GUILDFORD — Six of Surrey's best businesses were celebrated at a gala event on Thursday (Nov. 5).
Close to 400 people attended the 17th Annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel.
The judging team’s evaluation assessed businesses for their organizational profile, leadership, strategy development and planning, community involvement and other qualities.
Here is the full list of winners in each category, along with biographies submitted by event host Surrey Board of Trade:
1-10 Employees Winner: South Point Pet HospitalSponsored by Copytek Print Centres"South Point Pet Hospital has been serving the South Surrey and White Rock areas since 2004. In 2005, they became members of the North American Health Association, the accrediting body for companion animal hospitals in Canada and the U.S. Their mission is to provide exceptional, quality veterinary care to your pets in a compassionate, comfortable and caring environment. They strive to provide strong support and education to pet owners to ensure long, happy and healthy lives for their furry family members. In addition to veterinary care, they provide grooming and cat boarding services. If necessary, their team will do house calls, which is especially valuable for their elderly clients who cannot drive. 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. Additionally, the team has adopted ‘clinic cats’, who may not have found a forever home otherwise. This includes Tyson, a cat who needed to have his back leg amputated, and Mama, a cat who was left at their door pregnant with 6 kittens."11 - 40 employees Winner: Viva Care Inc.Sponsored by Port Metro Vancouver"Since 2008, Viva Care Inc. has been a multi-disciplinary and holistic healthcare clinic. Viva Care is an innovative healthcare provider providing access to many health services offered in 10 clinic 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 committed to providing their patients with the best end-to-end healthcare available. Their full-service, state-of-the-art clinics are designed to give each patient superior service and quality healthcare, all under one roof. Over the years, Viva Care has entered into an exclusive partnership with Walmart Canada to be their primary clinic provider, allowing them to expand into growing markets and serve new families and communities. 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. There also is a solution for patients to see a physician online using their smartphone, tablet or computer, by using a web conferencing tele-medicine tool. Viva Care, based in Surrey, also operates across the Lower Mainland, as well as in Kenaston, Manitoba." 41+ employees Winner: Canuel CaterersSponsored by Fraser Downs (soon to be Elements Casino)"Two brothers with the drive and determination to create a company that could compete in Canada with large, multi-national food service providers established Canuel Caterers in 1991. Supported by a strong management, sales and operational team, they continue to attract new clients and retain their existing client base. 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. Additionally, they have several corporate accounts, catering to groups of ten to 1,500, specializing in weddings. Larger groups are now possible because of the recently renovated multi-million dollar production centre located in Surrey. This expanded capacity has enabled them to become involved with events for the Special Olympics and Ride for Cancer, to name a few. In addition to services already noted, Canuel has operated the café and banquet centre, Occasions at the Pond, at the Surrey Municipal Complex since 2003. 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 SuppliesSponsored by Century Group"Crown Building Supplies is a newly established business with a combined 40 years of experience in the industry. One of the largest suppliers in BC, they are a one-stop shop to find quality wall and ceiling materials at competitive prices. Items include drywall, stucco, EIFS foam, steel framing, insulation, acoustical ceiling system, tools and hardware. Their competitive advantage is low overhead, resulting in competitive pricing, and personal customer relationships. Customer service is their key priority, along with creating successful partnerships throughout the building process. Crown Building Supplies is committed to becoming the leading independent dealer of wall and ceiling materials in BC. Strong relationships with all customers will make them an indispensable partner, not just another dealer. 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 SocietySponsored by Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network"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. The Academy also strives to be a good neighbour by offering support to other charities and not-for-profits such as the Rick and Sue Diamond Foundation, the Newton BIA, and the Surrey Food Bank." Business Person of the Year Winner: Andrew WestlundSponsored by the Law firm of Hamilton Duncan "Andrew Westlund has been in business for over 25 years in the wireless space. In this changing world, he has diversified his businesses to span a number of industries. 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. 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. With a personal goal to learn one new thing every year, Andrew Westlund spends much of his spare time adventuring, including flying helicopters, cycling, and motorcycling. Andrew sees more than what something is, he sees where it’s going. He works with a number of non-profits to share their stories and help raise funds. Over the past two decades, Andrew Westlund has grown and maintained his business in Surrey while providing over 150 jobs to the community. He shares his insights, passions, and philosophies with his group of companies, while still remembering those in need through his charitable efforts."The event also saw the second annual Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award presented to 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."
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