Ann Squires Ferguson
VICTORIA – Ann Squires Ferguson has been named Chamber Member of the Year for 2023 by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
“I am beyond grateful for this honour — it is overwhelming to be recognized by so many who I hold in such high esteem,” said Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Interior Design Group and a Chamber Board member. “This year has held many challenges for me personally, with a bout of ovarian cancer, and, through it all, I have been buoyed by every kind word of encouragement, every thoughtful gift, every act of support. Our business community is an incredible example of true connection, generosity and compassion. Their collective optimism has carried me through.”
Squires Ferguson has been a passionate voice as The Chamber strives to achieves its vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.
“I do want to honour our local business leaders’ commitment to the important work that The Chamber is doing around Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Advancement and with the Indigenous Reconciliation Roundtable,” she said. “When we lift each other up, when we all come together, our whole community is so much stronger, more vibrant and resilient.”
The Chamber Member of the Year award, sponsored by Air Canada, 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.
Western Interior Design Group won in the category of Business Leadership at the 2017 Greater Victoria Business Awards.
Squires Ferguson was elected to The Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2021 and serves on The Chamber’s Ambassador committee as well as The Chamber’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee.
“Ann has been an incredible resource for our Board and Committees,” Chamber Chair John Wilson says. “She is in-tune with the times during a period of profound change and we’re lucky to have someone who is so passionate and committed to making sure businesses can show leadership in ensuring we have a great community for all.”
“Ann has inspired us all with her resilience in managing her cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as, her ongoing insightful and thoughtful input to her Chamber role,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said.
@victoriachamber.ca
