May 25, 2011
New Canadian Entrepreneur Awards

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday May 18, the Ethno Business Council of British Columbia hosted the 18th annual New-Canadian Entrepreneur Awards in Vancouver.

We all know how important the contributions of new immigrants are to our economy and cultural diversity here in B.C.

For 23 years, the Council has provided a place for New-Canadian entrepreneurs to share information, create awareness, and work together to support each other.

The New-Canadian Entrepreneur Awards commemorate the importance of small and medium multicultural businesses in British Columbia, celebrating the achievements of New-Canadian entrepreneurs.

This year's winners are a very noteworthy group of people.

Don Yuen, the founder of Fairway Markets was the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Don started working in the grocery business in 1950 and opened his first store in 1963. Now his ten stores are located from Victoria to Port Alberni.

The winners in other categories were

in Manufacturing: Azar Moayeri for her business Parissa, one of the top natural brands in the world;

In Export: Joshua Huen for Dr. Battery, a brand reaching 25 countries;

In Retail: the Karim family for InnHouse Group of Companies, one of the top ten fastest growing companies in BC;

In Service: Mohammed Yasin for M. Yasin & Co.;

In Technology: Riaz Pisani for Contac Services and

In wholesale: John Llewellyn for Celtic Distributors.

These entrepreneurs have contributed to our society with their innovative ideas, financial investments and excellent services, creating many jobs for B.C. families.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all members to join me in acknowledging the impressive contributions of these individuals, who showed excellence in their businesses, personal leadership and community involvement.