News Releases

The Family Business Association Vancouver Island (FBAVI)) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Family Business Excellence (FBE) Award and the Young Entrepreneur Award. The FBE Award is given annually by FBAVI to recognize, celebrate and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and the considerable contribution they make to both their local communities and our national economy. The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes an outstanding young leader in the family business. The recognition for both awards from the Vancouver Island family business community is an honour and a privilege.

Past FBE Awards recipients include Butler Bros Supplies, Peppers Foods, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort; Proline Management; DriveWise BC; Titan Boats; Tru Value Foods; Wilson’s Transportation; Canada Homestay Network; Capital Iron; Country Grocer; McCall Gardens; Pacific Sands Resort; Robinson’s Outdoor Store; Monk Office and Accent Inns. The Young Entrepreneur award were given to Elspeth McGillivray (2021), Erin Boggs (2020); Andrew Wilson (2019) and Daisy Klaibert (2018).

On Wednesday, June 1st, the 2022 Awards night took place in Victoria, BC with the following achievements:

• 2022 FAMILY BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – MICHELL EXCAVATING
• 2022 FAMILY BUSINESS FINALIST
• 2022 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR – SAMANTHA WILSON-NEWTON

A big thank you to:

• Our Platinum Event Sponsor – Dean Innes Realtor
• Dave Phillips at Caorda – www.caorda.com
• Showcase Awards and Recognition – www.showcaseawards.ca
• Union Club
• Jennifer Wilson – FBA Board Member and Managing Director of Canada Homestay Network as the evening MC.

About FBAVI
FBAVI is an energetic and dynamic organization filled with knowledgeable family businesses and advisors to family businesses. For 20 years they have focused on providing relevant educational events and a framework for peer support groups, recognizing that the challenges of operating a family-owned business are unique. Opportunities to mix and engage with other family businesses is often exactly what is needed to overcome the challenges of running a family business. It’s a way to find inspiration, ideas and energy from like-minded people who appreciate the opportunity to learn from each other.

More information: Bryan Burns, Executive Director, Family Business Association Vancouver Island:
250-532-2402 fba@familybusinessassociationvi.ca

Victoria, BC – Doug Wittich, President of Family Business Association (FBA) of Vancouver Island, is pleased to announce that Butler Bros Supplies and Pepper’s Food Store are the recipients the 2021 Family Business Excellence (FBE) Award. Elspeth McGillivray, Prince of Whales/North island Kayak, is the recipient of the 2021 Family Business Young Entrepreneur Award.

Butler Bros started in 1930’s as a trucking company and by the 50s were growing into concrete production, cement distribution, hardware and lumber sales and even further into farm equipment and irrigation. At its peak they had over 300 employees and when a serious financial crisis in the later 70s and early 80s, Brian Butler was asked to return to lead the company. Now the third generation with Travis and Roxy now manage the two parts of the business, Butler Concrete and Aggregate and the Butler Properties. One of their greatest achievements is the longevity of the business from the 1930s to today and overcoming a variety of challenges and obstacles while keeping the business successful with a strong forward focus. Congrats to Brian, Travis and Roxy

Pepper’s Food Store is your local grocer in Cadboro Bay. They began in 1962 and in 1992 was purchased by John Davits and renamed Pepper’s Foods. They now provide full-service deli, butcher shop and expanded produce department plus delivery service. In 2017 John retired and leaving it in the hands of his son Cory. Their mission is to provide a workplace where the staff are valued, be an integral part of providing the community with quality, locally made products and service. “Our goal is to maintain the small community store feeling while providing all the services of the larger, chain store, said Cory Davits. A big community supporter, Pepper’s is very deserving of this recognition.

Prince of Whales was formed in 1883, originally offering a water taxi service to the Gulf Islands. In 1995 they began offering wildlife and adventure tours. By 1998, they moved the operations to the Victoria inner harbour. Alan McGillivray started the business and now we recognize his daughter, Elspeth, as the 2nd generation of this family business. Even as a Young Entrepreneur, Elspeth as many years of experience in the business and is now the Director of Operations responsible for three locations and North Island Kayak. She is an inspiring recipient of this award and we look forward to the many years of growth and leadership within the family business. While this past year has been a roller coaster ride, they weathered through the storm and remain optimistic on their continue growth in the future. Way to go, Elspeth as the FBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year!

