Josh Handysides Chamber Award of Distinction
Mary Lou Newbold Chamber Member of the Year
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS
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Co-op students foster community resilience From wildflowers to fresh vegetables, there’s always something exciting growing at the People, Plants and Homes Program (PPH). The Community Development program led by BC Housing collaborates with tenants to build healthy communities and connect people with nature and one another. PPH uses therapeutic horticulture, food literacy and community building principles to cultivate leadership. Fifth-year geography and Indigenous studies student Emily Dzyngel spent eight months with PPH, where one of her primary tasks was the Good Food Bag o’ Love program, which delivers food and recipes to tenants every week. Emily brought a passion for gardening and food security to the role, where she got her hands dirty in the Edge Therapeutic Garden; delivered plants, soil, and fertilizer to tenants; and managed the community gardens. Her work supplemented her studies. “As a geography student who studies the human and political side of things, I was really interested in seeing practically how community is fostered in social/subsidized housing.”
Learn how to hire a co-op student: uvic.ca/employers camosun.ca/employers
PPH Supervisor Annette Fick hires co-op students because of the fresh perspectives they bring to the team. “I enjoy seeing people grow and develop and it is an honour to be able to provide opportunities for new workers to explore their gifts and develop while supporting our team to meet our goals,” she says. While with PPH, Emily facilitated a skill share meeting on inclusivity. She also developed handouts that PPH will continue to use, like the New Community Gardener Booklet, which introduces new gardeners to gardening and community. “Hiring co-op students is a beautiful collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship,” says Fick. “It is great to see the support and encouragement translate into great work and support for the work team to meet their goals.” “I have loved building connections with tenants,” says Emily. “Getting to learn from and connect with so many people has been really nourishing.”
Chair and CEO Message Welcome to this year’s Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. The last two years have been challenging for many businesses, but they have also gifted us with remarkable insight and inspirational achievements. We’re proud to say that Chamber members have proven once again that when the future seems uncertain, they are the first to find a path forward. This leadership is why our region is such an amazing place to call home. Running a business is never easy, and Greater Victoria presents unique challenges I’m sure this year’s around affordability and winners will also its impact on finding and keeping workers. We really inspire you to do live in the greatest place on the planet, so we are keep innovating always walking the line and finding ways between attracting new people and making sure we to meet the future have enough homes, good head on, no matter jobs and services to support those who are here. It’s a what it holds. balance that The Chamber will continue to advocate for, just as we have for almost 160 years. But we couldn’t do it without our members who have stood by us, and who continue to connect with us and with each other in so many meaningful ways. It’s a dynamic that makes our organization unlike any other. We are the voice of business because of you. And tonight we celebrate members who have gone above and beyond. Their stories make us want to work harder and to keep striving to be better. I’m sure this year’s winners will also inspire you to keep innovating and finding ways to meet the future head on, no matter what it holds. As always, choosing winners is never easy and the independent panel of judges who reviewed all the nominees for the 2022 Business Awards have done an admirable job selecting from a very competitive field of candidates. On behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Greater Victoria businesses, thank you judges! We hope you enjoy this year’s presentation whether you’re joining us in person or watching on your television screen. The fact you have this option is one of the positive outcomes of the pandemic. Thanks to our member and Chamber Champion, CHEK Media Group, we were able to pivot from a live gala to a broadcast award show in 2020 and 2021. The move was so successful we decided to continue producing a TV program that is watched by tens of thousands of viewers. It’s a ratings hit for CHEK and has proven to be a great way to showcase Greater Victoria’s business community to a wider audience. Of course, there’s nothing like being in the same space, especially on a night when we are celebrating success. We’ve missed gatherings with our Chamber friends and are grateful that we are able to also present an in-person gathering.
BRUCE WILLIAMS, CEO
JOHN WILSON, CHAIR
Once again, on behalf of our Board Chair John Wilson, I want to thank everyone who took time to nominate a business for this year’s awards. To our finalists, you are truly exceptional and an inspiration to everyone doing business in Greater Victoria. And thank you to all of our Chamber Champions—BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK Media Group, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business and the University of Victoria. Their commitment to business has allowed The Chamber to help countless members get through some difficult days and we are thrilled to be able to continue working together. On Monday, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get back to it but tonight it’s time to raise a glass and celebrate businesses who are leading the way as we all build a better tomorrow.
