PORT HARDY—Dave Landon Motors picked up Business of the Year and I.V. Villani was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Annual Business Excellence Awards, held last Saturday at Port Hardy’s Civic Centre.
Dennis Dugas emceed the ‘Come as you are’-themed event, with businesses invited to represent their industry in interpretive dress. Dinner was provided by Seven Hills Golf Course Catering.
Nominations were open to the public throughout January & February, with ballots cast online by community members March 1 through April 15.
The night’s award winners were:
•Business of the Year: Dave Landon Motors;
•New Business of the Year: Armstrong Construction;
•Lifetime Achievement Award: I.V. Villani;
•Don Cruickshank Community Spirit Award: Craig Ferguson;
•Community Contribution Award - Non-Profit of the Year: 4Paws Rescue Society;
•Outstanding Contribution in Art & Culture: Mike Willie;
•Entrepreneur of the Year: Sandra Masales;
•Excellence in Sustainability - Green Business of the Year: Vestas/GDF Suez/Black & McDonald;
•Insurance or Financial Business of the Year: Vancouver Island Insurance Centre;
•Hospitality & Tourism Business of the Year: Great Bear Nature Tours;
•Trades Business of the Year: O.K. Tire
•Ocean Products Business of the Year: Keltic Seafoods;
•Forestry or Forest Products Business of the Year: Pacificus Biological Services;
•Retailer of the Year: Cafe Guido & The West Coast Community Craft Shop.
The Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce extended its thanks to “the ticket holders, volunteers, sponsors, and the many businesses who donated auctions items to make this event and numerous other community events possible.”