As a young entrepreneur, Erica Ryan-Gagné identified the need for nail care services in the area of Skidegate. With a clear vision, she left the island to complete her education in esthetic services and upon her return successfully launched Eri-Cut & Nailed, a home-based nail care business. Erica currently provides services to over 200 clients and is planning an expansion to her salon, which is scheduled to open in March, 2012.
Award Year: 2011
BC Achievement Community Award 2011
Bravo Restaurant & Lounge
Métis co-owner, Louis De Jaeger, has created an outstanding award-winning restaurant offering an innovative West Coast menu in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Bravo Restaurant’s chefs create recipes that blend diverse cultural influences and utilize fresh local specialties. Now into its eighth year of operation, this popular Chilliwack business is a destination for clientele from all parts of the Lower Mainland.
Edna Anderson
Known as “The Queen of Queensborough” Edna Anderson championed her New Westminster neighbourhood as its unofficial historian and valued community contributor. A founding member of the Queensborough Special Programs Committee, Edna was also instrumental in the establishment of the Community Centre and the Historical Mural Millenium Project. Edna has left a strong and inspirational legacy for her community.
Featured in photo: Mary dePaoli, on behalf of the late Edna Anderson
Brian Hutchinson
Brian Hutchinson, a Vancouver fire fighter contributes to the community on a provincial, national and international scale. He is an active volunteer with Muscular Dystrophy Canada having served in many capacities. Brian co-founded Engines for El Salvador, which later became Fire Fighters Without Borders Canada, providing decommissioned firefighting equipment and apparatus to needy fire departments around the world.
Nettie Stupnikoff
Nettie Stupnikoff has been a leader in supporting and improving health care in Castlegar for many years. As president of the Castlegar & District Hospital Auxiliary, she personally oversaw the building of a new facility for the auxiliary’s thrift shop, thus providing increased funding for health care equipment and services. She currently chairs the Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation that raises funds for the Community Health Centre & Talarico Place.
BC Achievement Indigenous Business Award 2011
Cedar Root Gallery
Since 1993, Cedar Root Gallery has promoted Aboriginal artists and their work by offering an array of First Nations art, craft and products in a unique location at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Haida artist and matriarch of the family-owned business, Mona Moreno, has been integral to the operation and success of the gallery. Cedar Root Gallery has a strong commitment to its clientele and actively supports its urban Aboriginal Community.
Debra Arnott
Debra Arnott is a community leader and role model who promotes business and community economic development in the Central Interior as general manager of Community Futures Sun Country. Debra also supports a wide range of community initiatives as a volunteer including the Regional Literacy group, Thompson Rivers University, Regional Welcoming Communities, and the Historic Hat Creek Ranch to name a few.
John Jennings
John Jennings demonstrates an unwavering commitment to British Columbia health care. He served for eight years on the board of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, including two years as chair, raising funds to enhance the delivery of patient care. He is currently chair of the BC Cancer Foundation, where he supports its fundraising efforts on behalf of the BC Cancer Agency.