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS
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DAN DAGG, CHAIR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS On behalf of The Chamber’s Board of Governors, I am thrilled to honour Josh Handysides with The Chamber’s Award of Distinction. Josh has spearheaded investment in Greater Victoria and has played a significant role in making our regional economy more inclusive and resilient. SCAN FOR TICKETS
Tuesday, June 7 from 5-7 PM @ St. Ann’s Academy Experience an exciting variety of bite-sized gourmet food, local wine, craft beer and specialty cocktails presented by some of Greater Victoria’s most popular restaurants, breweries, wineries, cideries & spirit makers. PRESENTED BY:
GOLD SPONSOR:
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MEDIA PARTNERS:
Josh’s work with Malahat Nation and Indigenous entrepreneurs provides a template for successful indigenous business partnerships that create worldclass results. The Award of Distinction recognizes a business leader who is actively helping add vibrancy and resilience to our region, and Josh has certainly done that. His work on the Malahat SkyWalk and leadership on the Spirit Loop marketing campaign have helped give our destination fresh and exciting stories to share with the world. The SkyWalk, in particular, has been a boon for tourism. Its photogenic qualities have made it a must-see attraction and an image shared by visitors across all social media platforms. As our economy continues to recover from profound international events, we are seeing a more resilient and inclusive business community emerge. It’s fitting that Josh has been recognized with this year’s Award of Distinction.
C H A M B E R AWA R D OF DISTINCTION
Josh Handysides
CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR
AWARD FINALISTS 7 COMMUNITY BUILDER Aryze Island Savings
8 NEW BUSINESS Iron & Wood Golf Simulators Working Culture Bread
9 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ( 1 - 1 0 E M P LOY E E S )
49 Below Ice Cream Cold Comfort Ice Cream
10 B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R ( 1 1 - 3 9 E M P LOY E E S )
Brown Bros. Property Management Equilibrium Therapeutics
11 B U S I N E S S O F T H E Y E A R ( 4 0 + E M P LOY E E S )
Heart Pharmacy Group Monk Office
12 O U T STA N D I N G WO R K P L AC E BC Transit Engaged HR
13 I N N OVAT I O N BinBreeze Origen Air
14 O U T STA N D I N G C U STO M E R SERVICE Coastal Heat Pumps Luv-A-Rug Services Inc.
Mary Lou Newbold
15 S U STA I N A B L E B U S I N E S S P R AC T I C E S Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours Oak Bay Marine Group
16 N O N - P R O F I T OF THE YEAR Beacon Community Services United Way Southern Vancouver Island
17 E M E R G I N G BUSINESS PERSON Megan Johns - The Green Kiss Mercy Southam - Eir Mobile Medicine
18 B U S I N E S S P E R S O N OF THE YEAR Amar Magon - Aroga Lifestyle Medicine Jill Doucette - Synergy Foundation
19 PA ST L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T A N D CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR WINNERS 20 C H A M B E R AWA R D O F D I ST I N C T I O N W I N N E R Josh Handysides, Malahat Nation
22 C H A M B E R M E M B E R OF THE YEAR Mary Lou Newbold, Mayfair Optometric Clinic
MEET THE JUDGES CATHERINE HOLT Former CEO of The Chamber, now with PARC Retirement Living CHRIS HORBACHEWSKI VP, External Relations University of Victoria TONY JOE Broker/Owner RE/MAX Island Properties JENNIFER LOO Marketing and Development Community Relations Fairway Markets LISE GYORKOS President Page One Publishing AWARDS BROADCAST Sunday, May 8 at 7:30 PM on CHEK TV, Facebook, and YouTube victoriachamber.ca/business-awards for details.
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS
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EVENT SPONSORS:
AWARD SPONSORS:
VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR:
MEDIA SPONSOR:
VIDEO PRODUCER:
We are problem solvers at heart. We will help you identify the most effective strategies and tactics to build trust, one step at a time. Our diverse family of companies spans across industries such as Creative and Web Design, Marketing, Events, Entertainment, Food and Beverage, and Technology.
Weeknights at 5 and 6 with Stacy Ross and Joe Perkins
Do you have a vision for your business and don’t know how to get there? We’re here to help. thenumber.ca
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VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
SPONSORED BY
CANADIAN TIRE
COMMUNITY BUILDER Aryze
LUKE MARI
Aryze is an integrated home building, development and urban planning team focused on innovation across a full spectrum of housing types. Committed to increasing the quality of homes and communities in Greater Victoria, Aryze is continuously seeking opportunities to positively impact the city through the built environment. As advocates for a city with diverse housing for all, they actualize the innovative infill development projects that put Victoria on the world stage. Their initiatives include Tiny Homes Village—an innovative transitional housing solution built from repurposed shipping containers; Project Albero—a community urbanism project in Gorge Waterway; Block x Block—urban design initiative that encourages residents to reimagine the future of their city; and Youth Leadership Labs—a collaborative program that inspires youth to learn more about placemaking in Victoria.
ARYZE.CA
Island Savings Island Savings (a division of First West Credit Union) has been a premier provider of banking and investment services for residents and businesses throughout Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands for more than 70 years. In 2021 through partnerships, donations and their Simple Generosity RYAN GERWING program, $478,566 was AND KENDALL GROSS invested into Island communities. This included a new three-year commitment of $120,000 to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation and its Mental Health and Substance Use unit. Working closely with the First West Foundation and the Island Savings Community Endowment, an additional $356,575 was granted to registered charities across Vancouver Island. In Greater Victoria, 120 charities benefitted, which included the #CommentsOfKindness promotion and Community Response Fund that helped people impacted by the economic effects of COVID-19.
