The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has named the finalists for its annual business awards, which will be handed out at a gala dinner May 10.
The chamber has identified two finalists — who have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways including customer service, sustainable business practices, young entrepreneurship, and personal leadership — for each of the 14 awards.
“This year’s awards are highly competitive with a record number of nominees,” said chamber chief executive Catherine Holt. “The finalists chosen represent a diverse range of businesses that all showcase business excellence and leadership.”
The chamber has already announced that retired real estate agent and philanthropist Eric Charman will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award this year. The award recognizes decades of service to the community as a businessman and a volunteer.
Al Hasham, who has been an active member of the chamber for more than 30 years — the past eight on its board of directors, will be recognized as the chamber Member of the Year for 2018.
2018 AWARD FINALISTS
Business Leadership
• Canadian Tire Hillside
• The Truffles Group
Innovation
• Sheringham Distillery
• Vecima Networks
Outstanding Customer Service
• Frontrunners Footwear
• Urban Smiles Victoria
Sustainable Business Practices
• Abeego Designs
• Waymark Architecture
New Business
• Angela Cote Consulting Franchise Growth Catalyst
• Horizons Holistic Health Clinic
Business Person of the Year
• Christine Willow, Chemistry Consulting Group
• Jim Swanson, Victoria HarbourCats
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
• Raul Caballero, Oui Jewellery
• Matt Peulen, Stride Properties
Outstanding Workplace
• Inn at Laurel Point
• Robinson’s Outdoor Store
Non-Profit of the Year
• Greater Victoria Housing Society
• Silver Threads Services for Seniors
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees)
• Atlas Junk Removal Inc.
• Engaged HR
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees)
• Oswego Hotel/Kingsbridge Management Limited
• Russell Books
Business of the Year (40+ Employees)
• Peninsula Co-op
• Pizzeria Prima Strada
