Four Comox Valley businesses brought home impressive hardware and accolades from the 11th annual Business Examiner awards.
Island Gourmet Trail’s owner Gaetane Palardy was honoured as Vancouver Island Entrepreneur of the Year, coffee company Royston Roasting was named Manufacturer of the Year, 1stView was named Real Estate Company of the Year and Two Eagles Lodge was named Hospitality/Tourism Business of the Year.
“Celebrating Business Excellence on Vancouver Island,” the BE Awards were presented recently at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. Awards were presented in 17 categories.
“To add this Island-wide award to our mantle leaves us a bit speechless,” said Carolyn West-Price Touhey, who along with her husband Steve Touhey, runs Two Eagles Lodge in Union Bay. “We are so pleased to be ambassadors for the Island, and the Valley in particular.”
Two Eagles Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Union Bay opened in 2007, and has garnered rave reviews from tourists and locals alike. The B&B also won the 2010 Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau.
“Most guests are just friends we didn’t have a week earlier,” Carolyn said. “They come in with a handshake and leave with a hug.”
Real Estate Company of the Year, 1stView, offers a unique way to find new Vancouver Island real estate.
Not a traditional real estate company, 1stView helps people find new Vancouver Island real estate including homes, vacation units and investment properties on line.
“We are thrilled to win this award as it acknowledges a new type of real estate business, which is Internet-based,” said owner Clarice Coty.
“Our business is growing quickly as a result of our online presence and we have increased our growth by 55 per cent in the past year. Our entire team is responsible for achieving this award and we are very appreciative.”
1stView will soon launch a redesigned website, making it even easier to find new residential real estate and homes on Vancouver Island.
Manufacturer of the Year Royston Roasting Company produces quality, fair-trade organic, artisan roasted coffee. They also go one green step further and package their fresh-roasted beans in eco-friendly bags made of rice paper, resealable for reuse, with the specialty coffee valves keeping the coffee as fresh as the moment it was roasted.
“Our success and this award would not be possible without the tremendous excitement and support we have received from our Comox Valley community and the many small businesses, friends, and colleagues that make our coffee a daily ritual and promote our company wherever they go,” said owner Dyan Spink.
Entrepreneur of the Year Gaetane Palardy is the owner/operator of Island Gourmet Trails, which offers delicious, day-tours within the Comox Valley. Their culinary adventures are planned to cover different trails throughout the Valley, and from Parksville to Campbell River.
“I am honoured to receive the Entrepreneur of the Year Award,” Palardy said.
“The success of Island Gourmet Trails is a reflection of the Comox Valley’s vibrant and dynamic agri-tourism sector.
“It could not have been possible without the collaboration and partnership of many local ventures who share a kindred spirit. It speaks to the growing potential of the Valley as a culinary tourism destination.”
— Business Examiner