Locally-Owned and Operated
Proud to Serve our Community At Canadian Tire, we love to help our community grow through our support of Jumpstart and other local charities and community groups. We thank you all for your support during this past year and hope to see you in our stores soon!
HILLSIDE ROYAL OAK VIEW ROYAL GORDON HEAD AUTO SERVICE
ISLANDSAVINGS.CA 2022 BUSINESS AWARDS
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SPONSORED BY
FUTURPRENEUR
NEW BUSINESS Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
DEREK AND GILLIAN ORR
Derek and Gillian Orr opened Iron & Wood Golf Simulators in June of 2020. Sports fanatics can take a swing, score some points, share a laugh, and sharpen their skills in one of three climatecontrolled private rooms. Iron & Wood features more than 100 golf courses and 12 multisport games from hockey, baseball and even zombie dodgeball. Raised in Sidney, Derek has always been a passionate supporter of the local sports community. As the first business of its design in BC, the true opportunity came in finding success through authentic community enrichment, genuine service and an experience that is truly world class. The facility is tailored to feel unmistakably “Island” through their friendly staff and exclusively local drink menu. Iron & Wood strives to set a new benchmark of inclusive excellence.
IRONANDWOODSIMULATORS.COM
LAUNCH YOUR DREAM BUSINESS WITH FUTURPRENEUR FINANCING + MENTORSHIP + RESOURCES
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur aged 18-39 looking to launch your own business? We can help.
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Working Culture Bread Owners Adam and Jess opened Working Culture Bread, an organic bakery in Victoria’s Rock Bay neighborhood, in October 2020. It quickly grew in popularity through word of mouth and social media, expanding to seven employees and over a dozen wholesale partnerships with local businesses. What sets Working Culture apart is their approach to bread—highhydration sourdough with a deeply caramelized crust, and an addictive chewy texture packed with nutrition and taste from a long fermentation. Working Culture strives to be an inclusive community hub where everyone feels welcome, and gives back wherever possible. Whether this is through charitable bake sales, donations to raffles and local charities that their staff and customers are passionate about, Working Culture focuses on being a place where the community feels good about spending their time and money.
WORKINGCULTUREBREAD.COM 8
VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
JESSICA RIVERS AND ADAM CHRISTIE
SPONSORED BY
the City of Victoria
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (1-10 EMPLOYEES) 49 Below Ice Cream
DANIEL EDLER
49 BELOW CRAF T ICE CREAM
49 Below is a craft ice cream manufacturer operating in Victoria, BC since 2015. Their initial delivery-based subscription model has set them apart from their competition and allowed them to build a “raving fanbase.” After initiating their ice cream club, they added wholesale partners across Greater Victoria that carry a selection of pints and ice cream sandwiches. Thanks to their delivery and wholesale network, 49 Below was well positioned when the pandemic started. Using the power of social media, they’ve continued to grow during the last two years. 49 Below has a long track record of embracing and collaborating with local businesses to produce amazing ice cream flavours with local ingredients and raise money for local charities through their “philanthro-pint” initiatives.
49BELOW.CA
Cold Comfort Ice Cream Cold Comfort Ice Cream has been making real ice cream with local and organic ingredients since 2010. A pioneer in the small batch, hand-made ice cream landscape of Victoria, BC, they have many loyal and passionate customers. Growing from market stands and home delivery to becoming the influential leader in the industry that they are today, they are known for their unique flavours. Cold Comfort creates original pints and ice cream sandwiches and has a roster of standard flavours that can be found in select grocery stores across Victoria. “If it isn’t Cold Comfort Ice Cream, it’s only cold comfort.”
COLDCOMFORT.CA
Make the Business Hub at City Hall your first stop! If you are an entrepreneur, investor or anyone looking to do business in Victoria, we will help you access information and connect you to the right resources to get your business open quicker.
AUTUMN MAXWELL
Open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1 Centennial Square, Victoria 250.361.0629 bizhub@victoria.ca victoria.ca/bizhub
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS
9
SPONSORED BY
Worldline
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (11-39 EMPLOYEES) Brown Bros. Property Management
BLANE FOWLER
Worldline is an industry leader in providing integrated payment solutions for software providers. From accepting credit cards to providing robust security features, our solutions grow with your business, no matter what size. Adding a human touch to payments is what we do best. Located in Victoria, B.C., Worldline is your partner in payments with an entire team dedicated to growing your business. Scan the code below to learn more about our suite of products and services.
Taking the guesswork out of property management since 1918, Brown Bros. has become the trusted, local source for apartments to single family and strata dwellings in Greater Victoria. Proudly managing over 9,500 homes, they are dedicated to providing clients peace of mind through genuine service and commitment to the community. The words, “People helping people, since 1918,” became powerfully symbolic and are at the heart of the Brown Bros. business philosophy. Blane Fowler leads by example with the attitude that clients and tenants are family—and family comes first. He inspires his team of like-minded professionals to always put people first when making any business decision. His keen business sense, combined with caring for all, truly makes Brown Bros. unique.
