The Gabriola Fitness Centre won the inaugural Gabriola Business of the Year award at the Gabriola Chamber of Commerce Gala and AGM.
Nancy Boyes (second from right), owner of the Gabriola Fitness Centre, the 2016 Gabriola Business of the Year. Gloria Hatfield, Chamber president, presented Boyes with a framed piece (Dolly Varden), by Pam Tempelmayr. Also in photo are Fitness Centre staff Mara Brenner (left) and Kathy Dennison.
Centre owner Nancy Boyes said, “I truly did not expect this – it is incredible – makes me so moved. I am so blown away by this.”
Boyes was presented with the award by Chamber President Gloria Hatfield (owner of Pages Marina).
Introducing the winner, Hatfield said Boyes deserved recognition for her incredible business sense and for taking a huge risk [in purchasing the gym at Twin Beaches].
“Nancy has demonstrated an impressive business sense in operating the gym on Gabriola and developing it into an important service. Through her devotion to the community, her clientele and staff she has worked to ensure the gym can meet a wide variety of special needs.
“When you consider the list of nominees, you can’t help but be incredibly proud of Gabriola’s entrepreneurs. The Chamber is looking forward to celebrating the community’s businesses again at next year’s gala.”
Boyes said winning the award “has made all those 3:00 a.m. can’t-sleep-moments worthwhile.
“To everyone on Gabriola with a business – it is tough.
“But I can’t think of another place to do business because of who we work with, work for; it is a great community. It makes me cry. How I felt when I was protected when bad things happened. I can’t tell you how much this means.”
Nominations for Business of the Year award were received from the public by the Chamber.
This year’s nominees were: Arbutus Home Building Centre; Architrave Design Build Ltd.; Colleen’s Home & Fashion Centre; Derek’s Roofing; Gabriola Automotive; Gabriola Fitness Centre; Hale Aloha Healing and Wellness Spa; Hummingbird Lodge Bed and Breakfast; Island Home & Garden; Paprika Studio & Gallery; Robert’s Place; Silva Bay Restaurant & Sleepdeprived Computer Tech; The Surf Lodge; Wild Rose Garden Centre; and WurHere B&B.