MEDIA RELEASE |February 12, 2020 Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Connect. Engage. Achieve. CHAMBER’S BLACK TIE NOMINEES ANNOUNCED AFTER RECORD-BREAKING 217 NOMINATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY Nominations for the Chamber’s 23rd Black Tie Awards came to a close at midnight on Friday, January 31 st . A flourish of submissions in the final two days brought the total number of nominations to a staggering 217, far surpassing the Chamber’s previous record of 155 nominations in the 2018 award year. In keeping with Black Tie tradition, nominations were open to the public for three months beginning in November 2019. This year’s Black Tie Awards feature nine award categories for Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit Organizations, Art In Business, Green Business, Young Entrepreneur and Customer Service, as well as three Business Achivement categories. Businesses, organizations and individuals across the entire Cowichan Region, including both Chamber Members and Non-Members, were eligible. The Black Tie Awards were founded in 1996 on the Customer Service Award and, as per previous years, this category remains the most popular representing 29% of the total nominations for 2020. Next up is the new Non- Profit Organization category which came in at 18%, followed by Young Entrepreneur at 13%. “Customer Service has always been the backbone of the Black Tie Awards” says Chamber President, Julie Scurr. “What’s fantastic about this year’s nominations is seeing the widespread recognition for the Non-Profit sector, as well as the uptake in the Young Entrepreneurs category. It speaks to the vibrancy and growth of business in our region and shows that more young families are moving in and making the Valley home.” As submissions are received, the Chamber notifies Nominees. While Nominators are kept confidential, Nominees are delighted and honoured to know that someone was thoughtful enough to recognize their contributions to the Cowichan Region. Still, some respectfully decline their nominations and those Nominees are not represented in the attached lists. It is also important to recognize that the total number of Nominees may not match the total number of submissions as many Nominees receive multiple nominations across one or more award categories. With nominations closed, the Chamber now turns its focus on contacting each Nominator to speak to their submissions. Information collected will then be adjudicated by a Panel in a round table format, following which three Finalists from each of the nine award categories will be selected. The 27 finalists then have an opportunity to meet individually with the Adjudicators to speak to their respective nominations. Scores from the Nominations are then combined with scores from the Finalist Interviews and the highest scored Finalist from each category becomes the Award Recipient. These results are audited and sealed until the Black Tie Awards celebration, which will be held at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) on the evening of Friday, April 17 th . Tickets for the event will go on sale at the CPAC Box Office in March.
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MEDIA RELEASE |February 12, 2020 Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce
Connect. Engage. Achieve.
CHAMBER’S BLACK TIE NOMINEES ANNOUNCED AFTER RECORD-BREAKING 217 NOMINATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY Nominations for the Chamber’s 23rd Black Tie Awards came to a close at midnight on Friday, January 31st. A flourish of submissions in the final two days brought the total number of nominations to a staggering 217, far surpassing the Chamber’s previous record of 155 nominations in the 2018 award year. In keeping with Black Tie tradition, nominations were open to the public for three months beginning in November 2019. This year’s Black Tie Awards feature nine award categories for Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit Organizations, Art In Business, Green Business, Young Entrepreneur and Customer Service, as well as three Business Achivement categories. Businesses, organizations and individuals across the entire Cowichan Region, including both Chamber Members and Non-Members, were eligible. The Black Tie Awards were founded in 1996 on the Customer Service Award and, as per previous years, this category remains the most popular representing 29% of the total nominations for 2020. Next up is the new Non-Profit Organization category which came in at 18%, followed by Young Entrepreneur at 13%. “Customer Service has always been the backbone of the Black Tie Awards” says Chamber President, Julie Scurr. “What’s fantastic about this year’s nominations is seeing the widespread recognition for the Non-Profit sector, as well as the uptake in the Young Entrepreneurs category. It speaks to the vibrancy and growth of business in our region and shows that more young families are moving in and making the Valley home.” As submissions are received, the Chamber notifies Nominees. While Nominators are kept confidential, Nominees are delighted and honoured to know that someone was thoughtful enough to recognize their contributions to the Cowichan Region. Still, some respectfully decline their nominations and those Nominees are not represented in the attached lists. It is also important to recognize that the total number of Nominees may not match the total number of submissions as many Nominees receive multiple nominations across one or more award categories. With nominations closed, the Chamber now turns its focus on contacting each Nominator to speak to their submissions. Information collected will then be adjudicated by a Panel in a round table format, following which three Finalists from each of the nine award categories will be selected. The 27 finalists then have an opportunity to meet individually with the Adjudicators to speak to their respective nominations. Scores from the Nominations are then combined with scores from the Finalist Interviews and the highest scored Finalist from each category becomes the Award Recipient. These results are audited and sealed until the Black Tie Awards celebration, which will be held at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) on the evening of Friday, April 17th. Tickets for the event will go on sale at the CPAC Box Office in March.
Connect. Engage. Achieve.
The Black Tie Awards, presented in partnership with Island Savings, recognizes excellence in business and volunteerism across the Cowichan Region. Thank you to all those who took time to submit a nomination and congratulations to all of the deserving Nominees for doing their part to make Cowichan an amazing place to work, live and play.
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce has been representing business since 1908. The Chamber provides professional development, networking, cost savings and advocacy for over 570 members. The Chamber also operates the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre that serves over 25,000 visitors annually, providing information and referrals for all that Cowichan has to offer. For more information contact: Alec Wheeler Events and Membership Manager Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce [email protected] | (250) 748-1111
Customer Service sponsored by London Drugs Recognition for demonstrating excellence in customer service and going above and beyond the call of duty. Customer Service Nominees are ready and willing to help, and always with a smile.
Emily Clements & Olivia Boudreau Adage Studios
Jason Zimmel & Team All Batter Powered
Marissa Lockhart Allure Lashes
Angie Dalton AnG Bookkeeping
John Keirstead Arctic Spas Vancouver Island
Andrea Laite Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn
The Team Chemainus Animal Hospital
Cody Tucker Cowichan Towing
Lucien Bellamy & Team Cowichan Valley Orthodontics
Laura Shand Cowichan Valley Running
The Pharmacists I.D.A Pharmacy, Valley View Centre
Dana Van-Cleave, Sandie High & Team Island Gem & Bead Supply
Julie Winter 89.7 Juice FM
Tracy Shears Just Shears
The Team Kolenberg Motors
David & Victoria Robinson McBarley’s
The Team Mint Hair Design
Zaida Giron MNP LLP
Lorraine Keen My Great Housekeeper
Patty Jeffs PatrYka Designs
Chris Manley & Olga Roberts Resthouse Sleep Solutions
Roger Kapila Roger’s Furniture & Mattress
Adera Angelucci SPIRO Creative
Wendy Bowen Start Line Health & Wellness Group
Dan Robin The 2 Wheel Inn
Nicollette Genier, Tami Popp & Team The Community Farm Store
Darrel Christopherson The Cutthroat Barber
Vince Avery, Muhammet Yamali, Sian Richards & Team
Thrive Now Physiotherapy
Anita Willis Two Hoots Gift Gallery
Kathy Wilkins & Team Urban Legends Salon & Spa
Ian Smith Victory Barber & Brand North
Tricia Schley Vinny’s Gourmet Dogs
Chris Home Warmland Garage Door Services & Renovations
Ryan Stanley White Spot Duncan
Cathy Moutou WorkBC Duncan Centre
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Peninsula Co-op Individuals and community service groups. Recognition for extraordinary service or support given to individuals, families, non-profit organizations, community service groups or humanitarian causes.
Ashley Bond Various Causes and/or Service Groups
Bret Torok-Both Various Causes and/or Service Groups
Cheryl Lee Saele Sunday Sandwiches
Chris Rafuse Cowichan Brain Injury Society
Deb Savory Wright KidSport Cowichan
Jack Pearce Providence Farm
Jock Hildebrand Cowichan Valley Public Art Gallery and Cowichan Estuary Restoration & Conservation Association
Ken Cossey Volunteer Cowichan and Oak Transit
Leslie-Ann Baird Various Causes and/or Service Groups
Mike Irving Navy League of Canada
Shannon Knight Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
Susan Harrison Various Causes and/or Service Groups
The Crisp Family Clements Centre Society, Various Causes and/or Service Groups
The Team Cowichan Hospice House Task Force
Tina Short Various Causes and/or Service Groups
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
(New) Non-Profit Organization sponsored by Cowichan Green Community Registered Non-Profit Societies and Charitable Organizations. Recognition for outstanding contributions to the community, demonstrating innovation, engagement and impact through their projects, programs and services.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley
Cowichan Cat Rescue
Cowichan Valley Hospice Society
Cowichan Intercultural Society
Cowichan Music Festival
Cowichan Search & Rescue
Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
Cowichan Valley Basket Society
Duncan Dabber Bingo Society
Nourish Cowichan
Sassy Lion Thrift Store
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Art in Business sponsored by Cowichan Woodwork Cabinetry & Millwork Recognizes a successful, growing business built around creating and selling art, while demonstrating sound management, leadership and community commitment.
