Emma Davison and Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, the business she runs with her sister Jenna Bock, were big winners as the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Business Excellence Awards on Saturday, March 7.
Davison was chosen as the prestigious Business Leader of the Year, and Cheesecrafters was selected as Business of the Year in the medium category.
There were 250 people at Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club dressed in their Roaring Twenties best for the Great Gatsby-themed event. Davison said the gala made her both proud to win the award, and to be part of the Maple Ridge business community.
Davison and Cheesecrafters stand out for their award-winning artisanal products, and for the events they put on. This year they helped with the city’s Fields of Flavour event, and they have run the Long Table Dinner for charity, featuring renowned chefs; a beer festival with numerous partner businesses; an Easter Extravaganza that draws thousands of people, and many more. Davison said they work for their store and for the community, like many local people in business.
“There are so many deserving candidates,” said Davison of the award. “When I was nominated I was shocked. I try to do what I can, like so many other businesses.”
Davison’s family started farming in Maple Ridge in 1902, so their children are the sixth generation here.
“It’s exciting to keep the legacy going,” she said. “We would never want to be anywhere else.”
She loved the awards night this year, saying the Chamber “absolutely nailed it” with the Great Gatsby theme. There was a 1932 Model A car parked out front for couple photos, flapper girl dancers, live jazz music, fine dining, and the signature Gatsby fireworks the crowd could watch out the huge windows at the golf course to end the party.
Chamber CEO Kristi Maier said she has worked with Davison on events, and sees her passion for business and her city.
“She is innovative – not afraid to make big moves to grow her business, and she gives a lot back to the community,” said Maier.
She said the Business Excellence Awards have become an annual celebration for business owners in the city. The 250 tickets sold out in six weeks, and there were 80 people on a waiting list.
“Everyone dressed to the nines in Great Gatsby, and really leaned into the theme,” she said. “It was a great night.”
The CEO said she also likes that the event provides a showcase for some of the great commercial operations in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, and that businesses get together to celebrate.
“It’s the Chamber’s gift to them, for all their hard work,” said Maier.
Winners included:
• New Business: By Charley Madison Medical Spa
• Homebased Business: Handy Homes Property Services
• Micro Business: Ridge Meadows Doula Services
• Small Business: MealsAWeight
• Young Entrepreneur: Sanj Hothi
• Large Business: The Patch Brewery
• Non-Profit Organization: Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation
• Community Spirit: Lucy Meechan
• Environmental Leader: Noura Homes
The award judging was done by a 15-member panel that includes community leaders, past winners, and Chamber president and others.
A surprise Legacy Award was given to Chamber president Jerry Kok, who has been part of a resurgence for the Chamber since he started almost four years ago.
“He has given his absolute all to being the Chamber president,” said Maier. “In three and a half years, he has missed one Chamber event.”