Reinvention Award

The coveted Reinvention Award went to Novo Textiles.

In February of 2020, Novo was faced with rapidly dwindling orders as retail partners grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced the prospect of laying off their entire staff. But instead, Novo made a quick pivot to produce medical-grade surgical masks, and within two weeks, they were making 10,000 masks a day. As of March 2021, they have grown from 12 to 50 full-time staff and produce half a million masks per day.

Excellence in Collaboration Award

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC was recognized with the Excellence in Collaboration Award for their partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium.

The club activated quickly and creatively to support the Vancouver Aquarium by selling co-branded facemasks. Not only did the masks help to stop the spread of COVID-19, but with 148,000 masks sold and $3.6 million raised, this initiative has been instrumental in helping the Aquarium care for its 70,000 animals.

Healthy Workplace Award

Innovior Construction received the Healthy Workplace Award in recognition of their people-first approach.

Realizing that the pandemic has meant increased stress levels for everyone, Innovior engaged with their team on a deeper level to help them stay healthy and strong. Innovior's approach is based on an ethos of working thoughtfully to serve their people versus the other way around. Through this approach, they not only build spaces that have benefits, they build healthy communities.

Environmental Leader Award

Aisle was awarded in the Environmental Leader category.

Aisle conducted a third-party lifecycle assessment of their reusable period care products compared to single-use, disposable options. This data was used to create a widget on Aisle's website that allows customers to see the direct impact of using Aisle products. In the past year alone, Aisle customers have helped to divert 125,000 kg of waste from landfills.

In a time of climate emergency, when people can often feel helpless, the data gathered shows Aisle customers that their purchasing choices are making a positive difference.

Domestic Growth Award

Virtro Technology received the Domestic Growth Award.

Virtro is a leader in B.C.'s emerging technology space and is at the forefront of AI-powered virtual human technology.

Despite the challenges of 2020, Virtro enjoyed 285 per cent revenue growth, doubled its employees and launched two new product brands. This includes a personal protection equipment (PPE) training simulation launched in Australia for remote communities, which Virtro will soon be bringing to the Canadian market.