For more than 50 years, Art Finlayson has been contributing to his profession and has been doing so on Vancouver Island since 1989.

On Thursday, Oct. 19, Finlayson was recognized for his years of work in the architectural world B次元官网网址� as well as his contributions to the community he calls home B次元官网网址� at the 11th annual Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Crystal Awards.

The Crystal Awards are all about business excellence among chamber members, recognizing innovation, customer service and contributions to the communities of the Saanich Peninsula. Finlayson, who is partner in Finlayson Bonet Architecture based in Sannichton, lists a variety of local buildings to his professional credit: the SHOAL Centre and Toast building on Bevan Avenue in Sidney and the Tsawout community center and future longhouse are among the work heB次元官网网址檚 most proud of. Finlayson has had a longcareer in architecture, working with his father, building houses at the age of 13 then venturing off on travel and in education before embarking on a very successful career.

Outside of his professional life, Finlayson was noted for his years a community work: as a director with the Chamber of Commerce; supporter of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation and spare time with the Prairie Boys Sailing Club.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 very proud to be chosen by the Chamber board,B次元官网网址� Finalyson said during his acceptance address to the crowd at Butchart GardensB次元官网网址� Blue Poppy Restaurant. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 proud of being included and among such good company.B次元官网网址�

Finlayson credited his family with the inspiration to take the direction he did in life and recognized his business partner Silvia Bonet for their good work tougher for the last 17 years.

B次元官网网址淚 am proud to be a member of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.B次元官网网址�

There were plenty of honours handed out at the Crystal Awards B次元官网网址� 12 in total.

Keynote speakers on the evening were Karen and Michael Kuzyk, owners of Category 12 Brewing in Central Saanich. For the last three years, the couple have started up a local craft brewery and have seen the business grow to the point where they have close to 10 employees B次元官网网址� and some 20 releases this year alone.

A bio-tech scientist by trade Michael found that his was getting a lot of satisfaction in his hobby B次元官网网址� home-brewing beer. He was applying his education and experience as a scientist to brewing and the couple decided to make a change.

B次元官网网址淲e had an illusion of security,B次元官网网址� said Karen. B次元官网网址淢ichael was a researcher and I was training to be a teacher.B次元官网网址�

She said having children took them in another direction and when she was ready to go back to work, they both decided to shatter that illusion of security and try something they were both passionate about. So, they decided to open Category 12 B次元官网网址� a blend of research, science and brewing B次元官网网址� with a hidden VW van in every one of their bottle labels. ItB次元官网网址檚 a vehicle they used to own and have fond memories of.

They opened on Keating Cross Road three years ago, using local suppliers where they could. At that time, Michael said there were 58 craft and other breweries in all of B.C. Today, there are 151, and staying competitive is always top of mind.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 challenging,B次元官网网址� Karen added. B次元官网网址淏ut we donB次元官网网址檛 take anything lightly B次元官网网址� there are no half-measures.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e try to bring a passion to the work we do,B次元官网网址� Michael said, B次元官网网址渨ith the people we do it with.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淵et, we feel like weB次元官网网址檙e still just getting started,B次元官网网址� Karen added.

11th annual Crystal Award winners:

B次元官网网址� Business of the Year (1-15 employees) - Hook & Hook Renovations

B次元官网网址� Business of the Year (16+ employees) - Professional Components

B次元官网网址� Not-For-Profit Organization of the Year - O.R.C.C.A. Dental Clinic

B次元官网网址� Contribution to the Community - SeaFirst Insurance Brokers B次元官网网址� Brentwood Bay

B次元官网网址� Green Business of the Year - Raincoast Conservation Foundation

B次元官网网址� B次元官网网址maker of the Year - Victoria Airport Authority

B次元官网网址� Lifetime Achievement - Art Finlayson

B次元官网网址� Entrepreneurial Spirit - WilsonB次元官网网址檚 Transportation

B次元官网网址� New Business of the Year - Flader Business Centre

B次元官网网址� Employer of the Year - Peninsula Co-op

B次元官网网址� Outstanding Customer Service - Peninsula IDA Pharmacy

B次元官网网址� New Product or Service of the Year - Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa