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Victoria, February 22, 2016 – For their contribution to the community, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) will recognize Murray and Lynda Farmer at the annual Greater Victoria Business Awards on Thursday, April 21. The Farmers will receive The Chamber’s Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award. Murray is the past Chair of both the Canadian and Vancouver Island Construction Associations. In addition, Murray and Lynda have worked tirelessly to raise funds for post-secondary learning, each having held key board positions during pivotal times in the history of the University of Victoria and Camosun College. They were also co-chairs of a community-based campaign that funded the establishment of the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Since 2002, The Chamber has celebrated the successes of the Greater Victoria business community. Awards are presented in 13 categories, including the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing all types of businesses as well as individuals. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with over 1,400 member organizations. The Chamber was founded February 9, 1863, and is funded by businesses to support business. It works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, mentorship opportunities, professional development activities and other unique programming to support their member businesses. Quotes: “Working together to support post-secondary education and our local business community is something Lynda and I both enjoy and are committed to in our daily lives,” said Murray Farmer, one of two recipients of the 2016 Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award. "We feel very honoured to be recognized by The Chamber with this award.” “Murray and Lynda are very deserving of this recognition. Their business and philanthropic endeavours have had a profound impact on our community,” said Al Hasham, Chair of The Chamber. “The Farmers have had a role in building a lasting legacy here, beyond the obvious bricks and mortar, to provide educational opportunities creates a sustainable foundation for growth.” “This year’s finalists represent a group of businesses that have demonstrated their ability to go above and beyond in order to make their business successful and also contribute to the vitality of our community,” said Bruce Carter, CEO of The Chamber. “We look forward to recognizing all our finalists and winners at our April awards ceremony.” -30- FACT SHEET 2016 AWARD FINALISTS Victoria, February 22, 2016 – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has selected the following individuals and organizations as finalists for the 2016 Greater Victoria Business Awards. Winners will receive their awards on Thursday, April 21 during a formal ceremony at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Business Leadership; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings • Emterra Environmental • Victoria Residential Builders Association Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business • LlamaZOO Interactive Inc. • StarFish Medical Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by TallSky Consulting Group • SALTS Sailing & Life Training Society • The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer Ltd. Sustainable Business Practices; • Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours • The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer Ltd. New Business; sponsored by Peninsula Co-op • Kingsters Bin Sanitizing Services Ltd. • Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting Business Person of the Year; sponsored by the United Way of Greater Victoria • Ken Kelly, Downtown Victoria Business Association • John Wilson, Wilson’s Transportation Ltd. Young Entrepreneur of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University • Sharon Rai, Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry • Regan McGrath, Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting Employer of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada • Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa • MacDonald Realty Ltd. Employee of the Year; sponsored by CHEK News • Gord Bridges, Wilson’s Transportation Ltd. • Nathalie Ghoos, MacDonald Realty Ltd. Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by Times Colonist • Equilibrium Massage Therapy • Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission Business of the Year (11-25 Employees); sponsored by Capital Home presented by Times Colonist • Crust Bakery • Mayfair Optometric Clinic Business of the Year (26+ Employees); sponsored by Capital Magazine presented by Times Colonist • MD Charlton Company Ltd. • Pizzeria Prima Strada Since 2002, The Chamber has celebrated the successes of the Greater Victoria business community. Awards are presented in 13 categories, including the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing all types of businesses as well as individuals. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with over 1,400 member organizations. The Chamber was founded February 9, 1863, and is funded by businesses to support business. It works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, mentorship opportunities, professional development activities and other unique programming to support their member businesses. -30-