Hotelier Mandy Farmer has been singled out the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 2023 Award of Distinction.
The president and chief executive of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed was cited for being a visionary who is passionate about her employees, embraces an inclusive workplace and is “just a super-nice, down-to-earth person,” the chamber said in a statement Thursday.
The Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, highlights a businessperson who has contributed to Greater Victoria through leadership and vision as a positive role model and a sustained commitment to a prosperous community.
“Mandy is a great representative of all the things this award stands for,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams. “The judges had to make a difficult decision with a number of highly qualified nominees, but I think everyone can agree that Mandy is an excellent choice and has been truly inspirational for so many of her peers in Greater Victoria’s business community.”
Farmer leads a family business that operates five Accent Inns throughout B.C., as well as Hotel Zed accommodations in Victoria, Kelowna and Tofino. A 2020 winner of RBC’s Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, Farmer has been an Honourable Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy and has served on a number of boards and committees.
“Being recognized by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce as having a positive influence in our community means so much to me as a third-generation family business owner,” Farmer said.
“I believe employers have a responsibility to take care of our people and the communities within which we work. Our purpose at Accent Inns and Hotel Zed is to lead with love to radically enrich lives,” she said. “This means that we focus on making sure our team is happy and healthy, and that love extends to our communities. I share this incredible honour with my team.”
The Chamber’s Award of Distinction will be celebrated in May at the 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards, which feature 14 categories recognizing organizations that have distinguished themselves through excellent customer service, innovation and sustainable business practices.
