The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce has announced Cyriel DeBruyne, General Manager of Quality Foods, as the recipient of the Governors Award for the 2013 Business Awards of Distinction.
This announcement comes days before the Chamber’s annual Business Awards of Distinction event on Saturday, at the Tidemark Theatre.
The Governors Award is presented by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and honors a business person (current or retired) who displays a significant commitment to the success of both their business and the community as a whole; demonstrates business leadership and vision; and serves as a positive role model or mentor for other business people in the community.
“We are pleased to honor Cyriel and all that he exemplifies in his characteristics that embodies leadership and positive change in the community,” said Mike Boulet, Chamber Board Chair.
DeBruyne started with Quality Foods in Comox March of 2000 as a Dairy Manager and in four years he worked his way up to Store Manager and transferred to Campbell River in September of 2004 to open the Merecroft Quality Foods.
“The very first people to befriend me in Campbell River were the Chamber of Commerce. It was through the chamber that we were able to first get the word out in the community that Quality Foods was here and was going to become a community leader,” DeBruyne said.
A true community champion, DeBruyne brought the Festival of Lights to Campbell River for the Canada Day celebration in 2005. Over the last nine years, Quality Foods has contributed over $200,000 towards this Campbell River family event.
“In 2006 I joined the board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce as a director. I was on the board until 2009, leaving as vice chair. Today, I still believe and support the chamber’s work in ensuring a positive and business friendly environment to support our local economy,” DeBruyne said.
A successful business leader, Quality Foods was named the Large Business of the year at the Business Awards of Distinction. And, In 2008, the Campbell River Quality Foods won gold for store of year in Canada at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers in Toronto.
It was DeBruyne that came up with the idea to lose 50 pounds in 75 days to raise money for the Campbell River SPCA. He called his fundraiser Pounds for Hounds. DeBruyne collected pledges of over $300 per pound and raised more than $17,500 – a provincial record that still stands today.
“My love for animals is my greatest passion,” said DeBruyne. “I enjoy fundraising and organizing events in Campbell River because it allows me the opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to both Quality Foods and myself.”
”Congratulations Cyriel, our community looks forward to celebrating and honoring your accomplishments at the awards event on Saturday night,” said Colleen Evans, Chamber President & CEO.
Tickets to the gala event can be purchased online at www.campbellriverchamber.ca.