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Victoria, April 20, 2017– The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business excellence during the Greater Victoria Business Awards this evening at The Fairmont Empress. From start-ups to legends, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards and its 14 categories shine a light on hard working businesses, business people and community leaders with achievements worth celebrating. In 2017, The Chamber has added two new categories: Chamber Member of the Year and Non-Profit of the Year. The 2017 award winners are: Business Leadership; sponsored by Coast Capital Savings Western Interior Design Group Ltd. Runner-up: Fort Properties Ltd. New Business; sponsored by Peninsula Co-Op Freshworks Studio Runner-up: Loomo Marketing Business of the Year (1-10 Employees); sponsored by the City of Victoria Balance Home Cleaning Runner-up: BC Hazmat Management Ltd. Business of the Year (11-39 Employees); sponsored by CHEK News Orca Spirit Adventures Runner-up: Proline Management Ltd. Business of the Year (40+ Employees); sponsored by Times Colonist Beanstream Runner-up: Peninsula Co-op Outstanding Workplace of the Year; sponsored by CPHR Vancouver Island Smart Dolphins IT Solutions Inc. Runner-up: Checkfront Inc. Innovation; sponsored by University of Victoria, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business Flytographer Runner-up: Coastal Community Credit Union & Insurance Non-Profit/Association of the Year; sponsored by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island Lifetime Networks Runner-up: Our Place Society Outstanding Customer Service; sponsored by Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc. STS Pain Pharmacy Runner-up: Outlooks for Men Sustainable Business Practices; sponsored by Sierra Club of BC and Horne Coupar Bernhardt Contracting Ltd. Runner-up: City Green Solutions Society Business Person of the Year; sponsored by United Way of Greater Victoria Mandy Farmer, Accents Inns and Hotel Zed Runner-up: Scott Burley, 2 Burley Men Moving Ltd. Young Entrepreneur of the Year; sponsored by Royal Roads University Rachel Paish, Passion & Performance Runner-up: Glen Smethurst, Van Isle Paint and Island Digital Marketing Chamber Member of the Year; sponsored by Air Canada Dan Dagg, Hot House Marketing Quote: “The businesses being honoured tonight demonstrate not only excellence in their given sector but also show a commitment to the community,” said Al Hasham, Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “Whether they are a winner or finalist - each one of these businesses is deserving of the award in their given category.” The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with over 1,400 member organizations. It was founded February 9, 1863, and is funded by businesses to support business. The Greater Victoria Chamber works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, mentorship opportunities, professional development activities and other unique programming to support their member businesses. More info at www.victoriachamber.ca. -30-