VICTORIA – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards.
The winners distinguished themselves in many ways and in many categories, including excellent customer service, sustainable business practices, emerging professionals and non-profit association of the year. This year’s winners not only battled the normal barriers to success that face most businesses, they also faced down a global pandemic and found ways to succeed despite it.
From start-ups to local legends, The Chamber’s 2021 Greater Victoria Business Awards showcase hard-working entrepreneurs, as well as business people and community leaders in 14 categories worth celebrating.
Winners were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. This marks the second year the event has been held as a televised broadcast (premiering at 6 p.m., May 15, on CHEK).
“Tonight’s winners and finalists have all shown exceptional leadership and innovation throughout one of the most challenging years we have ever experienced,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Through their tireless determination, the organizations we are celebrating tonight have earned their place among The Chamber’s many past and current award winners. These are the businesses that will help to shape our local economy as we bounce forward from the pandemic.”
Entrepreneur Frank Bourree received the 2021 Governors’ Award of Distinction, which honours an individual for his or her outstanding leadership and accomplishments serving the business community.
John Espley was named The Chamber’s Member of the Year. This award recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization.
Current Champions are: Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Kinetic Construction, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, RBC, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria.
The Chamber 2021 Business Awards Winners and Finalists
Community Builder; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings
Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business
Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.
Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College
New Business; sponsored by South Island Prosperity Partnership
Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Canadian Tire
- WINNER: ADAM & DAISY ORSER, THE ROOT CELLAR VILLAGE GREEN GROCER – video
- FINALIST: Ian Tostenson, BC Restaurant & Food Services Association – video
Emerging Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University
- WINNER: BRANDON LAUR, THE WHITE HATTER-PERSONAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS INC.– video
- FINALIST: Jarid Taylor – Brandigenous – video
Outstanding Workplace of the Year sponsored by Ralmax Group of Companies
Non-Profit of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by City of Victoria
Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by Newport Realty
Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by Chard Development Inc.
Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada
- John Espley, Connection Skills – video
Governors’ Award of Distinction; sponsored by the Times Colonist
- Frank Bourree, Bourree + Associates – video
