Deep down, Dana Matheson didn’t expect to hear his name called.

He didn’t expect to win.

He didn’t expect to have to get up on stage, in front of some 300 fellow Langley business people, to be recognized.

He was “pretty humbled” by the entire experience, as he accepted the first ever U40 (under 40 years old) businessperson of the year award handed out by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce during the annual Celebration of Excellence gala on Thursday night.

“Any time you can get recognized in a field of so many worthy businesses, it’s really an honour,” said the owner of C&D Logistics. “This is a tremendous honour.”

He started the Walnut Grove business in 2006, with his wife, Laurel, with the main objective for the shipping and receiving company to “move anything and everything, anywhere,” Matheson said.

“It’s been a wonderful ride” thus far, he said of his experience as an entrepreneur.

He compared his business to the “ultimate sports team” and gave his 17 employees all the credit for making the day-to-day operations run so smoothly, freeing up more time for him to engage in the chamber and other community initiatives.

It was a belated birthday present, if you will, for the Fort Langley resident who celebrated his 36th birthday last week.

During the presentation, Matheson was said to “believe that while making a profit and building a successful business is important, that he wants his legacy to reflect a long-lasting positive impact on his community and the members of his C&D family.”

Asked a day after receiving the award if the triumph had sunk in, Matheson said “it was awesome,” but quickly added that he actually hadn’t spent much time thinking about it beyond last night. He and the team were back to work first thing Friday morning.

Chamber executive director Lynn Whitehouse said the addition of the U40 category is reflective of the increasing number of younger people getting involved with the Langley business organization.

There were 10 awards presented to Langley businesses or business people for their outstanding accomplishments in their industry, as well as their community contributions.

Other awards were presented to:

• The Community Impact award for a for-profit company went to Bruce Heslop of Diamond Bar Equipment in Aldergrove.

• Community Impact award for a not-for-profit was presented to Kimz Angels for work with the less fortunate in the community.

• Environmental Leadership of the Year award was given to Catherine and Ian Finley of Laurica Farm.

• Service Excellence of the Year award went to Pure Form Physiotherapy.

• Entrepreneur of the Year award was given to Teriva Gilliat of Vivid Hair Boutique and Blow Dry Bar.

• Small Business of the Year award was received by Rare Affairs Meeting & Event Planning Services.

• Medium Business of the Year award went to Cloverdale Fuel.

• Large Business of the Year was given to Leavitt Machinery.

• And last, but not least, the George Preston Memorial Businessperson of the Year was presented to John Campbell – in absentia.

The chamber also provided more detail about each of the winners:

Community Impact Award (For-Profit)

Sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP

Winner: Diamond Bar Equipment

A true community ‘champion’, Diamond Bar Equipment is locally owned and operated by Bruce Heslop whose motto is “We live here, work here and play here.”

Being involved helps Diamond Bar but Bruce also believes that it helps his community. The list of community commitments is long and varied and includes: Member and supporter of the Aldergrove Business Association and Festival Days, Dry Grad, Langley Ball Hockey, Ice Hockey & Soccer, 4H and the Extreme Home Repair to assist families in need. Bruce led the charge to reduce crime in his community and contributes to its beauty by volunteering throughout the summer to water the hanging baskets in the downtown core, and he is currently working on a campaign to promote “Shop Local” in support of his fellow business operators. The efforts of the team at Diamond Bar, led by Bruce Heslop, to improve their community and serve the citizens deserve our recognition and appreciation tonight!

Community Impact Award (Not-for-Profit)

Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

Winner: Kimz Angels

“People directly helping people.” Over 500 families are supported by Kimz Angels through continuous donations, organization and delivery of food, clothing, household items and connecting with available community resources. For the past 15 years they have been helping people change their life story in a positive way by providing basic assistance to help a family or individual attain self-reliance. Despite being one of the wealthiest provinces in Canada, a significant percentage of our population live in poverty. The mission of Kimz Angels is to help those less fortunate people in the community with food, clothing, housing and basic essentials – everyone deserves the hope of a better future. Kimz Angels infuse a positive energy to every individual they touch helping them realize their worth and value within the community. Unfortunately the need continues to grow and as the need grows – the community support grows. Kimz Angels wish for the future is not to grow, but to eliminate the need.