The FBA awards were acknowledged at a virtual awards night due to the Covid-19 restrictions and are given annually by FBA to recognize youth leadership and to celebrate and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and the considerable contributions they make to their local communities.

Past Family Business Award (FBE) recipients include: Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Proline Management; Drive Wise BC; Titan Boats; Tru Value Foods; Wilson’s Group of Companies; The Canada Homestay Network; Capital Iron; Country Grocer; McCall Gardens Funeral & Cremation Service; Pacific Sands Resort; Robinson’s Outdoor Store; Monk Office and Accent Inns. Past Young Entrepreneur recipients are: Erin Boggs, Robinson’s Outdoor Store, Daisy Klaibert, Beacon Hill Wealth Management and Andrew Wilson, Wilson’s Group of Companies.
Family Business Association Vancouver Island Mission: To promote the sustainability and growth of Vancouver Island business families by providing education and support through community and shared experience.

Valued Sponsors: Platinum Sponsor: Dean Innes, Sotheby’s Realty International & Gold Sponsors: Bellrock Benchmarking; CIBC; Country Grocer; Country Grocer Salt Spring Island; Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort; Thank you Media Partner; Business Examiner.

Family Business Association of Vancouver Island mission is to promote the sustainability and growth of Vancouver Island business families by providing education and support through community and shared experience. We are an engaged and supportive community of vibrant Vancouver Island business families and advisors who connect, share ideas and learn from each others’ unique experiences.

Media Contact:

Bryan Burns @ 250-532-2402; fba@familybusinessassociationvi.ca

The Family Business Association Vancouver Island (FBAVI)) is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Family Business Excellence (FBE) Award and the Young Entrepreneur Award. The FBE Award is given annually by FBAVI to recognize, celebrate and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and the considerable contribution they make to both their local communities and our national economy. The Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes an outstanding young leader in the family business. The recognition for both awards from the Vancouver Island family business community is an honour and a privilege.

Past FBE Awards recipients include: Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort; Proline Management; DriveWise BC; Titan Boats; Tru Value Foods; Wilson’s Transportation; Canada Homestay Network; Capital Iron; Country Grocer; McCall Gardens; Pacific Sands Resort; Robinson’s Outdoor Store; Monk Office and Accent Inns. The Young Entrepreneur award were given to Erin Boggs (2020); Andrew Wilson (2019) and Daisy Klaibert (2018).

Nominations will be accepted until October 12, 2020. The celebration gala will take place on April 14, 2021 at the Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, BC. The event will proceed on Zoom if COVID-19 restrictions prevent meeting in person.

Family Business Excellence Award Eligibility: An applicant must be a Vancouver Island-based “family-owned business”. A “Family Business” is defined as a business that has one of the following characteristics: 1) has been owned and operated by different generations of a family, or 2) where the potential exists for ownership to be passed on to another family member, or 3) more than one member of a family has active employment in an organization owned by a family.

Young Entrepreneur Award Eligibility: An applicant must be an individual 35 years of age or younger who has been involved in a family business on Vancouver Island for a minimum of three years.

Nominating a Family Business and a Young Entrepreneur: To nominate a family business or young entrepreneur, (self-nominations are welcome) visit the FBAVI Website at www.familybusinessassociationvi.ca or contact Bernadine Rudichuk, Executive Director, at 250-532-2402 ~ info@fbavancouverisland.ca.

About FBAVI

FBAVI is an energetic and dynamic organization filled with knowledgeable family businesses and advisors to family businesses. For 20 years they have focused on providing relevant educational events and a framework for peer support groups, recognizing that the challenges of operating a family-owned business are unique. Opportunities to mix and engage with other family businesses is often exactly what is needed to overcome the challenges of running a family business. It’s a way to find inspiration, ideas and energy from like-minded people who appreciate the opportunity to learn from each other.

Event PLATINUM Sponsor: Dean Innes: Sotheby’s Realty International. GOLD Sponsor: Bellrock Benchmarking Media Partner: Business Examiner

More information: Bernadine Rudichuk, Executive Director, Family Business Association Vancouver Island: 250-532-2402 info@fbavancouverisland.ca www.familybusinessassociationvi.ca

To download a PDF of this news release, click here.