BROWNBROS.COM
Equilibrium Therapeutics Founded in 2006, Equilibrium was born out of a desire to help people in pain and to provide an exceptional experience for patients on their journey toward health and wellness. Equilibrium is a group of three award-winning multidisciplinary health clinics offering Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Registered Massage Therapy, Acupuncture and Kinesiology. One of Victoria’s three Best Rated Massage Therapy clinics six years in a row, Equilibrium started out with two RMT’s and one location in 2006 on the edge of Victoria’s downtown core. Equilibrium grew to two locations in October 2018 adding a Saanich clinic on Tillicum Road, and a third in October 2019 in View Royal’s Eagle Creek Village. Equilibrium’s team has grown to a group of more than 22 employees and 50 independent practitioners and has demonstrated the ability to thrive and grow in challenging times.
EQUILIBRIUMMASSAGETHERAPY.CA 10 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
BRENDA BEATTIE
SPONSORED BY
Chard Development
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (40+ EMPLOYEES) Heart Pharmacy Group The Heart Pharmacy team has been caring for the Greater Victoria community for over 40 years, watching their youngest patrons grow from the time they couldn’t see over the counter to having families of their own. They are a family-owned and operated pharmacy group RASOOL RAYANI, ZAHRA RAYANI- that cares deeply about KANJI AND MARIO BRUNO BOSSIO improving customer health and supporting community initiatives. Their six locations in Victoria, Langford and Sidney strive to provide exceptional customer service to all who enter their stores. In addition to filling prescriptions, Heart Pharmacies also offer a wide range of retail products, administer vaccines to protect against flu, COVID-19 and various travel shots, provide medication reviews and Diabetes Education consultations, as well as oversee the Heart-atHome Medication Administration Program.
Victoria’s Community Builder Chard Development is one of Victoria’s most dedicated developers having delivered close to 1,000 homes to Victoria residents. “We are proud to be a catalyst for positive forward momentum. As we continue to build new communities, one thing remains the same; we make good on our promises and stand proudly behind the product we deliver.” - Byron Chard, Chard Development’s President & CEO
NOW SELLING
HEARTPHARMACY.COM
Monk Office Monk Office has been an integral part of this community for over 70 years and is proud to invest in our local economy by employing over 120 community members at 10 locations across the Island. From furniture, IT services, business machines, office and art supplies, to giftware from local artisans, they have all the essentials to start you on the path to success in your professional and educational endeavours. Monk Office continues to lead by example by maintaining ecoinitiatives. From reducing paper use and greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in local charities that align with their values, they honour their commitment to the environment. With the recent purchase of Island Blue Art & Framing stores, Monk Office is looking forward to honouring this historic business and its complement of wonderful team members.
MONK.CA
2 BEDROOM HOMES FROM $809,900 NESTBYCHARD.COM
CAITLIN MCKENZIE
STUDIO & 1 BED HOMES FROM $325,000 havenbychard.com
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS
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SPONSORED BY
Ralmax Group of Companies
OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE BC Transit
MELISSA ZIMMERMAN
BC Transit is one of the most robust and complex public transportation services in British Columbia. Serving every part of BC except the Lower Mainland, this provincial crown corporation oversees a fleet of 1,200-plus vehicles in 83 transit systems, serving 51 million riders annually. BC Transit employs roughly 1,000 people and more than 1,600 indirect operating employees. Recently, the service has undertaken major projects to create a more convenient, inclusive and accessible experience including the introduction of real-time bus information and automated stop announcements. BC Transit has also committed to operating a lowcarbon, fully-electric fleet by 2040 and is developing the electronic fare collection system that will allow people to use a mobile app or contactless credit card in addition to paying with cash.
BCTRANSIT.COM
“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.” –Anonymous
Responsible industry creating high-value jobs for today and future generations. Proudly celebrating the heart and resiliency of Greater Victoria businesses and their employees. ralmax.com
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VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
Engaged HR Unique in its approach to human resources, Engaged HR is a full-service HR consulting firm like no other. Established in 2011, Engaged HR was born out of a passion for creating a different kind of workplace. The kind where people like their jobs, where everyone is working together towards a common goal and where people are happy to come to work every day. In only 10 years, Engaged HR has become BC’s premier HR consulting firm, serving more than 400 organizations and thousands of employees from coast to coast. What sets Engaged HR apart is the professional team that supports the organization. Collectively, they helped hundreds of organizations survive and thrive during the pandemic.
