Top small business finalists compete to be best in BC

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jan. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The top five small businesses in British Columbia were announced today as part of Small Business BC's Successful You Awards Contest.

Small Business BC, the premier resource centre for small business hosts the Successful You Awards annually in recognition of the outstanding contributions entrepreneurs make in BC.

"It's fantastic to see such a diverse and vibrant range of businesses being recognized for their achievements," says George Hunter, Small Business BC CEO. "The Successful You Awards acknowledge the entrepreneurial talent and creativity that exist in our province. By competing to be named the best in BC, these business owners are setting an example of success for future entrepreneurs."

"In a highly competitive global economy the strength of small businesses is critical to shaping local communities, creating new jobs and serving consumers. To make it to the top 5 is quite an achievement given the high caliber of candidates competing. We wish the best of luck to the remaining contestants," says Bill Adams, Vice President, Western and Pacific, Insurance Bureau of Canada.

The following are the top five finalists for the 10^th Annual Successful You Awards:

Best Concept Cycle City Tours, Vancouver Kids' Revolution, Vancouver Minglz, Vancouver Port + Quarter, Vancouver Western Industrial Solutions and TaskSafe, Kamloops	Best Company Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ltd., Campbell River House Calls Health & Wellness, Langley Loaf Bakery & Restaurant, Fernie ReStoring Data Inc., Vancouver Wedderspoon Organic, Inc., Duncan
Best Employer Chris's Sign & Lighting Service Inc., Langley Paperclip Law Corporation, Vancouver Pemberton Valley Lodge, Pemberton Raised Eyebrow Web Studio Inc., Vancouver Williams and White, Burnaby	Best Green Business Clean Air Yard Care, Victoria Digitech Renewable Printer Cartridges, Vancouver Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ltd., Campbell River Gibsons Recycling Depot, Gibsons Wing Creek Resort, Kaslo
Best Online Marketer Custom Fit Communications Group Inc., Whistler EthicalDeal, Vancouver The Edge Food Energy Company, Qualicum Beach Top Dog Social Media, Kelowna Tweet4Ok Social Media Services, Kelowna	Best Community Impact 505-Junk, Tsawwassen AdBoom Studio, Quesnel Gibsons Recycling Depot, Gibsons Lighthouse Visionary Strategies, Whistler Lunapads International, Vancouver

This year, 172 businesses were nominated and narrowed down to the top ten in six award categories through online voting. Each business then submitted an extended application detailing why they deserved to be named one of BC's best, allowing a judging panel to select the top five.

The winners will be announced at the Successful You Awards Ceremony, a business-networking event open to the public on February 28, 2013 at the Pan Pacific Vancouver, featuring a keynote address by Spencer Smith, Vice President, Pacific Coastal Airlines. Smith will share the moving story of how his family transformed their small airline business into a multi-million dollar business employing over 200 people across BC.

For more information on the Successful You Awards competition and ceremony, visit 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 Coordinator, Small Business BC
604-775-5607 [email protected]