B.C.'s best in small business announced at Successful You Awards

BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The top small businesses in B.C. were announced last night as the winners of the Successful You Awards Contest, hosted by Small Business BC.

The winners proved their excellence in six categories over 170 other B.C. businesses during the course of a rigorous five-month contest. In order to be named among the best in B.C., the winners had to gain votes from the public to be shortlisted to the top ten, then submit an extended application detailing why they deserved to win. Once selected as a top five finalist, they then went on to face a panel of judges, pitching their cases as to why they should be named B.C.'s best.

The businesses that proved to be top in B.C. are as follows:

Best Company: ReStoring Data Inc., Vancouver
Best Concept: Western Industrial Solutions and TaskSafe, Kamloops
Best Employer: Chris's Sign & Lighting Service Inc., Langley
Best Green Business: Gibsons Recycling Depot, Gibsons
Best Online Marketer: ethicalDeal, Vancouver
Best Community Impact: Lunapads International, Vancouver

More information on this year's winners can be found at www.successfulyou.ca

"The selection process this year was extremely tough as there are so many strong, smart and innovative businesses in our province," says Small Business BC CEO, George Hunter. "We are extremely proud at Small Business BC to help showcase the diverse talent and tremendous determination that exists amongst BC's entrepreneurs. We congratulate the winners of the Successful You Awards and hope to see even more businesses recognized for their success next year."

The Successful You Awards Contest is hosted annually by Small Business BC to celebrate the top small businesses from across British Columbia. Small Business BC is a premier resource centre, providing entrepreneurs in B.C. with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business.

"IBC is thrilled to support the Successful You Awards in 2013. These awards shine a spotlight on the vitality and strength of B.C.'s small business community and celebrate the remarkable talents of its entrepreneurs," says Bill Adams, Vice President, Western and Pacific, Insurance Bureau of Canada.  "The winners have proven their excellence in an intense selection process. We congratulate each and every one of them and wish them continued success."

Winning a Successful You Award can serve as a launching point for many small businesses,offering recognition, raising awareness and creating opportunities for exposure. Nominations for the Successful You Awards will open again on October 1, 2013; all small businesses in B.C. are encouraged to participate at www.successfulyou.ca

About Small Business BC
Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services, education and resources there's a piece that fits with every business. No matter what stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds themselves asking "How do I…?" Small Business BC is the one to call.

Visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca

About Insurance Bureau of Canada: Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

Media Contact:
Sara Couper
Communications Manager, Small Business BC
604-775-5607 [email protected]