At Impact North Shore, we recognize the vital role of community partnerships in integrating im/migrants and fostering inclusivity. Our collaboration with the North Vancouver Chamber is a fantastic showcase of this commitment, as we work together to celebrate and support businesses that champion equity and excellence. This partnership, as with many others, underscores our shared dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable community.
Highlighting Excellence on the Route to Equity
The North Vancouver Chamber takes great pride in celebrating the businesses that exemplify excellence and contribute significantly to the local community. The annual Business Excellence Awards honour businesses that achieve outstanding success and demonstrate a deep commitment to the North Vancouver community. In 2024, the Chamber will recognize excellence across nine categories, including Best Employer, Business of the Year, Environmental Initiative, Innovation, Non-Profit of the Year, Service Excellence (1-10 Employees), Service Excellence (11+ Employees), Young Entrepreneur, and Excellence in Equity. This final category is proudly sponsored by Impact North Shore.
We are proud to be the award sponsor of the Excellence in Equity award, which is presented to a business that leads by example in fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace and community. This award highlights companies that go above and beyond in implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. According to Patrick Stafford-Smith, the President of the North Vancouver Chamber, the Excellence in Equity award was introduced to shine a spotlight on businesses making significant strides in this crucial area. “We recognized that this area wasn’t getting the full attention it deserved, and we wanted to showcase the progress businesses are making towards inclusivity,” says Patrick. “The award winners serve as inspiration to others, showing that the effort towards excellence is what truly matters.”
The Excellence in Equity award is not about recognizing perfection but celebrating the effort and progress that businesses are making in their journey toward equity. “The biggest barrier for businesses in this area is often the fear of scrutiny. But we all have work to do, and these awards are about highlighting those organizations who are leading by example,” Patrick explains. This award acknowledges businesses that have implemented equitable hiring practices, provided inclusive staff training and leadership development opportunities, and actively promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion within their workplace and the broader community.
“The award winners serve as inspiration to others, showing that the effort towards excellence is what truly matters.”
– Patrick stafford-smith, CEO, North Vancouver Chamber
Celebrating the 2023 Award Recipients
One shining example of such commitment comes from the Presentation House Theatre (PHT), the winner of the 2023 Excellence in Equity award. PHT is dedicated to providing accessible, engaging, and entertaining programming that reflects the diversity of the North Shore. Their efforts to include culturally diverse playwrights, performers, and producers and to create a welcoming space for emerging artists are just some of the reasons they were recognized. PHT’s mandate to be inclusive and to engage with North Shore culture resonates deeply with the goals of the Excellence in Equity award.
In recognizing the efforts of businesses like PHT, the North Vancouver Chamber is not only celebrating success but also encouraging others to follow suit. “There is a rich talent pool on the North Shore, particularly among underemployed im/migrants. Businesses have the opportunity to tap into this talent, expand their audience, and strengthen community connections,” notes Patrick. By actively pursuing equity and inclusion, businesses can drive positive change within their organizations and the wider community.
Nominate a Local Business
If you know a business that exemplifies excellence in equity, or if your own organization is leading the way, don’t miss the opportunity to nominate them for the 2024 Excellence in Equity award.
Submit your nomination by Friday, September 13, 2024, and help us celebrate those who are making a difference in our community.