ENGAGEDHR.COM
ARIE EPSTEIN AND DENISE LLOYD
SPONSORED BY
PETER B. GUSTAVSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
INNOVATION
BinBreeze
TAYLOR MCCARTEN
In 2016, Taylor McCarten was shocked by the volume of wood waste landfilled or burned in BC. One day, while taking out his mother’s very stinky compost bin, he had an idea that would change his life. What if he could use wood waste to help eliminate the smell and the fruit flies in compost bins? From that idea Taylor and Harmen Zijlstra would go on to create BinBreeze, the world’s first compost powder treatment to eliminate odours and pesky fruit flies in kitchen compost bins. Taylor and Harmen first sold BinBreeze at the Oak Bay and Esquimalt Farmers Markets. Urged by the support of customers and the community, the team decided to launch a retail product in April 2020. Since then, the company has seen a whirlwind of growth and has expanded into more than 450 retailers across Canada, including 80 in Victoria.
THE WORLD LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
BINBREEZE.CA
Origen Air Origen Air has created a comprehensive air purifier empowered by science and inspired by nature. Utilizing genetically engineered plant technology combined with true HEPA filtration they have created an air purification solution that removes exponentially smaller airborne toxins than their competition. This unique combination of plant and mechanical technologies allows Origen Air to address today’s air quality challenges, creating safe, healthy, and productive indoor environments for businesses. The modular product provides clean air as a service for any size commercial space at a monthly rate. Origen Air creates healthy buildings that protect their clients’ most valuable assets: their people. Since its inception in July 2019, Origen Air has installed five pilot units in Greater Victoria, including at the University of Victoria, Camosun College, and Alacrity Canada.
SUSAN BLANCHET AND ANDREW CRAWFORD
ORIGENAIR.COM 2022 BUSINESS AWARDS 13
SPONSORED BY
Innov8 Digital Solutions
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE Coastal Heat Pumps
Office technology that is Molly-Approved!
Hi, I’m Molly!
DON GULEVICH
Since 2005, Coastal Heat Pumps (CHP) has specialized in residential heat pump installations, maintenance and repair. They are family-owned and operated and proud to be built on positive relationships with customers, employees, suppliers and community. “We’re not comfortable until you are!” says CHP. They go the extra mile to ensure customers have a comfortable, positive experience from the first phone call through to the final invoice, every situation is handled with professionalism, integrity and a smile! They recognize the important element of business is their customers, which is why they offer a 100% comfort guarantee. With more than 300 positive Google reviews and a 4.9 star rating, CHP is one of the top HVAC companies in Victoria.
COASTALHEATPUMPS.COM
Luv-A-Rug Services Inc. Congratulations to the 2022 Nominees for Outstanding Customer Service We are honoured to present the final 2022 Nominees!
innov8, for all your office technology needs.
innov8.ca | 250.383.7243 14
VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
Since 1996, Luv-A-Rug Services Inc. has been Vancouver Island’s most beloved rug cleaning company. They are one of the only companies on Vancouver Island capable of restoring “art you can walk on.” Their Persian-trained weavers perform authentic hand repairs on machinemade rugs as well as priceless handwoven antiques. Luv-A-Rug strives to be best-in-class. They’ve developed their own line of area rug cleaning equipment and are the first company in BC to offer guaranteed pet odour removal without using harsh chemicals. With ongoing programs like their rug donation program for charities, free classroom rug cleaning for teachers and gifting $15,000 worth of bird feeders to senior care facilities during the pandemic, it’s no wonder they’ve gotten Victorians to “Fall In Love With Their Rugs Over Again.”
STEPHEN “DUSTY” ROBERTS
Services Inc.
LUVARUG.COM
Helping You To Fall In Love With Your Rugs All Over Again
SPONSORED BY
Camosun College
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours Environmental stewardship and sustainability have always been core values of Eagle Wing Tours. From fuel-efficient, low underwater-noise engines to paper conservation and composting, they strive to minimize their impact on the environment. The first whale watching company in Canada to be certified “Platinum” with GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, Eagle Wing is also “Surfrider Approved” as an ocean-friendly business by the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective.
BRETT SOBERG
Alumni
Awards include Top Sustainable Tourism Business (Canada), Top Tourism Business (Vancouver Island) and Ecostar Awards for Environmental Leadership.
EAGLEWINGTOURS.COM
Oak Bay Marine Group For 60 years, the Oak Bay Marine Group (OBMG) has been a leader in the hospitality and marine tourism industry. The company’s core business is operating its four marinas on Vancouver Island. As part of its strategic plan, OBMG has expanded its commitment to sustainability. OBMG’s commitment to crew, community and passion for the ocean is evidenced by the installation of Western Canada’s first Seabin at its marinas, receipt of a four-anchor rating by the Georgia Straight Alliance’s Clean Marine BC marina ecocertification, and operation of a 100% Ocean Wise Seafood restaurant. OBMG’s commitment to community touches many organizations, including the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Ocean Wise, University of Victoria’s Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Science programs, Power to Be and Royal Canadian Search & Rescue.
