H9R 1B4 | www.elran.com

Congrats on your nomination, you deserve it!

250.381.2400 | 200 - 1137 Yates Street | Hutcheson.ca 74 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Sponsored By

Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees)

Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress Dodd’s Furniture Ltd. has been selling quality furniture and mattresses to greater Victoria residents for over 40 years.

This family owned business started in 1977 and is well known for quirky advertising, great deals and extensive involvement in the community. The 35,000 square foot, flagship store, offers furniture, mattresses, rugs and accessories for all tastes and budgets. With the addition of two stores in Nanaimo and Campbell River, and a small fleet of trucks, they are currently capable of servicing the entire Vancouver Island and surrounding Island communities.

They have increased their container buying program to reduce costs to customers. They have added two new five-ton trucks to the fleet.

They have made changes in management to run warehouse more efficiently and offer faster delivery, and made earth friendly changes to garbage disposal and recycling.

They have also developed safety protocols in warehouse and have offered extended health plans to employees. They have increased their annual free Christmas dinners to include all three community locations, and are in the process of building a new facility in Nanaimo to increase the size of that location.

NNER I W RD A W BE A

Dodd’s Furniture Ltd. 715 Finlayson Street Victoria 250-388-6663 www.doddsfurniture.com

Congratulations to the team at DODD’S FURNITURE on your nomination www.nightanddayfurniture.com

Congratulations to DODD’S FURNITURE. We are proud to work with you! www.alicewonderlamp.com

Congratulations to Proudly serving BC since 1994 the Dodd’s Family on more than 40 Manhas Mar would like years of success in business! to congratulate Dodd's Furniture on Commercial Banking Congratulations to the Dodd family on 40 successful years in business!

www.cibc.com

www.cibc.com

ƛɸ Ÿ¢ȍȘ ǡƑ mɁŜŜŸȘȘƎ

Manhas Mar would like to congratulate Dodd’s Furniture on your nomination for Business of the Year!

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 75

Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees)

76 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Sponsored By

Sponsored By

Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees) Mid-Island Co-op

Located on Vancouver Island, Mid Island Co-op has been in business since 1959 and was created by local citizens as an alternative way to provide themselves with goods and services. They currently have more than 57,000 members throughout their territory; spanning from North Cowichan to Sayward.

Mid Island Co-op has 15 retail petroleum and convenience store locations, 7 commercial Cardlocks and 2 liquor stores. In order to serve its members better, they are continuing to expand and develop Mid Island Co-op throughout the Mid Vancouver Island Region.

All of their profits stay in the communities they serve through reinvestment in the Co-op, equity allocations to their member-owners and through contributions to community organizations and local youth.

Mid Island Co-op #103 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2517 Bowen Road Nanaimo www.midisland.coop

Toll Free: 1.877.907.8060 485 Garbally Rd, Unit D, Victoria www.randallnorth.ca

Congratulations on being a finalist for the 2018 Business Excellence Awards

www.raimac.com

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 77

Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees)

Sponsored By

Tilray Tilray is a global leader in medical cannabis research and production dedicated to providing safe, consistent and reliable therapy to patients.

Launched in 2014, they are the first Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified medical cannabis producer in North America, and they currently supply medical cannabis products to tens of thousands of patients, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, governments and researchers in eight countries, including Canada, Australia, the European Union and Latin America.

Tilrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience is unmatched worldwide. Our team of 200-plus professionals on the ground in seven countries across four continents serves thousands of patients around the glove. Their $30 million cultivation facility in Nanaimo is among the most advanced in the world.

78 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Tilrayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nanaimo site was the first GMP certified medical cannabis production facility in North America, meaning that their cannabis products are medical grade and produced under the same quality standards as other pharmaceuticals around the world. All their products are produced with meticulous care to ensure the highest quality, consistency and purity for their patients.

Tilray 1100 Maughan Road Nanaimo www.tilray.ca

al?

Liquid Capital West Coast Financing

Liquid Capital West Coast Financing partners Rebekah Hutchison and Stephen Ison specialize in helping entrepreneurs, and small and medium-size businesses to tional financing options, find alternative financing solutions when traditional bank ng cash with loansAccounts aren’t available.

Financing“The andproblem more.is common for many businesses, including start-ups, small businesses in the growth phase, or for established companies with temporary cash flow issues,” Mr. Ison said. “We help provide our clients with much-needed funding so they can continue to grow their businesses.”

Rebekah Hutchison at Ms. Hutchison and Mr. Ison help solve financing.com.

their clients’ cash-flow needs by providing working capital and trade finance solutions when banks won’t offer companies loans or credit.

Mr. Ison and Ms. Hutchison, bring considerable experience and expertise to Liquid Capital West Coast Financing. Mr. Ison worked as a broker and financial advisor previously, and was a senior executive at investment company Edward Jones where he was responsible for the firm’s Western region of Canada. Ms. Hutchison’s experience includes B2B communications, marketing, design and management and has advised clients across many

BE Award Gold Sponsor

sectors, including the health and wellness and real estate industries.

“If we help a business owner expand their operations so that they can hire more employees, then every quarter when the national job creation report is released, we can say we did a little bit to help,” Ms. Hutchison said. “This work is exactly what we hoped it would be. It couldn’t be a better partnership to help grow local businesses in British Columbia,” she added.

Liquid Capital is a Canadian-based, fullservice working capital and trade finance network and has been in operations since 1998. The Liquid Capital network has the largest geographic footprint of alternative funding professionals, with over 80 2016-11-30 9:58 AM independently owned businesses across North America, offering clients a customized and flexible approach with local decision makers.

Liquid Capital West Coast Financing offers a complete range of solutions for all industries and provides immediate financing upon approval with no long-term contracts or hidden fees.Contact them today at sison@liquidcapitalcorp.com and rhutchison@liquidcapitalcorp.com

Proud to work alongside great businesses like yours.

Congratulations to all Business Excellence Award nominees.

18th Annual Business Excellence Awards 79

80 18th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Call us today with your ideas QUART Z S URFACE S

C O WICHAN W OODW ORK . COM

â&#x20AC;¢ 250 743-5804