Governors' Gala & Rix Awards 2026
Sponsorship Information
For additional information on sponsorship please contact Lisa Kaisers at governorsgala@boardoftrade.com or call 604-640-5484.
Celebrate Leadership and Excellence in Our Community!
Join us for a remarkable evening at the 38th Annual Governors' Gala and Rix Awards. This prestigious event will bring together leaders from across Greater Vancouver to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions to our community.
At the heart of the evening, we will proudly present the Rix Award for Community Citizenship and the Rix Award for Corporate Citizenship, a tribute to the lasting legacy of Dr. Don Rix, former Chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and an extraordinary philanthropist.
The night will also see the induction of the immediate past chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade into the esteemed Council of Governors.
It is with great excitement that we announce this year's honourees:
2026 Rix Award for Community Citizenship
Anthony von Mandl, O.C., O.B.C.
Founded at the age of 22 without a dime, Anthony von Mandl built a multi-billion-dollar drinks company from the ground up in British Columbia with no outside financing or major acquisitions. He accomplished this by creating ‘new-to-world' drink categories and iconic brands that completely transformed the industry. The Mark Anthony Group recently announced it is expanding into non-alcoholic beverages including teaming up with football legend Lionel Messi to create Más+ by Messi, a Next Generation Hydration Drink to address people’s health and wellness globally.
During the global pandemic Anthony invested $2B to build the most technologically advanced breweries in North America in the past 30 years. These state-of-the-art facilities are without parallel anywhere in the world, purpose designed and built to produce his breakthrough iconic White Claw Hard Seltzer — the most successful new beverage launched since prohibition — along with a diverse portfolio of leading beverage brands, which he is now expanding internationally.
Anthony pioneered luxury organic winemaking in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley where his seven Iconic Wineries have won ‘World’s Top Pinot Noir & Chardonnay’ in London and the first 100-point scores ever for Canadian white and red wines.
Anthony's impact extends far beyond business. His leadership is characterized by a profound sense of responsibility toward society. Through the von Mandl Family Foundation, he supports various vital causes, including advanced cancer research, youth education, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of arts and culture. As a strong advocate for global initiatives that foster human and economic progress, Anthony continues to make an impact in building a brighter future for all.
A Member of the Order of British Columbia and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Anthony is also a recipient of France’s Légion d’Honneur. He holds six Honourary Doctorates and has been inducted into the B.C. Business Hall of Fame, and Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame.
2026 Rix Award for Corporate Citizenship
Purdys Chocolatier has been Canada's Chocolatier since 1907. As a proud, family-owned company, they craft a wide range of chocolate gifts using premium ingredients and sustainably sourced cocoa. Community and people are at the heart of Purdys Chocolatier, and they find opportunities to support, advocate, and create more kindness.
Honoured with the Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship, Purdys Chocolatier champions causes close to Canadians’ hearts through their Purple Partnerships initiative and Seasonal Fundraising Program. Since 2019, they’ve proudly raised over $1.4M for children’s hospital foundations across the country through the Dear Santa Program—a reflection of their deep commitment to meaningful impact. Their Seasonal Fundraising Program has contributed over $50M to community initiatives over the past 10 years. These efforts are especially meaningful because they reflect the causes that matter most to their customers and the very reasons for their fundraising efforts.
From supporting children’s hospital foundations to uplifting 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, and BIPOC communities, Purdys Chocolatier continues to invest in lasting change. For over 118 years, Purdys Chocolatier has fostered connections and sparked joy by crafting exceptional chocolates and embracing a deep dedication to community and purpose.
Inductee into the Council of Governors
Walter Pela
2024-25 Chair, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Rix Awards Sponsor:
Governors' Circle:
Visionaries:
Community Champions:
Community Builders:
Official Winery:
Official Chocolatier:
Event Partner:
