Mandy Farmer wins Victoria Chamber’s 2023 Award of Distinction
VICTORIA – Mandy Farmer is the recipient of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Award of Distinction.
The President and CEO of Accent Inns and Hotel Zed, Farmer was nominated 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 Award of Distinction 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. An independent panel of prominent business leaders serve as judges.
“Mandy is a great representative of all the things this award stands for,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “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 BC, 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 Hon. Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy and has served on a number of boards and committees. Her authentic approach with customers and staff over the course of the pandemic has resonated throughout the community and across industries.
“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. This means that we focus on making sure our team is happy and healthy, and that love extends to our communities. Thank you for this incredible honour. I share it with my team.”
The Chamber’s Award of Distinction, sponsored by the Times Colonist, will be officially celebrated 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.
In November 2022, Ann Squires Ferguson was announced as Chamber Member of the Year for 2023.
The Chamber’s 2023 Business Awards will be held in May at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV. Nominations are open until Jan. 18.