Shirolyn Lagarde Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Camosun Alumni
BROOK CASTELSKY
You always belong here Share your story at 50.camosun.ca
OBMG.COM 2022 BUSINESS AWARDS 15
SPONSORED BY
Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR Beacon Community Island kids Services need you Island kid June
TRICIA GUEULETTE
In 1974, a few Saanich Peninsula volunteers came together to start what is now Beacon Community Services. Today, the charity has 600 volunteers and 260 staff quietly, efficiently, and respectfully helping people and improving lives on Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Unique for their vast array of programs, Beacon is recognized for the breadth, scope and strength of their community service and volunteer team. Beacon demonstrates success in services for: Children, Youth and Family; Counselling and Mental Health; Employment and Training; Subsidized Housing for Seniors and People with Disabilities; Homelessness Prevention and Shelter Services; Seniors’ Assisted Living and Licensed Dementia Care; and Volunteers.
BEACONCS.CA
United Way Southern Vancouver Island Join us as champions for the health of every Island family. Scan to give
islandkidsfirst.com
For 85 years, United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) has served the local community and remains dedicated to supporting people in areas where they need it most. UWSVI works collaboratively with front-line community organizations, universities, local businesses, individual donors and volunteers to understand complex issues and subsequently design effective strategies that address them. United Way Southern Vancouver Island celebrates their unique culture and remains committed to being a trusted leader in transforming lives. Last year, they supported more than 125,000 individuals on Southern Vancouver Island in building better lives. Despite the COVID-19 global pandemic, from 2020 to 2021, UWSVI raised $6.2 million by inspiring over 200 workplaces and 7,000 individual donors as well as the federal government to give where it mattered most.
UWSVI.CA 16 VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
MARK BRESLAUER
SPONSORED BY
ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY
EMERGING BUSINESS PERSON Megan Johns THE GREEN KISS The Green Kiss is a green beauty retailer on a mission to lovingly empower Canadians with products that are healthy for both their bodies and the environment. Upholding some of the strictest product buying guidelines in the Canadian beauty industry, their curated selection of skincare, personal care, and wellness products goes well above the industry standard. The business was founded in 2011 by owner and operator Megan Johns. At age 25, she opened The Green Kiss as a single stand-alone beauty counter. In 2018, The Green Kiss expanded and moved to their current location at Uptown. Megan worked to build their online presence and managed to build up the e-commerce portion of her business, with growing sales every year through resiliency and hard work despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Take your career to the next level. ROYALROADS.CA
THEGREENKISS.COM
Mercy Southam EIR MOBILE MEDICINE Mercy Southam is the Founder of Eir Mobile Medicine, Canada’s first mobile Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Studio. It was founded on the belief that preventative medicine has the power to support and transform our healthcare system, while strengthening our community and enhancing our lives. Housed in a fully renovated vintage Winnebago RV, Eir Mobile Medicine exists in that sweet spot between your favourite Food Truck and your local Walk-In Clinic, and brings the complete healing experience right to your doorstep. Mercy is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and the visionary behind Eir’s accessible healthcare model, serving as the Chief Medical Officer. Since 2019, Mercy has been committed to increasing access to complimentary healthcare, and has partnered with local non-profits and community organizations to bring the innovative Eir healthcare model to communities throughout Southern Vancouver Island.
EIRMOBILEMEDICINE.COM
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS 17
SPONSORED BY
COAST CAPITAL SAVINGS
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Amar Magon
Thank you, Victoria.
We’re proud to be a member of the Greater Victoria community and to support the 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards.
AROGA LIFESTYLE MEDICINE Founded in 2017, Aroga is Canada’s leading lifestyle medicine healthcare organization. Their healthcare model offers patient-centered treatments to help prevent, treat and reverse chronic diseases. Aroga’s physicians and healthcare professionals seek to empower patients to achieve resilience, longevity and complete health. Aroga’s foundation is Lifestyle Medicine; an evidence-based approach to treating, reversing, and preventing chronic disease through six lifestyle measures; a plant-predominant diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, meaningful social relationships, and avoidance of risky substances. This approach addresses the root causes of the disease—lifestyle behaviours— and often results in incredible improvements in quality of life.
AROGA.COM
Jill Doucette
SYNERGY FOUNDATION In 2008, Jill Doucette founded Synergy Enterprises to help businesses become a force for positive change in the climate action movement. Today, her company has become a certified B Corp and a global leader in regenerative business, specializing in greenhouse gas accounting, decarbonization strategies, and clean technology adoption for businesses in tourism, transportation and manufacturing. Synergy has always been at the forefront of sustainability as science, an important antidote to greenwashing. Through her work with Synergy Enterprises, Jill identified the lack of affordable local support to SMEs and entrepreneurs on Vancouver Island. As a result, she founded the Synergy Foundation in 2013, with three core focus areas including green business, circular economy and food security.
SYNERGYFOUNDATION.CA 18
VICTORIACHAMBER.CA
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES The Chamber Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, celebrates the legacy of innovators, barrierbreakers and community leaders who have played a role in the region’s economic growth and prosperity.
CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE YEAR Members of the Year are advocates for member businesses, volunteer and participate on Chamber committees and foster relationships between The Chamber and the community.
