Accent Inns
Catalyst Paper Corporation
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Crannog Ales
Creative Wonders Communications
David Mincey, Camille's Restaurant
Elite Earth-Friendly Cleaners
Ethical Bean Coffee Company
Ethical Funds Company
Harry Kambolis, C Restaurant
Nick Noorani, The Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Novex Couriers
Starbucks Coffee Canada
Accent Inns
Victoria
We can all make a difference. This is the core value at Accent Inns where building business and building community go hand-in-hand.
Accent Inns is a BC family-owned and operated chain of mid-range hotels with properties located in Victoria, Vancouver Airport, Kelowna, Kamloops and Vancouver Burnaby. The company enjoys an excellent reputation, for its major contribution to tourism, for being a socially responsible corporate citizen, and as a great place to work.
Properties in five British Columbia regions (Burnaby, Kelowna, Kamloops, Richmond and Victoria) work with a broad cross-section of individuals and groups to participate in community-based activities that emphasize making a difference in people's lives.
The development of its Commitment to Community initiative, which includes the InnAid Program and a successful partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of BC, among others, illustrates Accent Inns’ dedication to community care. “We’re addressing specific needs and our charity partners tell us that we’re really making a difference. That’s a good feeling,” says Mandy Farmer, vice president of Accent Inns.
Terry Farmer, President & CEO
tfarmer@accentinns.com
phone: (250) 360-1511
Catalyst Paper Corporation
Vancouver BC
Catalyst Paper is a leading manufacturer of paper and pulp for commercial printers, publishers and paper manufacturers in North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe. With five mills employing 3,800 people, Catalyst is BC’s largest papermaker.
Through its efforts to meet its corporate social responsibility vision and goals, Catalyst is always seeking new ways to show leadership in corporate responsibility. For example:
• The company uses natural resources to make paper and pulp products; beyond proving itself a good steward of those resources, Catalyst also encourages others to manage them responsibly.
• Catalyst strives to be a top employer by providing a safe, challenging and rewarding workplace, and standing for values employees embrace as their own.
• The company works hard to be a good neighbour, building long-term, productive relationships with residents, First Nations and governments in its operating communities.
• Catalyst has lessened its environmental footprint by reducing emissions, conserving resources and building constructive relationships with stakeholders.
• Investors also benefit, as Catalyst has delivered nearly $300 million in performance improvements over the past three years.
Paul Skelhorne, Communications Manager
paul.skelhorne@catalystpaper.com
phone: 604-654-4147
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Tofino
The Genovese Family Trust owns Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, a luxury eco-tourism experience off the West Coast of Vancouver Island and close to Tofino.
The resort’s commitment to live in an entirely sensitive and environmentally sustainable manner has led to a variety of education-based naturalist and recreational programs, contributing to the enhancement and understanding of the UNESCO-protected Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve area.
Comprehensive recycling governs food and beverage service; organic gardens reduce commercial dependency; gravity-fed turbines generate fuel-less electricity and hot water; and toilets compost waste materials into organic matter – all part of an innovative $3-million Environmental Legacy Program, educating and giving guests the rare chance to support bear mapping, whale acoustics, salmon stream restoration, raptor rehabilitation, marine life research and forest management projects.
Six years in the making, this $3-million Environmental Legacy Program focuses on research, conservation and rehabilitation. Funded solely by resort revenues, this program is the result of working hand-in-hand with the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations people, local communities, and regional, provincial and federal agencies to develop sustainable, environmentally responsible programs that will benefit everyone.
Adele Caton, General Manager
adele_caton@hotmail.com
phone: 250-726-8556
Crannóg Ales
Sorrento
Crannóg Ales is Canada's only certified organic, on-farm microbrewery, and the only zero-waste brewery in Canada, creating systems which avoid entirely the vast amounts of wastewater produced by traditional brewing.
Crannóg buys local ingredients, works with local farmers and a local malt-master, and is a model (and teacher) of sustainable practices, and is heavily involved in environmental issues throughout the community, including agricultural stewardship, land use and waste issues.
All brewery by-products are used on the farm. Systems are primarily designed to create a positive environmental impact and prevent pollution. Organic agriculture also encourages biodiversity. Crannóg's commitment to the environment is evident in everything they do, from sustainably farmed ingredients to waste reduction practices. For example, Crannóg's ales are distributed throughout southern BC in draught form only, reducing the over-packaging waste of bottles.
With only three workers, it has garnered numerous awards and international interest in its line of unpasteurized, unfiltered organic ales. Co-owner Rebecca Kneen proudly states, “We know we’re succeeding not just because of the ever increasing biodiversity on our farm, but also because of the increased interest in organic issues in the restaurant industry and in academia”.
