Skytec Contracting Canada Ltd. has been named business of the year at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
The award is presented annually to exceptional businesses that embody excellence in leadership, innovation, community impact and overall business performance. Skytec is a Port Alberni-based residential and commercial contractor that builds, restores and renovates homes. They specialize in commercial building envelopes and employ more than a dozen people, not counting the many sub-contractors they deal with.
Gordon McIntyre, who owns Skytec with his wife Dawn, said he was honoured to accept the award on behalf of the entire company. "To be in business and be an entrepreneur, it's a team that you build behind you," he said. "It takes risks to get there and lots of sleepless night. But once you build that team, you go for it."
Naomi and Ed Nicholson of Chim's Motel earned the Business Investment award. The couple, members of Tseshaht First Nation, have invested more than $2 million and built Chim's from bare land to a motel including two tiny house guest houses and three recreational vehicle sites. Naomi Nicholson thanked Annette Clement from the Best Western Barclay Hotel for her guidance and teamwork, and acknowledged the various levels of government help they have received.
Richard Spencer has loved everything about the Alberni Pacific Railway since he was a child and first rode the steam train. His efforts to revive the rails in 2024 as well as other projects he's taken on earned him Citizen of the Year honours. The award was presented by Terry Deakin and Michael Ramsay of Arrowsmith Rotary.
"After six years of silence on the tracks, his passion has been inspiring," Deakin said.
"It's truly remarkable, the talent we have in this room," chamber CEO Jolleen Dick said.
Other awards presented were:
Customer Service Excellence — Good Faith Pharmacy
Sustainability and Stewardship — Pinto Goods and Refillery
Woman of Influence — Athena Ethier, owner of Phoenix Acrobatics and Cheer
Community Builder — Jessica McGregor, 93.3 PEAK FM and president of the Port Alberni Salmon Festival Society.
Inclusive Employer — Antidote Distilling Co.
Volunteer of the Year — Suzanne Dube, who volunteers with Rotary Club of Port Alberni and Sage Haven Society
Chamber Award — Megan Warrender, Valley Vibe
Rising Star — V9Y Culinary Services
Chamber president Chris Washington, who was one of the judges for this year's Business Excellence awards, said she was "blown away" by the number and quality of nominations this year. "I'm amazed particularly with the new businesses that continue to take a chance on Port Alberni. The dedication and resilience of businesses and individuals in our community was an absolute eye opener.
"Reading about their journeys, innovations and achievements reminded me of the incredible talent and hard work that drives the business community forward."
Mayor Sharie Minions acknowledged the hard-working businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals that were represented. "It fills me with so much joy year after year, every time we come here to see new people, new businesses, new employees, new volunteers, a lot of people who have never maybe been involved in the chamber here being recognized and celebrated."
Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne talked about the importance of celebrating the contributions small businesses make to the Alberni Valley "...and the passion that people have for making Port Alberni a better place to live."
Serena Mayer, elected Councillor for Hupacasath First Nation, also applauded the efforts of small business owners. "Without small business and without everyone running their own businesses and providing those services...our community wouldn't be nearly as amazing as it is."
Other speakers with messages of encouragement and congratulations included Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns, Tseshaht First Nation elected Councillor Natasha Marshall Gallic, Dick and chamber director of operations Elliot Drew.
The chamber's business excellence awards were last held in 2022, with a ceremony honouring three years' worth of awards (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Dick said the chamber is planning on moving the awards in 2025 to October, which is small business month.
Next week: Read our one-on-one interview with Citizen of the Year winner, Richard Spencer.