2021 JOHN ESPLEY
Connection Skills
Helen Beirnes
Chief Robert Sam
Clare Copeland
Ian Maxwell
Ron Lou-Poy
2020
Previous Lifetime Achievement Winners The following inductees, as previous recipients of The Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2007-2020) are the bedrock of the Business Hall of Fame.
RAHIM KHUDABUX
Max Furniture
John Chew
Bob Wright
2019 ROSE ARSENAULT
Agilus Work Solutions (formerly Talentcor)
Alex Campbell
Gordon Denford
Cedric Steele
Terry Farmer
2018 AL HASHAM Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics
Keith Dagg
Bob Skene
Dr. Naz Rayani
Lynda & Murray Farmer
2017 DAN DAGG H2 Accelerator (formerly Hot House Marketing)
Mel Cooper
Eric Charman
Gordy Dodd
Bill McCreadie
Meet the Business Hall of Fame Inductees >>> victoriachamber.ca/business-hall-of-fame
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> victoriachamber.ca/business-awards 2022 BUSINESS AWARDS 19
CHAMBER AWARD OF DISTINCTION
Josh Handysides MALAHAT NATION
Bringing people together to find common ground We call them business leaders because they lead the way for others to follow. Sometimes this is done through technical innovation or mastering a profession. Sometimes leaders recognize a better path even if it’s one that’s less well travelled. For Josh Handysides — the 2022 recipient of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Award of Distinction sponsored by the Times Colonist — it was the realization that creating respectful relationships with First Nations is the right way to do good business. “My greatest successes in my career and my life more broadly have come through seeing the opportunities to bring together people and ideas to find common ground and solutions,” Handysides said. “In my current role, this opportunity is even greater where I am using economic development to help create reconciliation between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous world. If we seek those opportunities, there is more in common to bring us together than there is to divide us.” The Award of Distinction highlights a businessperson who has contributed to Greater Victoria through leadership and vision as a positive role model and a sustained commitment to a prosperous community. Handysides has been instrumental in building diverse partnerships between the private and public sectors and the Malahat Nation, where he serves as Chief Administrative Officer. “Josh has been the steady hand behind a number of projects that have been game changers for our region,” said John Wilson, President and CEO of The Wilson’s Group of Companies and Chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors. “The Malahat SkyWalk has been a boon for tourism, generating positive publicity on social media as a destination for visitors to Vancouver Island.” Handysides is modest about taking the spotlight and describes himself as someone who connects people so that they can achieve great things. It’s a role that fits well with his involvement with The Chamber and our own efforts to connect businesses and communities. “I’m humbled by this recognition and grateful for the help and support of the Malahat Nation,” Handysides said. “The energy and creativity of Indigenous entrepreneurs is a powerful force for our economy, and we look forward to continuing to build bridges and showcase initiatives that connect Malahat Nation to its land and traditions.” Ken Bailey, general manager of Malahat SkyWalk, said Handysides has shown he’s open to new ideas if they benefit the community. “I think the Malahat SkyWalk is key to Malahat First Nation economic goals of working within the land, working with their tenure — using the geography and the nature that’s around them and inviting people to celebrate it as well,” Bailey said.
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Born and raised on the South Island, Handysides graduated from Belmont Secondary School and then attended the University of Victoria, where he completed a double major in Sociology and History. Unsure about his career path, Handysides started a photography business specializing in sports, portraits and weddings. After a year, the experience gained running a business helped him land a position with the provincial government working on tax policy, and eventually doing policy work with the BC
Environmental Assessment Office. The role included consultation with First Nations on major projects. “Through this work I saw the reality that First Nations face, and that the system was stacked against them,” Handysides said. “I also saw that companies who worked with First Nations in the right way created lasting benefit and opportunity for those First Nations and their members. I really saw that businesses who were working in the right way with the community were able (to create more than just profits. They were able) to build lives and communities.” That revelation led to Handysides moving on from government to help industry develop new ways of partnering with Indigenous peoples. Some examples include: the Pacific Trails Pipeline Limited Partnership, which provided First Nations an ownership stake in a major project; Woodfibre LNG, which included the first Indigenous environmental assessment in BC; and Steelhead LNG, which gave the Hu-ay-aht and Malahat Nations integral roles in every study and included them in all fieldwork. In 2017, Handysides was approached by the Malahat Nation to lead economic development. After a decade working across the table or alongside First Nations, Handysides was ready to work directly for a First Nation. “I worked in the economic development role for two years before being asked to take on the day-to-day leadership as the CAO,” Handysides said. “In my time at Malahat Nation we have completed the Malahat SkyWalk project and are working towards construction of the first buildings in our Business Park development this year.”
AWARD SPONSORED BY
Times Colonist
• More than Five million stories read online every month • More than One million readers every month. 1.1 million newspapers sold every month.
