2023 Business Distinction Award Recipients announced
On October 25, 2023, the Vancouver business community gathered at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront for the annual GVBOT Business Distinction Awards.
The awards were presented to businesses that have gone above and beyond to set themselves apart in one of seven distinct categories.
Winners
Business Growth up to $5M in revenue:
Hypercharge Networks Corp.
Hypercharge Networks Corp. is a leading authority in smart EV charging solutions, serving residential, commercial, and fleet sectors. Rapid expansion defines Hypercharge, with a remarkable 3,000% revenue growth in just two years. From three employees in 2021, they surged to 17 in 2022, demonstrating their commitment to powering the future of clean transportation.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
Business Growth over $5M in revenue:
Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc..
Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. is a fast-growing global enterprise, focusing on biodegradable household cleaners with a mission to eliminate plastic. In their most recent financial year, they achieved a remarkable 135.69% revenue growth. During this period, their workforce expanded by 185.3%, boasting 63 employees, up from 34 in the previous fiscal year. Tru Earth, a certified B Corp, ships worldwide via eCommerce and subscription services, embodying their commitment to high standards and responsible business practices.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
Community Impact – For Profit:
Hudson Pacific Properties
Hudson Pacific Properties, founded in 2006, began as a real estate company with a focus on media and tech innovation hubs. They've broadened their community impact, supporting charity, in-kind donations, and volunteering, with a special emphasis on addressing homelessness. They raised over $100,000 to assist Covenant House and homeless youth. Committed to diversity and inclusion, Hudson Pacific introduced a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, providing EDI training to all employees. Approximately 25 employees actively engage with around 30 different local charities.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
Community Impact – Non-Profit:
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Established in 1983 as a response to the hunger crisis, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank has grown into a crucial institution aiding around 16,000 individuals monthly in Greater Vancouver. The Covid-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented surge in new clients, averaging 800 to 1000 each month. Despite this influx, GVFB is among the few food banks accepting new clients daily, committed to ensuring accessibility. To meet the community's growing needs, they've expanded fundraising efforts, bolstered staff, and tapped into over 60,000 volunteer hours - equivalent to 31 full-time staff - in the previous year.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
Digital Transformation:
Reotech Construction
With over 30 years of experience, Reotech is renowned for delivering projects on time, within budget, and with unwavering quality. Recently, Reotech Construction embarked on a comprehensive rebranding journey, unveiling a new website. This redesigned platform places a premium on SEO optimization, user-friendliness, and an exclusive section dedicated to company culture. The introduction of a company Intranet promotes seamless connectivity among colleagues, whether in the office or the field. Reotech's digital transformation has significantly boosted brand awareness, attracting prospective clients organically and making it easier for staff to advocate for Reotech to new clients.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
Employer of the Year:
Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club
Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, owned and operated by Burrard International and GolfBC, a Vancouver-based golf and resort management company, prioritizes team member motivation and development. Their vision is to be the "First Choice for Golf," which extends to being the "First Choice for Team Members." They remain dedicated to motivating and rewarding team members with flexible work schedules, merchandise incentives, recognition, and service milestone celebrations. This unwavering commitment has led to 20% of team members working for over a decade, with nearly half of this group being part of the company for more than 20 years.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
Sustainability Impact:
Fresh Prep Foods Inc.
Fresh Prep Food Inc, founded in 2014, leads sustainability in the convenience food industry, tackling single-use plastic packaging. They prioritize reusable cooler bags, reducing ice packaging. In 2022, they diverted 15,560 kg of plastic waste, equivalent to 778,000 plastic water bottles. Their software ensures a remarkable 98% return rate for reusable bags, 95% for zero waste kits, and 65% for single-use packaging, which is then recycled. Fresh Prep also donates 0.6% of leftover weekly spending to combat food waste. They are Canada's only meal kit company with Certified B Corporation® status.
Watch video to learn about all the finalists.
About the Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS)
The Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) is an initiative of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. The SCS works to understand the trends, forces, and issues impacting SME growth, innovation, and competitiveness and develops programming and policy to address these issues. Based on the goals of helping companies to discover gaps, engage with experts, and create solutions to address obstacles to growth, the SCS connects, educates, and inspires SMEs in British Columbia.