ARTICLE
Victoria, April 21, 2016– The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business excellence during the Greater Victoria Business Awards this evening at The Fairmont Empress. Awards were presented in 13 categories. The 2016 award winners are: Business Leadership; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings Emterra Environmental Runner-up: Victoria Residential Builders Association New Business; sponsored by Peninsula Co-Op Kingsters Bin Sanitizing Services Ltd. Runner-up: Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by Times Colonist Equilibrium Massage Therapy Inc. Runner-up: Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission Business of the Year (11-25 Employees); sponsored by Capital Home Mayfair Optometric Clinic Runner-up: Crust Bakery Business of the Year (26+ Employees); sponsored by Capital Magazine Pizzeria Prima Strada Runner-up: MD Charlton Company Inc. Employer of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa Runner-up: Macdonald Realty Ltd. Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business LlamaZOO Interactive Inc. Runner-up: StarFish Medical Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Chemistry Consulting Group S.A.L.T.S. Sail & Life Training Society Runner-up: The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Western Forest Products Inc. The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer Runner-up: Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours Business Person of the Year; sponsored by United Way of Greater Victoria John Wilson, Wilson’s Transportation Ltd. Runner-up: Ken Kelly, Downtown Victoria Business Association Young Entrepreneur of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University Regan McGrath, Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting Runner-up: Sharon Rai, Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry Employee of the Year; sponsored by CHEK News Gord Bridges, Wilson’s Transportation Ltd. Runner-up: Nathalie Ghoos, Macdonald Realty Ltd. Quote: “Tonight is a celebration of businesses who have demonstrated excellence over the past year in their respective industries. Their hard work and dedication is a testament to the great work being done in our community,” said Al Hasham, Chair of The Chamber. “My heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists and winners, they are very deserving of this recognition.” 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. More info at www.victoriachamber.ca. -30-