 | Supporting Local Business. |
MEET the
2025 SALTY award winners
|
Mike Stefancsik, Jess Harkema and Adam Geddes of Windsor Plywood with presenting sponsor Robert Steinbach of Country Grocer |
Windsor Plywood sets the standard for business on Salt Spring. From rebuilding after a fire with local contractors to supporting 55 staff, they balance resilience, leadership, and community care. Co-owners Jess and Adam lead with dedication, creating a workplace culture that inspires loyalty and ensures customers and staff alike are supported. This is a business that shows how excellence, heart, and local commitment can thrive together.
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Country Grocer - Robert Steinbach
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: Two night stay at Collins House B+B, $400 value, Solveig & Dal Brickenden
|
|
Mary Kastle + Shannon Cowan of Salt Spring Island Foundation with presenting sponsor Melissa Hill-Rodrigues from Island Savings |
The Salt Spring Islands Foundation is creating lasting impact across the island—from children and youth, to housing, food security, environment, water, energy, arts, and culture. By providing grants, supporting other organizations, and building community capacity, they ensure generations of islanders benefit. The jury highlighted their thoughtful focus on diverse needs and their ability to turn philanthropy into real, measurable change.
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Island Savings - Melissa Hill-Rodrigues
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: $200 Gift certificate for Feast, Jason & Rochelle
|
|
Mike Stefancsik, Jess Harkema and Adam Geddes of Windsor Plywood with Alil'a Perlux de la I'o standing in for presenting sponsor the Salt Spring Exchange |
It’s hard to imagine Salt Spring without Windsor Plywood—they’re the backbone for more than 1,200 tradespeople and local businesses. Their team combines exceptional customer service, staff development, and eco-friendly practices, and during a recent fire, they stepped up to help the whole community. The jury called them a model of leadership, compassion, and reliability—a true cornerstone of the island economy.
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Salt Spring Exchange - Leslie Ash + Colin How (not present)
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: $250 Gift Certificate to Twang + Pearl, Teile McDonald
|
|
Dave + Fiona Walls of Sweetwater Distlling Co. with presenting sponsor Bruce Cameron of Return on Insights |
Sweetwater Distilling Co. is a true Salt Spring success story! Using local apples and artesian water, this family-run distillery crafts award-winning gin, vodka, and more, all while supporting the island community. From farmers markets to restaurants across BC, Sweetwater has tripled revenue, won national prizes, and built a reputation for quality and perseverance. They prove that hard work, creativity, and love of place make for spirits—and business—that shine.
PRESENTER: Return on Insight - Bruce Cameron
Surprise Gift Sponsor: 120 min Forest Hydrotherapy Spa Ritual, Julie James at Solace Spa $230
|
|
Roy + Caitlyn Pal of SALT Jar refillery with presenting sponsor Maria Elsser of Mouat's Trading Co. |
Salt Jar Refillery is showing us all how easy, everyday sustainability can be! From shampoo to coffee beans, Caitlyn and her team help islanders cut down on tens of thousands of containers going to the landfill each year. Beyond refills, they run educational programs that make greener living possible for everyone on Salt Spring. This is a business that proves small actions truly make a big difference—and the jury loved how they’re changing daily life for the better.
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Mouat’s Trading Co. - Maria Elsser
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: Personalized 60min social media strategy session w. Alicia Sjolin of Sunrise Digital Marketing Agency
|
|
Gerda + Mike Lattey of Salt Spring Wild Cider, winners of the Hand + Land Award, along with presenting sponsor Razali May of Gallery 8 + Coast Gallery |
Salt Spring Wild Cider turns apples into community magic! Sourcing over 200,000 apples from around the island each year, their ciders give orchard owners and pickers real income while ensuring nothing goes to waste. Over 11 years, they’ve grown with the island’s needs, offering indoor and outdoor dining spaces that welcome families, pets, and friends. Craft, care, and community all in one refreshing glass!
