Chamber announces 2022 Business Awards finalists

VICTORIA, BC – To celebrate another year of businesses rising to meet every challenge, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the finalists for The Chamber’s 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards. 

The finalists, listed below, have distinguished themselves across 14 Business Award categories, including excellent customer service, sustainable business practices, young entrepreneurship and business leadership.   

The Chamber’s 2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, businesspeople and community leaders. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges. 

“We’re proud to provide some positive news that gives the business community a welcome boost right now,” said Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “The finalists announced today are a true inspiration to all businesses looking to grow and prosper in the months and years ahead. To be named a finalist means they have gone above and beyond as an exceptional organization or entrepreneur.” 

The Chamber previously announced that Josh Handysides will receive the Chamber’s Award of Distinction, while Mary Lou Newbold is The Chamber’s 2022 Member of the Year. 

The Award of Distinction is in recognition of the positive influence the honouree has had on the economy, business, and the overall community, signifying the achievement, resourcefulness and determination they have shown. The Chamber Member of the Year award recognizes an engaged, passionate, and committed individual who has taken an active role with the Chamber Board or a committee, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business. 

The Chamber's 2022 Business Awards will be held on May 7 at the Fairmont Empress. The event will also be broadcast on CHEK TV on May 8. Last year’s broadcast reached 80,000 viewers. 
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and great community for all 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, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at victoriachamber.ca. 
 
Media Contact: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca

2022 Greater Victoria Business Awards Finalists

Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by City of Victoria

• 49 Below Ice Cream
• Cold Comfort Ice Cream

Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by Worldline

• Brown Bros. Property Management
• Equilibrium Therapeutics
  
  

Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by Chard Development 

• Heart Pharmacy Group
• Monk Office

 
Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings

• Amar Magon, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine

• Jill Doucette, Synergy Foundation
  
  

Chamber Award of Distinction; sponsored by Times Colonist

• Josh Handysides, Malahat Nation

Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada

• Mary Lou Newbold, Mayfair Optometric Clinic

 
Community Builder; sponsored by Canadian Tire

• Aryze
• Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union
  
  

Emerging Business Person of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University 

• Megan Johns, The Green Kiss
• Mercy Southam, Eir Mobile Medicine

 
Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

• BinBreeze
• Origen Air

 
New Business; sponsored by Futurpreneur 

• Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
• Working Culture Bread

 
Non-Profit of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

• Beacon Community Services
• United Way Southern Vancouver Island

 
Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc.

• Coastal Heat Pumps
• Luv-A-Rug Services Inc.

 
Outstanding Workplace of the Year sponsored by Ralmax Group of Companies

• BC Transit
• Engaged HR

Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Camosun College

• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours
• Oak Bay Marine Group