Recognizes best practices in attracting a diverse work force, engaging with the community in a way that encourages diversity and creating an inclusive environment.

Sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Centre and Royal Bank

Nominees:

Boyd's Funeral Services Ltd.

Our company started off as a way to provide families with an alternative to the traditional model of funeral services. We wanted to create a low pressure environment where the emphasis was on service, not pressure to up-sell merchandise. We also wanted to create a funeral home that utilized the existing facilities already in Campbell River. Rather than create a standalone chapel with in house catering, we wanted to be able to have the flexibility to commission outside locations and services in order to provide the most unique services possible. We have even attended private home gatherings, taking care of everything from the video tribute to washing the dishes. Our all-inclusive approach also includes free web casting for those who cannot travel to attend funeral services for loved ones.

It was important that we educate families on what is legally required and what they have the right to do under funeral service law. Many people were unaware of what they need to know before, during, or after a death, so Boyd's regularly hosts workshops and seminars to assist with demystifying and empowering people about what they should have in place, well before they require the assistance of a funeral home.

Campbell River Mirror

The Campbell River Mirror is Campbell River's authoritative news source and premier advertising vehicle. With a circulation of almost 18,000, the Campbell River Mirror provides unprecedented advertising reach with award-winning community news coverage.

In April 2014 the Campbell River Mirror earned first place in BC and the Yukon for Newspaper Excellence for all community newspapers of its kind. The judges base their decision on criteria including the Front Page, Community News, Editorial/Opinion Pages, Local Features, Sports, Arts and Entertainment, Overall Design and Appearance, Photography, Advertising Content and Design as well as Classified Advertising.

In May the Campbell River Mirror followed the Provincial Newspaper of the Year with a National Award beating out over 2,000 Community Newspapers in Canada (all sizes) with the Youth Engagement Award for the bi-weekly feature “Carihi Mirror”. This feature included three bi-weekly writers from Carihi School writing stories about the events and issues of Carihi.

Last year the Campbell River Mirror donated almost $1 Million in advertising sponsorship to over 120 local Campbell River Non Profit groups. These partnerships have given local non profits the ability to fundraise millions of dollars to assist those in need in Campbell River.

Campbell River Pet Centre

Campbell River Pet Centre is the local family owned and operated place to go for quality small animals, bird, reptiles, fish and pond products. Our staff have a vast knowledge of every animal we sell and proper husbandry needs of each specific pet. We have maintained ourselves in the forefront of pet care for 33 years strong. We believe in educating the person purchasing their new friend before profit. A well cared for pet is a lifelong customer relationship.

Discovery Marine Safaris

Discovery Marine Safaris' mission is to make our passion of all our local wildlife yours! We want you to have a first class experience with us that'll become the highlight of your vacation as it has become for many of our guests!

North Island Employment Foundations Society

NIEFS is a charitable community-based not-for-profit organization and the major employment agency for Northern Vancouver Island. As a leader in workforce development we provide services to over 5000 job seekers and 500 companies annually. As an organization, we have been actively connecting employers with workers since 1986. With almost 30 years in business, NIEFS is a cornerstone in our community building extensive partnerships with businesses, other organizations, communities and individuals in Campbell River and across the North Island. These partnerships are integral to our ability to assist people to build self-sufficiency through active and sustainable participation in the labour market and assist employers to hire the right people, with the right skills at the right time contributing to a strong, resilient and healthy community.

Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre

Pioneer Hardware Ltd. is Campbell River’s oldest family owned business. Gary Thulin is the third generation of the Thulin family to own the business and now with partner and daughter Allison Kilby on board she becomes the fourth generation so we are aligned to follow thru on our predecessor’s legacy of business in Campbell River which actually started in the early 1900’s with the opening of the Willows Hotel and then on to the Bee Hive Cafe. Pioneer is part of the Home Hardware group which is a true Canadian company that is owned by the dealers representing approximately 1100 stores and no other shareholders, this is the reason for our motto “Home Owners helping Homeowners with Expert Advice.” Pioneer has always been involved in the community and we are very proud of our roots which carry thru to our employees.

Raincoast Creative Performing Arts

At RainCoast, we are committed to excellence in musical theatre. Our programs are unique. We have a strong vocal focus combined with choreography, acting and speech arts. Our teachers are professionals in the industry who each focus on a different skill set. The teachers rotate through the classes to provide the best instruction in each and every discipline.

We believe that through training in voice, movement, acting and speech, our students can excel both in theatre and in life skills. Performing provides confidence that carries throughout our lives wherever our journey takes us. Our programming provides classes for students ages 5 through adult.

We are proud to provide classes and programming to students with special needs as well. Theatre can often be a link to emotions, expression and confidence that kids with challenges face. RainCoast produces a full scale musical theatre production at local theatre venues each spring. We are also the pioneers of “RainCoast Summer Musical Theatre in the Square” which provides free to the public Musical Theatre shows in the summer here in Campbell River.

Thongs Jewellery & Repair

Thongs Jewellery has been providing Campbell River the highest standard of jewellery and service for the past 30 years. The family run business started as a small store that did mainly repairs and custom work and then grew the shop to what it is now. In 2007, Thong’s daughter Betty took over the business. They offer a variety of rings, wedding bands, pendants and earrings, bracelets, chains and watches. Their Canadian diamonds are 100% guaranteed mined, cut, and polished in Canada. Thong’s is known for their custom designed jewellery. Any piece can be hand crafted to meet your specific taste. What makes Thongs unique is that the repair work and custom design are done on-site. That allows customers to get their jewellery back in a timely fashion. Customer service is extremely important at Thongs as they want to ensure everyone leaves with their vision achieved.