CORY REDEKOP
LANGLEY – The Langley business community celebrated its stars at the 2023 Langley Business Excellence Awards recently at a gala event presented by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and attended by nearly 400 business, community and government leaders. This was the 27th iteration of the awards program, which the Langley Chamber has hosted annually to highlight the outstanding achievements of Langley businesses of all sectors and sizes. At the event, eight different awards were handed out across categories recognizing community involvement, environmental sustainability, leadership, entrepreneurship, and business success.
“These awards were first created as part of an economic development strategy nearly 30 years ago, and we’re honoured to still be leveraging this event to highlight and promote the incredible businesses we have here in Langley,” says Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce. “It was an exciting night and a great way to bring together the breadth of our business community to connect, celebrate and lift each other up.”
The Langley Business Excellence Awards gala event was the culmination of a months-long process which started with a Call for Nominations in late spring, when a record number of public nominations were received from across the community. Those nominees were then invited to submit supporting information and letters of reference, which were vetted and reviewed before a shortlist of finalists were announced in mid-September and the eight award recipients were revealed for the first time at last night’s event.
The recipients of the 2023 Langley Business Excellence Awards are:
Langley Community Spirit Award – Grant Sauer Notary Public – Grant Sauer Notary Public offers professional legal services and documentation, often with a personal flare that includes making house calls, hospital calls and bank signing appointments. Grant Sauer Notary Public is deeply committed to supporting the community, is incoming president for Rotary Club Langley Sunrise and serves on a number of Rotary committees and community teams to help support the Club’s fundraising efforts. In addition, Grant Sauer Notary Public is involved with and supports a number Langley community groups and efforts involving youth, health, sports, and agriculture.
Employer of the Year Award – EV Logistics – With a combined workforce of almost 900 employees — one of the largest in the Fraser Valley — EV Logistics operates two distinct distribution centers, providing distribution of fresh, frozen, and ambient grocery products to retail stores across Western Canada. Their relentless pursuit of being a great place to work for all takes shape daily through their focus on engagement in the workplace, learning about and celebrating diversity, and seeking to hire, develop and retain the best team in the industry.
Environmental Leadership Award – Willowbrook Shopping Centre – Willowbrook Shopping Centre is situated in the heart of Langley and hosts over 140 retailers across over 730,000 square feet of space, and welcomes 5.5 million visitors and shoppers annually. Willowbrook Shopping Centre strives to reduce energy consumption and its overall environmental footprint through a robust suite of initiatives all in pursuit of their goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and to be net zero in advance of 2050.
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award – The Barley Merchant Taproom and Kitchen – The Barley Merchant is an independent, locally owned and operated restaurant that proudly supports BC craft breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries. Navigating the depths of the pandemic, they built out and opened this new business in 2021, creating a dining destination that attracts people from far and wide with their immense BC-based rotating tap list and their innovative, scratch-made, fresh food menu.
Charitable or Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award – Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society – The Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society has the goal of benefitting the citizens they protect as firefighters and making a positive impact on Langley. Through various initiatives, such as their “Chip In Golf Tournament” and their “Spark of Hope Gala,” the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society is able to develop their own community programming as well as make significant financial contributions to other local charities and their efforts in Langley.
George Preston Memorial Business Person of the Year Award – Rebecca Darnell, Darnell Law Group – Founded in 1995, Darnell Law Group began as a small, one-person family law firm but has grown into a team of more than 15 skilled legal professionals. Rebecca started building her business providing legal services for legal aid clients, and quickly became a well-known member of the broader Langley business community. Taking great pride in supporting youth, Rebecca has trained and mentored young lawyers and law students throughout her career, and over the years has served on and supported countless community organizations.
Business of the Year Award (Up to 24 Employees) Award – Murrayville Plumbing and Heating – Murrayville Plumbing and Heating offers residential and commercial plumbing services, with extensive industry experience and ongoing training that guarantees superior service. Since its start seven years ago, Murrayville Plumbing has grown into a household name in Langley known for their trustworthiness, dedication and care. The business has grown in size and scope of services, but maintains its family perspective and approach to the business, its employees and its customers.
Business of the Year Award (Over 25 Employees) Award – Orion Construction – Orion Construction is a leading design-build contractor headquartered in Langley that specializes in the superior construction of industrial and commercial spaces. Orion Construction is an industry pioneer recognized for their seamless integration of design and construction expertise within one business. Since its founding in 2018, Orion has realized tremendous growth driven by its innovative approach and quality results.
Cory Redekop is CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce
