On Thursday (Nov. 5), the six companies were honoured before 400 people at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel.
The recipients of this year's honours, include:
1-10 Employees Winner
South Point Pet Hospital
The pet hospital has been serving Surrey and White Rock for the past 11 years.
"If necessary, their team will do house calls, which is especially valuable for their elderly clients who cannot drive," the award submission states. "South Point Pet Hospital plans to bring in laser therapy to complement their acupuncture treatments, which has already seen great success. They have introduced a digital x-ray machine to their practice, which is more efficient in getting a diagnosis, and safer for the environment as it does not use harsh chemicals."
11 - 40 Employees Winner:
Viva Care Inc.
Since 2008, Viva Care Inc. has been a multi-disciplinary and holistic healthcare clinic, offered at 10 locations.
Their growing network of family physicians, specialists, pharmacists, optometrists, rehabilitative team and other health care providers are bound by the common purpose of helping communities on their path to better health.
"Viva Care is modernizing the healthcare industry by introducing online wait times on their website, online booking of appointments, a paging system within Walmart so clients can shop while they wait for their turn to see a doctor," the submission states.
Viva Care, based in Surrey, also operates across the Lower Mainland, as well as in Kenaston, Manitoba.
41+ Employees Winner:
Canuel Caterers
Two brothers established Canuel Caterers in 1991.
Their success started with their first account – North Delta Secondary School - an account that still remains with Canuel.
"In addition to operating the current eight school accounts in Surrey, they have a combined 54 school programs in BC. Canuel provides cafeteria and meal programs to these schools," the award submission states. "This family owned and operated business prides themselves on practicing ethical practices with suppliers, clients and staff."
New Business of the Year Winner:
Crown Building Supplies
Crown Building Supplies is a newly established business with a combined 40 years of experience in the industry.
"A newly formed business by experienced and educated individuals, whose average age is about 40, has flourished beyond projected expectations. This is a direct result of their energy, commitment, and dedication to serving their business and community."
Not-for-profit Winner:
John Volken Academy Society
The John Volken Academy provides long-term, residential addiction recovery treatment and life-skills training to young men and women ages 19-34. While in the program, students advance their education, adopt healthy lifestyles, and receive extensive career training in PricePro, their not-for-profit grocery store.
"It is a unique recovery program, as the methods of recovery are about building capacity and helping these young men and women become self-supporting, contributing members of society. Their mission is to be a world leader in providing effective and affordable residential addiction recovery treatment, teaching relevant job and life skills, advancing secondary and post-secondary education, cultivating self worth and instilling in each student the desire to always be the best they can be for themselves, their families, and their communities."
Business Person of the Year Winner:
Andrew Westlund
Andrew Westlund has been in business for over 25 years in the wireless industry.
He is the President of the Westlund Group of Companies, which includes Apex Wireless, SKY Helicopters, SKY Hangar, Agency Media, FLUID Day Spa, Mode Photography, Level4 Technologies, and The Link Professional Services. "Fascinated by the human element of business, he believes that engagement is the most powerful factor in the success of any business," the submission states. "He runs a sales component through each company, no matter the industry, and aims to have 20 businesses and 500 employees within the next ten years."
Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award
Mansonville Plastics (B.C.) Ltd. & Group of Companies.
This award was created to recognize a business working to improve the lives of their employees and to enhance the civic environment in which they operate, through participation in community programs, partnerships with community organizations, volunteering, educational and/or environmental initiatives, and/or for creating a positive environment for employees.