At the 17th annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards, the Surrey Board of Trade recognized six of Surrey’s best businesses on Nov. 5. 
“The Surrey Board of Trade focused on the strength and innovation within every entrepreneur to take an idea and use it as the foundation for building a business. They are inspirational,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. 
The judging team’s evaluation was based on: Organizational profile, Leadership, Strategy Development and Planning, Customer focus and market knowledge, Employee Learning and People Focus, Process Management, Supplier/Partner Focus, Community Involvement, Overall business performance. 
The 2nd Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Recognition Award was presented to Mansonville Plastics (B.C.) Ltd. & Group of Companies. 
The winners are:
In the first category, which includes businesses with one to 10 employees, the winner was South Point Pet Hospital. Since 2004, this company has served South Surrey and White Rock areas. They strive to give strong support and education pet owners to make sure their pets have long, happy and healthy lives. Some treatments they offer include laser therapy, acupuncture treatments and a digital x-ray machine. They also do house calls, if necessary.
In the second category, which includes businesses with 11 to 40 employees, Viva Care Inc. came out on top. Since 2008, Viva Care Inc. has been a multi-disciplinary and holistic healthcare clinic in 10 clinic locations, including Kenaston, Manitoba and the lower mainland. Their growing staff of medical specialists all have one common purpose - helping communities on their path to better health. They are using technology to modernize their services to their clients. 
Canuel Caterers was the winner in the third category of businesses with more than 41 employees. In 1991, two brothers created a company that could compete in Canada with large, multi-national food service providers. They provide cafeteria and meal programs to eight schools in Surrey and 54 in BC. They also cater to groups of ten to 1,500, specializing in weddings. This family owned and operated business prides themselves on practicing ethical practices with suppliers, clients and staff.
New Business of the Year Winner was Crown Building Supplies. Crown Building Supplies has 40 years of experience in the industry. They are a one-stop shop for quality wall and ceiling materials at competitive prices. Their competitive advantage is low overhead, resulting in competitive pricing, and personal customer relationships. Customer service is their key priority. 
John Volken Academy Society won the not-for-profit award. The John Volken Academy provides long-term, residential addiction recovery treatment and life-skills training to young men and women ages 19-34. In a unique recovery program, students receive extensive career training in PricePro, their not-for-profit grocery store. Their mission is to be a world leader in providing effective and affordable residential addiction recovery treatment, and teaching relevant job and life skills, advancing secondary and post-secondary education, cultivating self worth. 
Andrew Westlund was presented as Business Person of the Year Winner. Westlund has been in business for over 25 years in the wireless space, with his business spanning a number of industries. He is the President of the Westlund Group of Companies. Over the past two decades, Andrew Westlund has grown and maintained his business in Surrey. He shares his insights, passions, and philosophies with his group of companies, while still remembering those in need through his charitable efforts.