2014 BC Aboriginal Business Awards Announced

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 10, 2014) - The sixth annual BC Aboriginal Business Awards were announced today by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, the presenting organization of Awards.

The honourees will be celebrated at a gala award ceremony on October 15, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

"Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and growing in British Columbia's Aboriginal communities," said Premier Christy Clark. "The success of our Aboriginal entrepreneurs plays a crucial role in strengthening First Nations communities and our whole economy. The 6th annual Aboriginal Business Achievement Awards are a great opportunity to honour their achievements."

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards were launched in 2008 to honour and celebrate business excellence in six categories. A total of 16 Aboriginal businesses, entrepreneurs, joint ventures and community-owned enterprises will be recognized.

"This year's awardees represent excellence and demonstrate success in a variety of fields of business in British Columbia including tourism, marine services, civil construction, aviation, camp and catering services, forestry, recreational facilities, cleaning and support services and aesthetics." added Keith Mitchell.

Members of the jury panel include John Harper of Victoria, Annita McPhee of North Vancouver and Ruth Williams of Kamloops.

In addition, Councillor Garry Feschuk of the Sechelt First Nation has been selected the recipient of the 2014 BC Aboriginal Business Award for Individual Achievement in recognition of his efforts towards economic development and Aboriginal business in the Province. This award is selected by the Board of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards are presented by the BC Achievement Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and generously supported by New Relationship Trust, BC Hydro, Teck, Encana, Spectra Energy and MNP_llp.

The BC Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed in 2003 by the Province of British Columbia to celebrate community services, arts, humanities and enterprise.

2014 BC Aboriginal Business Award Recipients

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
  Recipient: Santana Walker, West Vancouver
  
  
• Business of the Year - one to two person enterprise:
  Recipient: Pure Beauty Ltd, Surrey
  Outstanding Achievement: Bell-E Acres Recreation, Williams Lake
  Outstanding Achievement: Northern Star Adventures, Quesnel
  
  
• Business of the Year - three to 10 person enterprise:
  Recipient: Bizzie B's Cleaning, Squamish
  Outstanding Achievement: IVL Contracting Ltd., Lillooet
  Outstanding Achievement: Sidney Whale Watching, Sidney
  
  
• Business of the Year - 10 or more person enterprise:
  Recipient: Harwood Customs Composite, Sidney
  Outstanding Achievement: SCS Diamond Drilling, Kamloops
  
  
• Community-Owned Business of the Year:
  Recipient: 4Evergreen Resources LP, Moberly Lake
  Recipient: Heartland Economics Ltd., Westbank
  Outstanding Achievement: Kalum Quarry Ltd. Partnership, Terrace
  Outstanding Achievement: Thunderbird RV Park and Campground, Campbell River
  
  
• Joint Venture Business of the Year:
  Recipient: Salish Sea Industrial Services Ltd. Victoria
  Outstanding Achievement: Meziadin Junction Holdings LP, Kitwanga
  Outstanding Achievement: Secwepemc Camp and Catering, Chase
  
  
• Individual Achievement Award Recipient
  Recipient: Councillor Garry Feschuk, Sechelt First Nation

Detailed information about the awards and a list of past winners is posted on the foundation's website at www.bcachievement.com/aboriginalbusiness.