Environmental Leadership Award

Sponsored by Port Metro Vancouver

Winner: Laurica Farm

Catherine and Ian believe they are stewards for the land and it is their duty to protect it. At Laurica Farm this includes reclaiming materials, rainwater harvesting, preserving the land, building soils for future generations, protecting the groundwater, protecting bloodlines of heritage breeds of animals, growing organically, sustainability, empowering people in a local ‘food revolution’, promoting healthy eco-systems and allowing wildlife to roam freely. On the farm they follow the principles of permaculture which are: earth care, fair share and people care – sharing the abundance. Laurica Farm also feels a responsibility to educate people about permaculture, food sovereignty, animal husbandry, basic growing techniques and hands-on experience. This is achieved through regular lessons and tours for customers, schools and groups to engage people in the discourse around sustainability and ethical farming. With an abundance of food, space and beauty on the farm, the Finleys believe in giving food to people in need and allowing people to enjoy and value the land!

Service Excellence Award

Sponsored by Aldergrove Credit Union

Winner: Pure Form Physiotherapy

Delivering customer service that could be termed ‘patient-centered healthcare’, Daniel and the team at Pure Form Physiotherapy operate under the motto “Movement/Function/Well-Being”. This means they assist patients to be able to move their body the way they want to be able to move it, in functional pursuits like sports and activities of daily living which enhances an individual’s well-being. In the words of one of their patients – the best part of my experience with the clinic is that I rarely have to see them anymore – a true sign of a great practice. This is due to the fact that at Pure Form they take the time to fully understand your issues and to educate their patients why issues are occurring and understand the root cause. Daniel donates his time and expertise to various sports events and has worked with Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Pure Form’s team of experts are highly trained and dedicated to treating patients with care and respect.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada

Winner: Teriva Gilliat of Vivid Hair Boutique and Blow Dry Bar

Since founding Vivid Hair Boutique and Blow Dry Bar in 2013, TER-EVE-A very quickly built a steady clientele and reputation as a premier hair salon through innovation, education, community involvement, exemplary service and being environmentally responsible. Reading some comments from satisfied clients, it is easy to see why TER-EVE-A and Vivid Hair Boutique stand out from the rest. The lattes, the chocolate, the décor, the plant wall and the professional and talented staff make a difference. Their relaxing and luxurious décor is comparable to the most luxurious of salons in Vancouver, London or Milan! TER-EVE-A supports all employees’ educational pursuits and offers hours whenever possible to allow for post-secondary studies. They utilize social media platforms as promotional tools, host on-site workshops to keep on the ‘cutting edge’ in a very competitive field and participate in international professional development workshops to keep informed of the latest trends and techniques. TER-EVE-A is also a supportive member of the community and a “Locks of Love” member.

U40 Businessperson of the Year

Sponsored by Campbell Burton & McMullan LLP

Winner: Dana Matheson of C&D Logistics

Currently the CEO of the company, Dana Matheson concentrated heavily on sales but also ensured clients were taken care of, the bills were paid and that customers were invoiced on time. From day one he has been involved in all aspects of the business. His current focus is sales and marketing with a goal on driving the company to new heights through community relations. A colleague recently described Dana – “I am impressed by his dedication and his commitment to the community in general. I would say he is one of the most engaged young business people around Langley – definitely a leader by his actions and not just words”. Dana’s leadership style is to work alongside his team in the trenches and lead by example. C&D Logistics has grown successfully at a rate of 30% per year and they currently handle freight for a range of companies, from start-ups to large corporations with revenue exceeding $500 million.

