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Victoria, May 10, 2018– The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business excellence during the Greater Victoria Business Awards this evening at The Fairmont Empress. From start-ups to legends, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards and its 14 categories shine a light on hard working businesses, business people and community leaders with achievements worth celebrating. The 2018 award winners are: Business Leadership; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings Canadian Tire Hillside Runner-up: The Truffles Group New Business; sponsored by Peninsula Co-Op angela COTÉ inc Runner-up: Horizons Holistic Health Care Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by the City of Victoria Engaged HR Inc. Runner-up: Atlas Junk Removal Inc. Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by CHEK News Russell Books Runner-up: Oswego Hotel/Kingsbridge Management Limited Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by Times Colonist Peninsula Co-op Runner-up: Pizzeria Prima Strada Outstanding Workplace of the Year; sponsored by Ralmax Group of Companies Inn at Laurel Point Runner-up: Robinson’s Outdoor Store Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business Vecima Networks Inc. Runner-up: Sheringham Distillery Ltd. Non-Profit/Association of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island Greater Victoria Housing Society Runner-up: Silver Threads Services for Seniors Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc. Urban Smiles Victoria Runner-up: Frontrunners Footwear Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College Waymark Architecture Inc. Runner-up: Abeego Designs Business Person of the Year; sponsored by United Way of Greater Victoria Christine Willow, Chemistry Consulting Group Runner-up: Jim Swanson, Victoria HarbourCats Young Entrepreneur of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University Raul Caballero, Oui Jewellery Runner-up: Matt Peulen, Stride Properties Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada Al Hasham, Maximum Express Logistics and Freight and Max Furniture Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award Eric Charman Quote: "We are here tonight to celebrate not only our award finalists, but also The Chamber’s 155th year in operation,” said Dan Dagg, Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Our diverse and innovative members play an important role as business leaders and contributors to our vibrant economy and community.” Added Dagg, “All of tonight's finalists foster excellence through their commitment and generosity to our community by giving back to local organizations. We celebrate their successes and look forward to working with our members to continue to build good business.” A full list of finalists in all categories here. Professional imagery of the recipients will be available the next day here. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with more than 1,400 member organizations. Founded on Feb. 9, 1863, The Chamber is celebrating its 155th birthday in 2018. It works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, advocacy, professional development activities and many other member services. -30- Media Contact: Christine Lewis Communications and Events Manager eventsmanager@victoriachamber.ca 250 360-3477 250-418-1507 (c)