November 3, 2005
Burnaby Business Awards
MLA Statement

It is no secret that private business is the engine that drives British Columbia's economy. B.C.'s businesses are also the source of innovation and pride. Tonight at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown hotel, innovation and excellence will be honoured at the Burnaby Business Excellence Awards organized by the Burnaby Board of Trade. Since we all know how Burnaby is booming, it is not a surprise that the event is completely sold out.

The awards represent an opportunity for businesses to pay tribute to their peers for positively contributing to the quality of life in Burnaby. There are eight categories: Burnaby spirit, community service, business innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, business person of the year, small business of the year, business of the year and newsmaker of the year.

Also at every business excellence award, one company is inducted into the hall of fame honouring decades of community service and business acumen. This year's recipient is Morrey Auto Group, which has been a part of Burnaby for three generations.

Many businesses and non-profit organizations in Burnaby North are finalists, including Brentwood Town Centre, Burnaby Family Life Institute, Chevron Burnaby refinery, VanCity, TB Vets, Dyrand Systems, Executive Inn Group Corp., Origami by Yu and Mi, Cliff Jones of the Art Institute of Vancouver in Burnaby, Peter Legge of Canada Wide Magazines and Communications, and Bridge Studios

I would like to congratulate all the nominees for tonight's awards. They all have made a positive contribution in Burnaby, and they are all winners for providing jobs and investment right here in British Columbia.