Dragonwing Music
Kinsol Timber Systems Ltd.
McPherson Cabinetry Ltd.
Mulberry Lane School of Music
Shamawood
SPIRO Creative
The Cutthroat Barber
Two Hoots Gift Gallery
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Green Business sponsored by Cowichan Valley Regional District Recognition for success in operating a business that implements environmentally sustainable practices, demonstrating leadership in lessening their impact on the environment by reducing, solving or avoiding environmental issues.
Blue Grouse Estate Winery
Country Chic Paint
Cowichan Auto Repair
Fisher Road Recycling
Inherit Designs Landscaping
Resthouse Sleep Solutions
The Community Farm Store
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Young Entrepreneur sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union Business owners under the age of 40 who started a business within the last 3 years. Nominees demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and have excellent prospects for continued business growth.
Alistair Vigier ClearWay Law
Bonnie Leverette Brand and Banter
Brad Smith Mesachie Lake Automotive
Brennan Colebank Stillhead Distillery
Clayton Frost The Little Corner Sandwich Shop
Charleen Smith Panacea Wildfire Inc.
Dina-Marie Stuehler Ironworks Café & Creperie
Grant Lestock-Kay Cowichan Cycles
Ian Blom The Ainslie
Josh Montgomery Storage HQ
Makayla Mercer Equine Emporium
Marissa Lockhart Allure Lashes
Masika & Cam Woods Oak & Vine Estate
Sara Smith Song Smith
Sara Thompson Brunch on 3rd
Sheila Leclerc Sheila Leclerc Coaching
Shawna Blok-Andersen Bloom Studio
Spencer Atkinson Zero Waste Compost & Hauling and Vapestar Supply
Tricia Schley Vinny’s Gourmet Dogs
Tristan Maxey Clear Choice Contracting
Tyler Buck Boundless Fitness & Nutrition
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Business Achievement 1-5 Employees sponsored by Island Savings Recognizes a successful business or social enterprise that demonstrates initiative, community involvement, sound business management, creativity and consistent growth
Compass Mexican Bistro
Cowichan Valley Running
Ignition Motorsports
Island Gem and Bead Supply
Kristy Landry, Financial Advisor – Edward Jones Investments
McBarley’s
McRae Painting Inc.
Mesachie Lake Automotive
Mint Hair Design
PD Stover Professional Corporation
Read Greenan Law Group
Rembrandt’s Chocolates
Renee Russell – Pemberton Holmes Ltd.
Small Block Brewery
Stillhead Distillery
The Guild Salon
Vinny’s Gourmet Dogs
World Financial Group
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Business Achievement 6-19 Employees Co-sponsored by PD Stover Professional Corporation and Veridis Plumbing & Heating Recognizes a successful business or social enterprise that demonstrates initiative, community involvement, sound business management, creativity and consistent growth
Brunch on 3rd
Cheers Cowichan Tours
Chopstix Salon
Gibby’s Café & Catering
Glow Juicery and Raw Food Café
Hudson’s on First
Iverson Forest Management
Matisse Day Spa
My Great Housekeeper
Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar
Resthouse Sleep Solutions
The Farm Table Inn
The Old Firehouse Wine & Cocktail Bar
Victory Barber & Brand North
BLACK TIE AWARDS 2020
Complete List of Nominees
by Category
Business Achievement 20+ Employees Sponsored by MNP LLP Recognizes a successful business or social enterprise that demonstrates initiative, community involvement, sound business management, creativity and consistent growth
