B.C. Transit president and chief executive Erinn Pinkerton received the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Award of Distinction at the 2024 Greater Victoria Business Awards, which were presented Tuesday evening.
The awards recognize outstanding customer service, sustainable business practices, innovation and emerging business people.
James Gatsi, chief executive of CL Web Developers Inc. and the head of a committee on emerging entrepreneurs and inclusion and diversity, was honoured as Member of the Year.
“It was an exhilarating celebration, and an exciting opportunity to shine the spotlight on Greater Victoria’s business community,” said chamber chief executive Bruce Williams.
“When we showcase the finalists, there is always so much emotion in the room. I encourage everyone to check out their inspiring videos, which are available on our website and our social media channels.”
Awards were presented at the Lecture Hall in the Victoria Conference Centre in front of an audience of about 300.
Finalists are chosen by an independent panel of business leaders.
The Award of Distinction, which is sponsored by the Times Colonist and was presented by editor and publisher Dave Obee, recognizes the positive influence that a person has on the economy, businesses and the overall community and signifies achievement, resourcefulness and determination.
The 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 and fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.
2024 Award Recipients and Finalists
Business of the Year (1-10 employees)
• Winner: Nature Bee
• Finalist: The Athlete Centre
Business of the Year (11-39 employees)
• Winner: Oswego Hotel
Business of the Year (40+ employees)
• Winner: Kinetic Construction Ltd.
• Finalist: Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress
New Business of the Year
• Winner: Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency Inc.
• Finalist: BestCoast Outfitters
Non-Profit of the Year
• Winner: Threshold Housing Society
• Finalist: Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation
Business Person of the Year
• Winner: Neetu Kaloti | National Courier Service
• Finalist: Lori & Peter Stofko | Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre
Community Builder of the Year
• Winner: Intrepid Theatre
• Finalist: Pacifica Housing Advisory Association
Emerging Business Person of the Year
• Winner: Katie Gamble | Nature Bee
• Finalist: Inderbir Singh | Western Canada Security Corp.
Innovation Award
• Winner: Open Ocean Robotics
• Finalist: HAVN Saunas
Outstanding Customer Service Award
• Winner: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
• Finalist: Robinson’s Outdoor Store
Outstanding Workplace of the Year
• Winner: Peninsula Co-op
• Finalist: WildPlay Element Parks
Sustainable Business Practices
• Winner: Huntingdon Hotel and Suites & Pendray Inn and Tea House
• Finalist: Elate Cosmetics
Chamber Member of the Year
• James Gatsi, CEO, CL Web Developers | Business Development Manager, TecNet Canada Inc.
Chamber Award of Distinction
• Erinn Pinkerton, president and chief executive of B.C. Transit