Small Business of the Year

Sponsored by Vancity Credit Union

Winner: Rare Affairs Meeting & Event Planning Services

Sherryl and Chris have operated Rare Affairs, a full service event planning and management company, since 2009. With a passion for locally sourced suppliers, foods and wines, they view their long history of community involvement as a cornerstone to the business they have built.  Rare Affairs plans and manages events from large annual galas and award shows, to multi-day conferences, leadership summits, tradeshows and board retreats for various professional associations, corporations, not-for-profits and government organizations. They actively participate and contribute to local events and organizations as a business and in their personal lives. To quote their nominator – “I have worked with many event planners over the past several years, and Rare Affairs Meeting & Event Planning Services stands heads and shoulders over them all, not only in demonstrated initiative, practicality and productivity, but also in their ability to function as a valued part of a team” – a sentiment repeated among the numerous letters of support submitted.

2015 Medium Business of the Year

Sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Winner: Cloverdale Fuels Ltd.

Cloverdale Fuels has been in the wood by-products brokering and transport business since 1945 and has established itself as one of the most experienced and able businesses in the field. JDS Gill founded the company with one truck and mill contract, and it has expanded to employ over 35 people. They are a leader in waste wood management and specialize in the collection, processing, manufacture and distribution of bio-energy products made from raw and manufactured woody biomass. Cloverdale Fuels is a leader in the recycling and grinding of wood waste turning it into reusable products such as Biomass Fuel, landscaping material or sawdust for farms and ranches. They also provide the University of British Columbia Bio Energy Research & Demonstration Facility with their fuel for research purposes. Cloverdale Fuels and the Gill family are staunch supporters of the Langley community and they actively contribute to an extensive list of community groups and projects for the betterment of society.

2015 Large Business of the Year

Sponsored by BDO Canada LLP

Winner: Leavitt Machinery

Since it was founded in 2001, the LEV-IT Machinery team has worked to build a company on innovative fleet management, exceptional industry knowledge, and a wide variety of industry leading products. They are focused on developing an open corporate culture that is true to its values of leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork, accountability and community across all levels of the company. LEV-IT Machinery strives to be the recognized choice for providing industry leading solutions based on an intimate understanding of each customer’s goals and needs. They accomplish this by managing resources responsibly and building interdependence throughout the organization, and their actions reflect honesty, trust, respect and humility in all they do. Employing in excess of 500 people, LEV-IT Machinery is a growing and dynamic business based on innovation and knowledge, and an industry leader from business processes to new technologies.

George Preston Memorial Businessperson of the Year

Sponsored by Deloitte LLP

George truly was the epitome of a community leader, contributor and successful business operator.

In honour of George Preston, the example he set for new business people, his dedication to the community, and his outstanding business ethics – the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce named the award in his memory.

Winner: John Campbell of Campbell Burton & McMullan LLP

Mr. Campbell is unable to be with us this evening as he is out of the country. Accepting on his behalf is his friend and business partner Rick McMullan. As a founding partner of Campbell, Burton & McMullan LLP, John has practiced law serving residents and businesses in Langley since 1977. CBM has grown from a partnership of 2 lawyers based out of a heritage house at Five Corners to currently 15 lawyers, 35 staff and 2 articled students providing legal services from offices in Murrayville, Aldergrove and Maple Ridge. John has demonstrated his tireless commitment to the Langley community. He is a member and Past President of the Langley Central Rotary Club, and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. John is a Past President and Director of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing industry and educators together to create a trades scholarship program to address a skills shortage need for the helicopter industry. John is a Past Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Subsection of the Canadian Bar Association, and has served 2 terms on Township of Langley Council. Prior to this he was Past Chair and Trustee of the Langley School Board, and served as a Director of the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Langley Community Music School. John Campbell has served our community through his business and personal life under the belief of the famous quote, “Community service is the rent you pay for the space that you occupy on the planet”.

 

Langley Advance