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Gallery 8 / Coast Gallery - Razali May
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: Visit w. Naturopath Patrick Callas plus gift basket Madrona Integrative Health, Hannah Webb, $350.
|
|
(Left to right) Elaine Senkpiel, Brigitte Diebold, Joan Douglas, Lynne Fraser of the Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre (holding award) with presenting sponsor Marc Bourdon of the Chamber Plan - with photo crasher Michael Mann, Salty Award MC |
With 40 passionate volunteers and zero municipal funding, the Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre is the ultimate Island Ambassador. They bring Salt Spring to the world, helping visitors explore the best of the island while supporting local businesses and organizations. The jury was impressed by their preparation, innovation, and energy—and it’s clear the VIC doesn’t just guide visitors, they elevate the entire island experience. SPONSOR PRESENTER: Chamber Plan - Marc Bourdon
|
|
(left to right) Joan Douglas, Elaine Senkpiel, Lynne Fraser , Brigitte Diebold of the Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre with presenting sponsor Sandra Crandall of Thrifty foods |
The Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre has one of the most mobilized volunteer forces on the island, and their impact shows in every visitor experience. From sharing insider tips to connecting guests with local businesses, they make every visitor feel welcome and inspired. The jury loved their future-focused approach, passion, and dedication, proving that a friendly smile and expert guidance can shape how the world sees Salt Spring.
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Thrifty Foods - Sandra Crandall
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: $220 Gift Basket Salt Spring Chocolates w. hoodie and hat, Rebecca + Emily
|
|
Reason Perry standing in for Diggin'it Excavating with presenting sponsor Adam Geddes of Windsor Plywood |
Diggin’It Excavating is more than skilled machinery and expert work—they’re building the future of Salt Spring. Partnering with local First Nations on ecological restoration, mentoring students, and using sustainable practices, their projects leave lasting benefits for the land and community. The jury praised their integrity, innovation, and environmental care—truly tradespeople making a difference beyond the job site.
SPONSOR PRESENTER: Windsor Plywood - Adam Geddes
SURPRISE GIFT SPONSOR: $200 Gift Basket from Osisi Boutique, Jennifer Lannan Emekoba
WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! |
Mahon Hall was buzzing with celebration last night as the community gathered for the 2025 Salty Awards, honouring the island’s most inspiring businesses, innovators, and changemakers.
Hosted by the Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce, the event recognized excellence across nine categories—from emerging entrepreneurs to long-standing community cornerstones.
“The Salty Awards are a chance to celebrate what makes Salt Spring so special—our creativity, resilience, and the incredible people who pour their hearts into their work,” said Salty Award Committee Chair Solveig Brickenden. “This year’s winners truly embody the spirit of the island.”
The evening was hosted by Michael Mann and Michael Bean, with lively support from GISS improv students Reason Perry, Alil’a Perlux de la I’o, and Leelu Mann.
Adding to the fun, guests also had the chance to win Saltiest Awards—playful attendee prizes recognizing things like Best Dressed and The Saltiest Complaint About Salt Spring—with prizes from Salt Spring Sea Salt.
Each winner was also presented with a Surprise Gift from fellow local businesses—making their win even sweeter, with gifts all of a $200 value or more! Thanks to the following businesses for their generosity: Arbutus View Thermal Spa · Collins House B+B · Feast · Osisi Boutique · Madrona Integrative Health · Salt Spring Chocolate · Solace Organic Spa · Sunrise Digital Marketing Agency · Twang + Pearl · Salt Spring Exchange
The beautiful award statuettes were handcrafted by Angelo Scaia of Red Mountain Forge, adding an extra touch of island artistry to the celebration.
Special Thanks to:
Event Coordination: Kirsty Smythe
Catering: Sweetgrass Food Co.
Salty Awards Committee: Solveig Brickenden (Chair) · Robert Steinbach · Teile McDonald · Katie Brennan
Event Photographer: Rob Lowrie
Jury Panel — A heartfelt thank-you to our jurors for their time, insight, and island expertise: Tanja Ackerman · Bruce Cameron · Neil Casey · Julian Clark · Shannon Cowan · Brigitte Diebold · Elizabeth FitzZaland · Lesley Grott · Greg Hanks · Jess Harkema · Monica Maile · Elizabeth Nolan · Tuula Rea · Aubrey Smith · Dave Wall · Walter Stewart · Fiona Wall · Yael Wand
THE FINALISTS FOR THE 2025 SALTY AWARDS
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
EMERGING BUSINESS
ISLAND AMBASSADOR
| COMMUNITY IMPACT
GREEN BUSINESS AWARD
TRADES
| CORNERSTONE
HAND + LAND
TOURISM + HOSPITALITY
|
The Salty Awards Are Back!
Honouring the Heart of Salt Spring
After a four-year pause, we’re thrilled to bring back the Salty Awards—Salt Spring’s celebration of the incredible businesses and individuals who shape our island with creativity, care, and courage.
