The finalists have been announced for the 2016 20th annual Black Tie Awards and Auction, sponsored by the Duncan-Cowichan Chamber of Commerce.
There are 24 finalists in each of eight categories this year, and the winners will be announced at the black tie awards ceremony that will be held at Brentwood College School on April 9.
The eight categories include customer service, volunteer of the year, green business, young entrepreneur, art in business, and business achievement awards for companies with up to 10 employees, 11 to 19 employees, and 20 or more employees.
Julie Scurr, chamber president, said the process to choose the winner in each category is “thorough, but a difficult one.”
“We have many impressive success stories in Cowichan, so congratulations to each finalist,” she said. “They join an elite tradition of accomplished professionals and volunteers who continue to make Cowichan a fabulous place to do business.”
Tickets are going fast for the black tie dinner and people are encouraged to contact the chamber office ASAP to secure a seat.
The finalists are:
Art in Business:
• Masika Allen - Masika May Photography
• Andreas Kunert & Naomi Kunert - Ancient Art of Stone
• Jennifer Lawson - Artist
Volunteer of the Year:
• Cathy King - Muscular Dystrophy, Pay it Forward Crew, Warmland Shelter
• Florence Cadorette - Heart & Stroke Foundation
• Tammy Olsen - St. John Ambulance, Youth Division, Special Woodstock
Green Business:
• John Hood - The Gardening Guru
• Jackie Kitzler - Island Java Bag
• Judy Stafford & staff - Cowichan Green Community
Young Entrepreneur:
• Jacqueline Bergstrom & Christina Hanson - Backwoods Soap & Candle Co.
• Leif Bogwald - Vancouver Island Expeditions
• Suzan Kostiuck - Excellent Frameworks Gallery
Customer Service:
• Chris & Leigh Davies - Mid Island Ink Depot
• Bernie Forbes - Marlin Travel
• Ken Posey - Joe’s Tire Hospital
Business achievement, 1-10 employees:
• Darren Bartfai - Bartfai’s Marine Services Ltd.
• Melissa Cottam - Moo’s Pizza
• Harold W Wallace - H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre Inc.
Business achievement, 11-19 employees:
• Sebastien Martin - Wedderspoon Organic Inc.
• Ron Mellon - Cowichan Collision Ltd.
• Sharon Moore - Island Domestic Services
Business achievement, 20 plus employees:
• Susan Minette - Duncan Garage Café & Bakery
• Duane Shaw - Mill Bay Marine Group
• Adrien Crisp - West Coast Pre Fab Ltd.