Rebecca Kneen, Co-owner
crannog@crannogales.com
Phone: 250-675-6847
Creative Wonders Communications
North Vancouver
“I think Creative Wonders is a phenomenal example of social and environmental leadership both through exceeding the vast majority of the CBSR guidelines, and in terms of showing a huge heart by giving so much through their 14 years of business. It is relatively unheard of to give 50% of profits (of 15% of revenues), to be the quieter behind the scenes people who give us all hope for a better world.” - Nancy Bradshaw, founder of CBSR Vancouver.
Creative Wonders’ philosophy is to bring creativity, wonder, responsibility and consciousness to businesses interested in balanced living. Highlights include:
• experts in the LOHAS (Lifestyles of health and sustainability) market
• fully engaged in community work
• offers a discounted charity rate all year to non-profits
• supports local buying and recycling practices
• winner North Vancouver Chamber 2002 Business Excellence Award – Best Business
• senior innovative expertise in all forms of communications and media
• small yet powerful, with national and local clients
• fully accredited agency with many creative awards
• cohesive team ensures integrated strategies, quick delivery and attentive service
Diane Lund, Founder and Leader
amber@creativewonders.ca
phone: 604-987-8401
David Mincey
Owner and Chef, Camille's Restaurant
Victoria
David Mincey is passionate about good food. Now in its 15th year of business, Camille's is recognized as one of Vancouver Island's finest dining destinations.
By integrating social and environmentally responsible practices into his business strategy and operations, David has been able to sustain a successful business by attracting customers with unique, delicious and sustainably produced local ingredients, while also supporting local growers and producers.
David is also the president and co-founder of the Island Chef’s Collaborative (ICC), a non-profit group comprised of progressive chefs dedicated to promoting locally grown, high quality ingredients. Under David’s leadership this simple aim has grown into numerous programs and activities that improve local food security, and support environmentally sustainable farming.
The ICC’s Farmer Grant Program works to improve the local food system by educating non-member chefs, restaurant patrons and the general public on local, sustainable food production issues. David is committed to improving all aspects of food security. He also engages in policy-level work, representing the ICC on the steering committee of the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CR-FAIR).
camilles@pacificcoast.net
Phone: (250) 381-3433
Elite Earth Friendly Cleaners
Victoria
Elite Earth-friendly Cleaners’ vision is to lead change to transform a toxic industry. A family business Elite is dedicated to providing fine garment care, while striving to be the most environmentally and socially responsible drycleaner in Canada.
Elite demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of its employees, community, and the planet by embracing ecologically sustainable practices. They continually improve their methods and skills through innovation, education and training, and provide customers with the finest, most gentle garment care available anywhere.
Elite Earth-friendly Cleaners is a “social venture” company that actively seeks to assist and collaborate with other green businesses, and to support causes that will improve the community (environmental, social justice and health).
The company demonstrates a strong social agenda by actively looking for ways to improve both the community and the “business climate” for green business by advocating for green business with government (both provincially and federally), by educating the public, and by taking a lead role in educating business students at both U-Vic and Royal Roads about sustainability and CSR. Elite is the proud recipient of the 2006 Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Award for Pollution Prevention (Micro business). “We help other cleaners “go green”, says owner Rick Nathorst.
Rick Nathorst, owner
earthfriendly@shaw.ca
Phone: 250-381-2221
Ethical Bean Coffee Co
Vancouver
Ethical Bean is BC’s first 100-per-cent fair trade certified, organic coffee roaster. The ten-employee company was founded after owners Lloyd Bernhardt and Kim Schachte had an extended stay in Guatemala while adopting their daughter.
While there they learned about the plight of the coffee farmer. They wanted to make a difference, so they returned to Vancouver and started a business that ensures coffee farmers are paid a living wage for their work.
Ethical Bean is founded on the concepts of Corporate Responsibility. Rather than implementing CR practices along the way, Ethical Bean has created a socially and environmentally conscious company from the “ground” up. Every coffee and tea offered by Ethical Bean is fair trade and organic.
The company works closely with its stakeholders to ensure open communication and feedback along the entire supply chain and back again. They are active in communities near and far, from contributing to programs that send Guatemalan children to school, to creating special coffee blends to help local organizations raise funds, to continually developing ways to reduce the ecological footprint of their company’s own day-to-day activities.
Lloyd Bernhardt, President
lloyd@ethicalbean.com
Phone: 604 431 3830
Ethical Funds Company
Vancouver
Launched in 1992, The Ethical Funds Company (Ethical Funds) is Canada’s first and largest manager of socially responsible mutual funds and has been a leader in the industry’s growth and success. Ethical Funds has the largest research team of any SRI fund in Canada and its analyst team routinely shares its findings with its stakeholders and the investment community.
Ethical Funds deserves this recognition, not just for its leadership in the investment industry, but for its leadership with corporate Canada to advance the principles of sustainable business practices. By encouraging Canadian companies to improve their environmental, social and governance performance, Ethical Funds is changing the Canadian corporate landscape – making it more responsible and responsive to the values and needs of Canadians seeking a just, sustainable and ethical world.
