NOTE: The province of B.C. has once again declared a week in February as Chamber of Commerce Week. This year, it runs Feb. 12 to 16, and the 91原创 Advance Times worked with the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce to put together a series of stories to inform people in 91原创 about the local business organization and what it does to bolster and advocate for companies in this community.

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Recognition is integral to society. Whether that be an ataboy for a job well done, an award for demonstrating excellence in a particular project or line of business, or a coveted community honour bestowed on only on a select number of individuals who inspire us to do better for the world and our fellow human beings.

Making sure such accolades exist and are given to outstanding businesses, non-profits, and individuals in 91原创 is a job the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce takes very seriously.

Take a gander at the 2023 H.D. Stafford Good Citizen of the Year who was crowned just before Christmas.

91原创 philanthropist Balraj Mann was named the 2023 Good Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 expecting it鈥� I just love the chamber, but it feels good to know you鈥檙e on the right path and feels good to give back to the community,鈥� Mann told the 91原创 Advance Times.

Mann moved to Canada in 1980 when he was 15 years old and worked as a farm labourer in 91原创 and Abbotsford in his adolescence.

After he completed his civil engineering technology diploma from then Kwantlen College in 1986, he went on to serve as director of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation, director of the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation (LMHF), and as a director for the Surrey Board of Trade for several years.

Mann and his family settled in 91原创, and got involved in the community through the hospital foundation.

Through the LMHF, Mann met Manjit Gill, who was named Citizen of the Year in 2021, and credits him for motivating Mann to do more.

鈥淚 hope to do the same thing for others like Manjit did for me,鈥� he said.

Mann and his family have given significant donations to the hospital foundation, and helped organize some events there, including the annual Giving Hearts Gala.

鈥淚 hope the award inspires people in the work they do for the community,鈥� Mann commented.

He is the founder and chairman of the BM Group of Companies, which includes several firms working on construction management, restoration, waterproofing, and real estate-related businesses.

鈥淭he biggest thing we are proud of is getting our youth, the next generation, involved in community philanthropy. Our plan this year is to step back and guide them from behind, and make sure young people start becoming part of the overall community,鈥� he said.

Mann is the 43rd recipient of the H.D. Stafford award from the 91原创 chamber.

Since 1980, the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce has presented the H.D. Stafford Good Citizen Award to a deserving resident of the 91原创s in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community. This award honours an individual who contributes towards bringing together our diverse community to make a positive difference to 91原创.

The Stafford award is just one of several the chamber gives out during the year, albeit the most coveted.

Every fall, during small business week in October, the chamber hosts its Business Excellence Awards gala.

It鈥檚 a recognition event steeped in 27 years of history, and last fall eight companies, non-profits, and individuals were lauded for their outstanding customer service and quality products.

Among those recognized was the 2023 businessperson of the year.

Local lawyer Rebecca Darnell was named George Preston Memorial Businessperson of the Year by the 91原创 Chamber.

Rebecca Darnell founded her firm, Darnell Law Group, in 1995. It started as a one-person family law firm, but she built it up into the current 15 skilled team member business it is today.

Darnell has served as vice-chair on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Board of Governors for six years and local organizations including 91原创 Community Services Society, the Canadian Museum of Flight, the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation, and many others.

In 2005, she led the community services society through the aftermath of an arson fire which destroyed its building.

She was named the George Preston Memorial Businessperson of the Year by the Chamber, a great honour for her, she said, due to the close friendship she had with Preston through the Rotary Club of 91原创.

Preston supported her in her career and encouraged her to run for political office, which Darnell did federally in 2011 and municipally in 2022 for the Township of 91原创.

Darnell credits his mentorship and leadership for her success.

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honoured to receive this award,鈥� she said.

Darnell still gets choked up when she thinks of how George鈥檚 wife, Iris, asked her to speak at his memorial service, she shared.

She thanked the community and Chamber for making it possible for her to provide her legal services, including pro-bono work, over the years.

In addition to her community work and practice, she continues to mentor prospective law students.

The George Preston Memorial award is given to an individual business person who is the owner or senior executive and demonstrates outstanding leadership, success, and has made achievements in areas of innovation, business growth, and community involvement.

Cory Redekop, chamber CEO, said the chamber is pleased to highlight some of the 鈥渟tandout companies鈥� that call 91原创 home.

There are typically 100s of nominations that come in from across the community, with only a handful shortlisted in each of the awards categories.

Last year鈥檚 鈥渇inalists and award recipients showcase the breadth and diversity of our local economy, from thriving neighbourhood businesses to world-class creative industries,鈥� Redekop said.