This is the first time the awards have been offered since 2020, and we’ve taken the time to reimagine them with purpose.
This year—and going forward—we’re proud to offer thoughtful new award categories that reflect the values, ingenuity, and diversity of our business community. We’ve removed distinctions between small and large businesses, because excellence is excellence—whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a team of fifty.
Why It Matters
Salt Spring businesses work hard.
They’re often too busy serving others to stop and realize just how much they’re appreciated.
The Salty Awards are our way of saying:
You matter. What you’re doing is seen, valued, and celebrated.
Being recognized by your peers, customers, and community isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s powerful.
These awards represent love, respect, and gratitude from the people whose lives you touch every day.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR's |
A BIG THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSORS OF THE 2025 SALTY AWARDS!
|
|
Media Sponsor
|
The Nomination Process of the Salty Awards
Here’s how it works:
1. Public Nominations
We kicked things off by opening the nominations to the public—and Salt Spring did not disappoint! In just two weeks, over 200 nominations poured in for more than 125 local businesses. Amazing!
2. Nominee Acceptance
Next, we reached out to each business to see if they wanted to accept their nomination. Seventy-eight said yes, submitting a full nomination package that answered three questions tailored to their category.
3. Jury Review & Scoring
Then it was time for our jury to dig in. Each submission was reviewed by two jurors and scored on leadership, innovation, inclusion, community contribution—and of course, the quality of the answers. The top three in each category became our finalists.
4. Onsite Visits – Seeing the Work Up Close
Finally, we visited each finalist in person. Two jurors, who are entrepreneurs and community members themselves, spent time onsite to see the work firsthand. This step lets every business tell their story, big or small, and ensures everyone has a fair shot at shining.
See what nominees from the 2017 Salty Awards had to say about what it meant to them to be nominated - as well as snippets from the award evening
|
THE 2025 AWARD GALA WAS A BLAST!
We had a fabulous TIME!We hope you'll join us next year :)Join us on November 6th at Mahon Hall for an unforgettable evening honoring the island’s most outstanding businesses and community champions. Hosted by Michael Bean and Michael Mann, the night promises sips, seat snacks, and plenty of sparkle as we gather to celebrate and connect with fellow islanders.The awards will be presented across nine categories:
Cheer on your favourites as the winners are revealed, and enjoy a few surprises along the way. This is more than an awards night — it’s an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and recognition for the creativity, resilience, and spirit that make Salt Spring’s business community so remarkable. This event is about making everyone feel special — the finalists, the attendees, the sponsors, and yes, even the organizers too ;) It’s also about having a fun and glitzy night out — a chance to give those fabulous outfits in your closet (you know, the ones usually reserved for fancier places than Salt Spring) a proper airing! And that’s not all — Mr. Mann will be bringing his piano and may even have written a song just for the occasion. Plus, rumor has it there might be impromptu prizes… Best Dressed, anyone? Doors open at 5:30 PM; Award Presentation begins at 6 PM.
|
Michael BeanMichael is a relatively new transplant to Salt Spring Island, and loves it. He has an extensive background as a film and television actor and acting teacher. He currently works as Coordinator of the Saturday Market and Admin Coordinator for the Gulf Islands Families Together Society (GIFTS), in addition to teaching on-camera classes for adults www.confidenceoncamera.com |
Michael A. MannSalt Spring–based animation director and improv performer Michael has 20+ years bringing stories to life. Known for blending humour, heart, and imagination in everything from animated films to live improv shows, Michael brings his signature spark and deep love for Salt Spring’s weird, wonderful entrepreneurial spirit to this year’s Salty Awards, to honour the creativity, grit, and heart that local businesses pour into making this island thrive. |
Together Michael Bean + Michael Mann co-founded Creative Spring, a monthly support group for creative professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, encourage each other, and share laughter. The group helps combat the isolation often experienced in creative work, fostering a supportive community where local creatives can meet, collaborate, and thrive together. |
Salt Spring Info Centre infocentre@saltspringchamber.com FALL HOURS: SUN - THURS 11am - 2pm FRI + SAT : 10am - 1pm 250-537-5252 | Salt Spring Chamber Office chamber@saltspringchamber.com Our Office is in remote mode + only Questions? See who to contact HERE We are grateful and humbled to do business on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples. | 121 Lower Ganges Rd Big Thanks to Our Sponsors!
|
