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2008 Entrepreneur of the Year

Celebrating the cream of the 2008 crop of entrepreneurs in British Columbia. While the Teluses and Teck Comincos of B.C.’s business community get plenty of ink in the local and international press, without the scrappy entrepreneurs at the bottom of the corporate chain, there would be no giant corporations. It’s these bold risk-takers who constantly renew our business culture, building the next generation of corporate leaders.

By BCBusiness /

Brian Hill, Aritzia

Celebrating the cream of the 2008 crop of entrepreneurs in British Columbia.

While the Teluses and Teck Comincos of B.C.’s business community get plenty of ink in the local and international press, without the scrappy entrepreneurs at the bottom of the corporate chain, there would be no giant corporations. It’s these bold risk-takers who constantly renew our business culture, building the next generation of corporate leaders.

The annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program pays homage to these business pioneers across Canada, and here in the Pacific Region we celebrate the local winners and finalists in the pages of BCBusiness. Click here to meet the judges and read about selection criteria. This year’s winners (see them all on stage here) and finalists demonstrate a distinct West Coast pioneering spirit. Behind each success is a unique story, one guaranteed to entertain and inspire.

Brian Hill President and CEO, Aritzia LP
Video: Brian Hill’s acceptance speech
Video: Interview with Brian Hill

The judges say…“This incredible performance is indicative of the guts, risk-taking and determination of this entrepreneurial pioneer.”


David Heffel & Robert Heffel – Heffel Fine Art Auction House
Rick Baxter – West Coast Air Ltd.


John & Lottie Davis – AG Hair Cosmetics
Video: Interview with John and Lotte


Luc Bergeon –  L. B. Maple Treat Inc.
Joyce Groote – Holey Soles Holdings Ltd.


Davis Yung – Fresh Direct Produce Ltd.


David Udow & Charles Steele – Ziptrek Ecotours Inc.
Sid Landolt & Peter Dupuis – S&P Destination Properties


Ron McNeil & Ivan Harmatny – Lower Mainland Steel


Andrew Purdey – Ruskin Construction Ltd.
John Scott – Scott Construction Group


Ross Beaty – Pan American Silver Corp.


Donald McInnes – Plutonic Power Corp.
Paul Blythe – Quadra Mining Ltd.


Clarence Louis – Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corp.


Samantha Wilson – Kidproof Canada
David Suzuki & Tara Cullis – David Suzuki Foundation



Kevin Ham – Reinvent Technology


John Livingston – Absolute Software
George Rubin & John McDonald – Day4 Energy Inc.


Amiee Chan – Norsat International Inc.


Jacqui Cohen – Army and Navy Department Store Ltd.
Bruce Dean – The Whistler Brewing Co.


Robert Lee
While the Entrepreneur of the Year designation in recognizes outstanding achievement in various categories, the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates an individual who has not only achieved spectacular success, but whose lifetime accomplishments will inspire future generations. It recognizes what EOY organizers at Ernst & Young LLP refer to as “moral philanthropy,” a priceless giving that encourages entrepreneurial spirit in others.

Video: Interview with “Bob the Builder”
BCBusiness

BCBusiness

BCBusiness celebrates the bold ideas, fearless founders, innovative leaders and game-changing companies driving British Columbia’s economy forward. We deliver insightful and impactful storytelling about the power players in B.C.’s business community to a connected audience, all with a deep love of the place we call home.