Major contract for tech firm

Edoc Systems Group, a Victoria-based firm which develops software for the marine industry, has signed a major deal with Svitzer A/S, the world’s largest tugboat company. It will use Edoc’s software to manage dispatch and billing functions on shore as well as onboard vessels. Svitzer is part of the Maersk Group, which operates more than 500 vessels in more than 40 countries. No financial terms were released. Svitzer will initially introduce the software to its Scandinavian operations and later in Europe, Australasia, the Middle East and the Americas. Ron deBruyne, CEO and founder of Edoc, said the company achieved a major corporate goal. “Winning the business of such a respected global leader like Svitzer is an excellent introduction for our software into the international marketplace,” said deBruyne.

Stately ship earns honours

Victoria-based Maple Leaf Adventures, which provides eco-expeditions along the coast aboard a classic sailing ship, has been cleaning up at the awards podium lately. The company owned by Kevin Smith won a pair of Outside Magazine awards for its Haida Gwaii expedition, including Best Islands title that beat out worldwide rivals from well-known locales such as St. Lucia. The issue is on newsstands today. In February, National Geographic Adventure magazine honoured Maple Leaf’s Great Bear Rainforest trips as one of the 10 Great Adventure Trips That Give Back.

Top shooter

Tony’s Old Time Photo Studio in downtown Victoria was recognized at the 2013 Antique and Amusement Photographers International Photo Awards held in Las Vegas. Owner Julie Ann Guisch earned two honorable mentions for Best Portrait of a Child and Best Group Portrait.

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