Handysides worked with the City of Langford to lead the development of the Spirit Loop marketing campaign, which will extend the range of Greater Victoria’s tourism industry while preserving traditional uses of the land and important ecosystems. “Josh’s efforts show all of us the value of better connecting Indigenous entrepreneurs with our region’s business community,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.
Hamish Hamilton photo of Malahat SkyWalk courtesy of Destination Greater Victoria.
The Times Colonist is your best source for news, sports, business, entertainment, lifestyles and opinion coverage. www.timescolonist.com 201-655 Tyee Road 250-380-5211
The SkyWalk has helped expand tourism in our region. Destination Greater Victoria photo.
Josh Handysides enjoying the view of Malahat Nation lands.
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS 21
CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Mary Lou Newbold MAYFAIR OPTOMETRIC CLINIC
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Staying focused on a clear vision of great community When we talk about a community, we typically mean a group of people that is much bigger than the sum of its parts. But every community consists of individuals who, if we’re lucky, are our true friends and family. A community is also a place where we feel we belong. And that’s exactly what Mary Lou Newbold found when she initially joined the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in the late ’90s as the owner of a retail business. That experience gave her a taste for what The Chamber does in the community and led to her engaging on a deeper level in 2015 in her role as CEO of Mayfair Optometric Clinic. “I am so glad I did. I view The Chamber as a community within my community,” Newbold said, listing off a few of the people she’s become close friends with through The Chamber. “Jim and Lori Swanson, Rahim Khudabux, Rose Arsenault, John Wilson and Al Hasham. These people are very dear to me and have taught me a lot.” These relationships highlight the value that comes with being an active member. The more you engage, the more you get back. “When I serve within my own community, I am taking care of my friends, my family, my employees and their families. There is no other part of my job that means more to me than helping my own neighbors,” Newbold said. For her tireless work promoting The Chamber among peers and consistently attending events to help make others feel welcome, Newbold was named the 2022 Chamber Member of the Year. The award, sponsored by Air Canada, recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business. The description fits Newbold well, says 2019 Chamber Member of the Year Rose Arsenault of Agilus Work Solutions. “Mary Lou is a true-blue Chamber member. She is an advocate for The Chamber and always sings its praises.” Arsenault said, noting that Newbold has helped attract many new members. “A key part of my job description as CEO of Mayfair Optometric Clinic is to serve on committees or boards,” Newbold said, adding that volunteers are needed for healthy organizations and a vibrant community. “I do believe in the importance of volunteering, but (when I do, it’s vital that) I can contribute and that it is a cause I believe in.” Newbold’s commitment to community goes back to her early life growing up at figure skating rinks in Saskatchewan and Interior BC. Born in Regina, Newbold’s family moved to Kamloops when she was eight years old. “The skating club became my extended family and instilled in me a sense of community and what it was like to contribute to the greater cause,” Newbold said, recalling the many hours spent selling chocolate bars with almonds to raise funds for her club. “Our moms all took turns with big lunches in the summer, and we all travelled with different families and shared many fun memories. I actually have no recollection of any of my placements, but I can tell you stories of shenanigans all over the interior of BC.”
As a young adult, Newbold was working weekends at a dental clinic when she met Stephen Taylor, a young optometrist from Victoria who also worked on weekends. Sparks flew and Newbold ended up following her heart to the Island to study business at Camosun College. “I had the idea that I would run an optometric practice and make it the best in the city,” Newbold said. “I married the optometrist and we were named Business of the Year (11 to 25 employees) in 2016 by The Chamber so I think I followed the plan.” Part of that plan was learning from others who have achieved success, as well as from the mistakes she made attempting to operate a retail store early in her career. Newbold cites a number of high-profile Chamber members as mentors, including Hasham and Wilson. “Maximum Express is always serving the community … and John Wilson has never missed a step in his leadership position as Chamber Chair,” Newbold said, pointing out another powerful influence closer to home. “My business partner and husband Dr. Stephen Taylor loves what he does and works everyday like it is even better than the one before. I aspire to be charitable and thoughtful with how Mayfair Optometric Clinic supports the community and (remember) that, no matter what is going on around me, people are looking to me to lead and to work hard and to enjoy every day.”
AWARD SPONSORED BY
Air Canada
Newbold’s experiences have provided some perspective on what it means to achieve success in business, in life and as a member of The Chamber. “I think the last two years have taught many of us the significance of time and the importance of the people we love in our lives,” Newbold said. “If I take care of myself, learn something new every day, stay in the present moment and find something that I can laugh at daily, then I am living my very best life and that sets me up to be the very best boss, wife, dog mom, friend and Chamber colleague.”
LEADING THE WAY Congratulations to the winners
LA VOIE DE L’EXCELLENCE Félicitations à tous les lauréats
Clockwise from top left: Mary Lou Newbold at a Chamber mixer with Rahim Khudabux of Max Furniture; sharpening her focus at her award-winning Mayfair Optometric Clinic; at a HarbourCats game with team owner and Chamber Chair John Wilson; and with husband Dr. Stephen Taylor.
2022 BUSINESS AWARDS 23
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