Times Colonist

Transit CEO among Chamber award winners

- CARLA WILSON

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 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

• Finalist: Sheringham Distillery

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 Innovation

• Winner: Open Ocean Robotics

• Finalist: HAVN Saunas Outstandin­g Customer Service

• 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

 ?? SUBMITTED ?? B.C. Transit chief executive Erinn Pinkerton received the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Award of Distinctio­n, while James Gatsi, CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., was honoured as Member of the Year.
SUBMITTED B.C. Transit chief executive Erinn Pinkerton received the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Award of Distinctio­n, while James Gatsi, CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., was honoured as Member of the Year.
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