2018 Burnaby Business Excellence Awards Handed Out; Hemlock Printers Named Burnaby Business of the Year

Richard Kouwenhoven (L), President of Hemlock Printers with George Wong representing ‘Business of the Year Award’ Sponsor Appia Development

On November 1st, the Burnaby Board of Trade and the City of Burnaby hosted the 19th annual Burnaby Business Excellence Awards, recognizing organizations that have demonstrated outstanding business success and have had a positive and significant impact on the community. The event, held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, was emceed by lobal BC on-air personality Coleen Christie.

Winners were honoured in nine award categories, in addition Charlie’s Chocolate Factory was recognized as this year’s Burnaby Business Hall of Fame inductee.

Taking home the Business of the Year award was Hemlock Printers. Hemlock Printers was founded by Dick Kouwenhoven in 1968 and has operated in Burnaby from its early beginnings. This year, Hemlock is celebrating 50 years of business success in an industry that has undergone vast market and technological shifts. Hemlock’s ability to adapt and continue to be an industry leader is rooted in supportive family ownership and a committed management and staff that embraces challenges. Hemlock Printers also has a longstanding legacy in engaging its staff in community work in charitable, cultural, sustainable and educational organizations.

“The Burnaby Business Excellence Awards is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize the enormous contributions of businesses and organizations both large and small that have helped to make Burnaby an innovative and dynamic business community.  Every year I look at the nominees and I am truly proud not only of the winners, but of all our deserving finalists.”

 

The winners in each award category were:

Burnaby Community Spirit  –  Vancity
Environmental Sustainability  –  Rocky Mountain Soap Company
Business Person of the Year  –  Raminder Grewal, Keystone Environmental
Not-for-Profit of the Year  –  Burnaby Community Services
Healthy Workplace  –  Clio
Business Innovation  –  Kardium
Entrepreneurial Spirit  –  Dageraad Brewing
Business of the Year (up to 50 Employees)   –  Nanotech Security Corporation
Business of the Year  –  Hemlock Printers
Burnaby Business Hall of Fame Inductee  –  Charlie’s Chocolate Factory

 

About the Burnaby Business Excellence Awards

The Burnaby Business Excellence Awards are a joint initiative of the Burnaby Board of Trade and the City of Burnaby.  The Awards Program is an opportunity to recognize and honour Burnaby businesses that have demonstrated outstanding business excellence, innovation, success and contributions to the city, as well as have made a significant contribution to community spirit, service and quality of life.