To download a Word Document of the 2021 FBE Awards Nomination Form, click here.

For details about our Awards & Sponsor Recognition Ceremony, click here.

Trevor McCall, President of Family Business Association (FBA) of Vancouver Island, is pleased to announce that Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort is the recipient the 2020 Family Business Excellence (FBE) Award. Finalist for the award is 49th Parallel Grocery from Ladysmith. Erin Boggs, Owner, Robinson’s Outdoor Store is the recipient of the 2020 Family Business Young Entrepreneur Award.

Nimmo Bay has always been a family business. Craig and Deborah Murray realized their vision 40 years ago and their children, Fraser, Clifton and Georgia, have all been involved in the operation and development of Nimmo Bay over the years. Initially starting as an ocean fishing lodge, the first guests arrived in 1981. Helicopter Fishing was added to its offerings in 1983 which saw Nimmo Bay grow in reputation for the following two decades, particularly in the USA market. In 2011, Fraser Murray took over operations with his partner Becky and together they have reformed Nimmo Bay to fit the current traveller market. Over time, they started adding new programs while also rebuilding and renovating the resort. Today, revenues have increased by a multiple of 7 and the team has grown from 12 to 60 employees. While personal hospitality still remains at the heart of the operation, itineraries now include extraordinary wilderness and wildlife adventures, wellness offerings, corporate leadership retreats, culinary experiences, and more, as the team welcomes guests from across the globe.

The 49th is your local grocer. They began in Ladysmith in the 1940’s as a coffee shop in the front of a couple’s home, later evolving into a food service and supply store. The business of six employees, was purchased in 1977 by Wayne and Harmina Richmond. It has grown from an initial 2,000 square foot store to five locations ranging from 5,000-22,000 square feet and 275 employees, serving the communities of Ladysmith, Chemainus, Cedar and Duncan. They have now started the transfer of control of the operating companies to Peter and Kathy Richmond, the second generation.

Robinson’s Outdoor Store proudly bears the name of the family that started it more than 90 years ago. After stepping into leadership in 2005, when the store was on the edge of closing, Gayle Robinson was able to turn the store around by focusing on 3 key areas, hiking, adventure travel & fly fishing, regaining market share on the island and the lower mainland. In March 2017, Gayle’s Daughter, Erin Boggs, signed succession documents to become the 4th generation owner, in partnership with long-time employee, Matt King. They decided on a 5-year plan, and with the help and mentorship of Erin’s Family Business Advisory Team, her confidence, knowledge and ability grew. Today, at the age of 30, she is extremely grateful for the opportunity to carry the business forward while still taking the time to be involved in multiple volunteer initiatives.

The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony at the Union Club of BC, Victoria, on February 12th and are given annually by FBA to recognize youth leadership and to celebrate and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and the considerable contributions they make to their local communities. To purchase tickets, click here.

Past Family Business Award (FBE) recipients include: Proline Management; DriveWise BC; Titan Boats; Tru Value Foods; Wilson’s Group of Companies; The Canada Homestay Network; Capital Iron; Country Grocer; McCall Gardens Funeral & Cremation Service; Pacific Sands Resort; Robinson’s Outdoor Store; Monk Office and Accent Inns.

Past Young Entrepreneur recipients are: Daisy Klaibert, Beacon Hill Wealth Management and Andrew Wilson, Wilson’s Group of Companies.

Family Business Association Vancouver Island Mission: To promote the sustainability and growth of Vancouver Island business families by providing education and support through community and shared experience.

Valued Sponsors: Platinum Sponsor: Dean Innes, Sotheby’s Realty International & Gold Sponsors: Bellrock Benchmarking; CIBC; Country Grocer; Country Grocer Salt Spring Island; Hot House Marketing; Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort; Reed Pope Law Corporation & Wilson’s Group of Companies.

Thank you Media Partners: Business Examiner & Black Press.

Media Contact: Bernadine Rudichuk  250-532-2402; info@fbavancouverisland.ca

Download a copy of this news release