Ethical Funds actively participates in its industry associations to advance ethical business practices around the globe, including the Carbon Disclosure Project, an international initiative to persuade companies to reduce their carbon levels and greenhouse gas emissions, and the Global Reporting Initiative, a United Nations-sponsored effort introduce environmental and social performance reporting standards that serve as industry comparators. Its leadership results in changes locally, nationally and internationally – right here in Vancouver.
Erika Callowhill
Director, Marketing
ecallowhill@credential.com
Phone: 604 742 8210
Harry Kambolis, Owner
C Restaurant, Raincity Grill and NU Restaurant
Vancouver
Restaurateur Harry Kambolis owns and operates three independent restaurants. Raincity Grill opened in 1992 and has become synonymous with local cuisine, working with small lot, organic producers in BC. Most recently Raincity Grill launched a 100 Mile Menu, sourcing products from within 2 hours of Vancouver. This has started a major trend in focusing on where our foods come from.
C Restaurant opened in 1997 with a distinct focus on seafood and by 1999 was working almost exclusively with sustainably managed BC seafood products. C has introduced several BC seafood species to the market – either back from extinction or unfamiliar to the western market - such as geoduck, sablefish, pink salmon and more recently, BC abalone.
September 1, 2005 saw the opening of NU Restaurant & Lounge, which embraces the philosophy of both Raincity and C in a sleek, casual environment.
With the work that Kambolis and his chefs have done to source products not used before in BC, they have created a trend in restaurant business management that has enabled farmers and fishermen alike to earn a living while still managing their stocks to the best of quality standards and environmental responsibility.
Nick Noorani, Publisher
The Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Burnaby
Launched in April 2004, The Canadian Immigrant Magazine changed the media landscape for Canadian immigrants and newcomers. It provides stories targeted to them, a voice for them in public debate and a chance to connect across cultures. The magazine goes straight to the heart of Canada’s multicultural communities, profiling immigrants, their traditions, their challenges, their dreams.
Giving back is a daily theme at The Canadian Immigrant Magazine office. When Nick isn’t volunteering his time with local boards or speaking at an event on a volunteer basis, he is thinking up ways to help immigrants and newcomers, be it in the form of information and education in the magazine, offering free subscriptions to newcomers, distributing free magazines not only in the Vancouver area, but throughout B.C. and across Canada.
Again, in addition to all the volunteering, sponsorships, speaking and community liaison, Nick and The Canadian Immigrant Magazine went a step further to provide a real positive impact on immigrants by introducing the Lilian To Scholarship for Immigrants. Ashton College offers a combined grant of $25,000 to three newly arrived immigrants to upgrade their Canadian business skills.
nick@thecanadianimmigrant.com
phone: 604 872 0102
Novex Couriers
Richmond
Novex is the first courier company in Canada to proactively take steps to reduce its impact on the environment and develop sustainable business practices. Novex is also the first Canadian courier company to be registered under ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification. Through their innovative reporting tool called See-it, Novex now has a presentation, communication and educational tool to present initiatives, successes and challenges.
Through strong leadership and innovation, Novex is proud to put forth an application for environmental excellence. One of Novex’s strength is in its willingness to promote sustainability through speaking engagements and forums. Novex is making a difference in the community by sharing its challenges and successes with other business leaders.
As well, Novex is a leader in innovation, developing new tools and programs that will continue to propel the company to the forefront of the sustainability movement. Novex is pioneering how sustainability can work in harmony with profitability.
Novex Couriers is the Lower Mainland's second-largest local courier business specializing in same-day and overnight services. At its Richmond head office, this BC-owned company employees approximately 130 people, including more than 100 owner/operator drivers of its fleet of bicycles, cars, vans and trucks.
Ron Prasad
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
ronp@novex.ca
Phone: 604-278-8044 ext307
Starbucks Coffee Canada
Vancouver
Starbucks Coffee Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company, the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. Starbucks was founded in Seattle in 1971 and its first Canadian location opened in Vancouver in 1987.
The company is committed to offering the highest quality coffee and the Starbucks Experience while conducting its business in ways that produce social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in which it does business.
At all levels of the company, Starbucks partners strive to be active contributors in their community. Whether it’s supporting local arts initiatives like Bard on the Beach or the Jazz Festival through sponsorships, volunteering at a local school, helping clean up Vancouver’s Everett Crowley Park, or participating in AIDSWalk, Starbucks and its partners are out in the community, making a difference.
On a company-wide level, Starbucks has demonstrated its continuing leadership by bringing about environmental and social innovations that produce real benefits.
Hanna Latkowski
BC marketing manager
hlatkows@starbucks.com
Phone: 604 630 5247
