City announces winners of 2022 Spike Business Awards

On November 30, 2022, during B.C. Buy Local Week (November 28 through December 4), the City of Port Moody’s Economic Development Committee presented the 2022 Spike Business Awards at a special ceremony in the Inlet Theatre. 

The Spike Business Awards celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of Port Moody’s business community in one of six unique categories: Arts in Business, Environmental Leadership, Inclusive Excellence, New Business, Business of the Year, and Young Entrepreneur. The awards highlight local organizations that stand out from the crowd.  

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Spike Business Awards,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “They represent our Port Moody business community so well because they live the values that we share as a community – inclusivity, creativity, and innovation, as well as a commitment to environmental protection and a focus on arts and culture. We are lucky to have so many businesses that not only serve their customers with integrity and provide people with jobs, but also give back to the community in a variety of ways. Thank you to this year’s winners, and to all our Port Moody businesses, for helping to make our community a vibrant and welcoming place.” 

Here are the winners for 2022: 

Arts in Business – PoMoArts
As a not-for-profit, community-based arts organization, PoMoArts builds community and connection through art. Highlights from 2022 include two community art projects. The first, True Colours, engaged Port Moody 2SLGBTQAI+ youth, their families, and the community in a youth art exhibition, two artist-led workshops, and an art event. The purpose was to create a safe and welcoming space for Tri-City 2SLGBTQAI+ youth and their families. The second project supported PoMoArts’ work towards Truth and Reconciliation. Participants shared their own Reconciliation efforts on a wings of change banner. Since National Indigenous Peoples Day, over 200 commitment feathers have been gathered and are on display at the PoMoArts Centre. 

Environmental Leadership – Tru Earth Environmental Products
Tru Earth has eliminated almost 10 million plastic jugs through its eco strips detergents and cleaners, and is working tirelessly on its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and waste management systems. Entering its third year of the Climate Smart certification process, Tru Earth has already greatly reduced GHG emissions due to changes such as switching distribution from air to marine and truck to rail. The company has increased the post-consumer paper content in all its packaging and, with the help of HSR Zero Waste, has implemented waste management systems in facilities to ensure proper disposal of recyclables and waste. Tru Earth has just begun its second year of a partnership with the Salish Sea Research and Education Society. In 2021, the Society hosted 54 virtual workshops about plastics, reaching a total of 1,225 students across Canada. Tru Earth staff also undergo quarterly training related to zero-waste, ocean plastics, and more.

Inclusive Excellence – Revive Hair & Body Lounge
Revive Hair & Body Lounge has been serving Port Moody for more than 10 years. It is open seven days a week and regularly extends its hours if necessary to cater to as many people in the community as possible. Revive is an inclusive, accessible business that welcomes people of all races, sexual orientations, genders, and abilities. There is a trained staff member who has experience working with people who have multiple barriers and disabilities, and team members are culturally aware and speak multiple languages. The business is environmentally conscious and supports animal welfare. Revive Hair & Body Lounge staff members are known to make many referrals to neighbouring businesses to strengthen the local business community.

New Business – Kaffi
Since Kaffi opened its doors in 2019, it has become well-known for its authentic French croissants, range of pastries, and exceptional latte art, and its owners are known for their hard work and persistence. Kaffi has become a destination for many. It attracts visitors from the neighbourhood and beyond, and has many loyal, regular customers. Kaffi is not a franchise; it was created from scratch. The menu has been significantly extended, various community events are arranged and supported, and there are plans to open a beautiful year-round patio. Staff turnover is very low and the majority of team members have been with Kaffi since it opened. As many options as possible are provided for staff to move their careers forward within the company and some staff have been supported in obtaining their permanent residency.

Business of the Year – Yes Acquisitions
Yes Acquisitions is a sales consulting and training company based in Suter Brook Village. The Yes Acquisitions team philosophy is that they are in the people business, and they operate with a people-over-profit approach to customer service. Currently, Yes Acquisitions services hundreds of corporate clients and thousands of individuals across Canada and the United States. The team teaches young people to become skilled and experienced sales professionals through a comprehensive program and then provides them with the opportunity to partner and start their own business. During its five years in business, Yes Acquisitions has employed hundreds of Canadians and has also sponsored several candidates to earn their permanent residency. Since its inception, it has grown every year, even during the pandemic. In 2021, the business grew by 70 per cent and is projected to grow an additional 50 per cent in 2022.

Young Entrepreneur – Adina Diaconu (WESTPRO Physiotherapy)
Adina opened WESTPRO in 2018, with the goal of providing the community of Port Moody with exceptional care by creating a space where everyone is welcome and clients feel supported and heard. The clinic was started from the ground-up, with nothing but a vision and a passion to help others move better, feel better, and live healthier, pain-free lives. Although the COVID-19 pandemic presented some unexpected challenges in 2020, WESTPRO has not only survived but thrived thanks to Adina’s leadership and determination. The clinic now has a fantastic team of six therapists and continues to grow. Adina holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Kinesiology, and is a Certified Acupuncturist. She and her family proudly call the Tri-Cities home and enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, and hiking, as well as cafe-tasting and brewery-hopping, year-round.

The City’s Economic Development Committee selects the winners based on nominations received from the public. Visit portmoody.ca/spikeawards to learn more.