The George Preston Memorial Business Person of the Year goes to Dana Matheson, president and CEO of C&D Logistics.
“This community is very important to me” said Matheson in his acceptance speech at the 21st annual Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on Thursday.
“I have been truly blessed in my life. In my opinion, it is the duty of every business owner who has been blessed to give back. That’s how communities are sustainable, that’s how minor sports are sustainable,” said Matheson.
“I remember being 11 years old playing baseball and having a company name on the back of my jersey and I thought to myself ‘if and when I own my own business I want to be that guy who can support minor sports,’” he said.
And support he has. Matheson serves as president of the Langley Rams junior football club and is a board member with Life Ready Foundation, which works with at-risk youth. He also founded the Fraser Valley Family Day which has been held at Langley Events Centre for the past few years.
To date, he has donated more than $1 million to over 250 charities and organizations and “he’s not done yet.”
In grand style and with an ‘under the sea’ theme, the Business Excellence Awards saw more than 300 business people fill the Cascades convention centre ballroom on Oct. 26.
This year there were 97 nominees in 11 different categories, recognizing businesses, business people and non-profit organization, growth, ethics, customer service, and contributions to the community.
The evening featured a nominee reception followed by a cocktail reception and a gourmet four-course meal.
Dinner entertainment was supplied by Langley’s own Exit 58 and the comedic emcee duo Clay St. Thomas and Karen Daniels from JRfm.
Then the winners were announced in Academy Awards-style presentations.
Matheson was a two-time winner that evening.
C&D Logistics won in the service excellence (retail) category as well. For that award, Matheson thanked his team for their commitment to excellence and customer service.
“This is a team award,” he said.
The 38-year-old is going to have to make a special shelf for his awards, because a few years ago he won the Chamber’s Under 40 Person of the Year.
He has a passion for business and his community.
A couple years ago, Matheson purchased the iconic Cedarbrook Bakery, Deli & Bistro in Brookswood. He is also the business owner of Wrap Champs.
So what is the key to his success?
“I love what I do and I love to work hard. I take my businesses very serious and I put my heart and soul into everything I do. There is no halfway with me,” Matheson told the Times. “I think to be successful in anything in life, you need passion and a strong work ethic. I absolutely love working, and I love people. I love to solve problems and I love growth.”
Matheson is known for the expression TGIM (Thank God It’s Monday).
So what’s next for Langley’s business person of the year?
“I’m going to focus on my businesses. I am currently involved in five with a new startup on the way. I’m going to keep going strong while I have the gas and work to build something that will help put people to work, support families as well as mine,” he said.
Last year’s Business Person of the Year was Phil Jackman, owner of Valley Traffic Services who was recognized for giving back to the community.
The 2017 Winners:
• George Preston Memorial Business Person Of The Year: Dana Matheson of C&D Logistics
• Entrepreneur Of The Year: Spencer Turley, Murrayville Plumbing and Heating
• Under 40 Business Person Of The Year: Darian Kovacs, Jelly Marketing
• Large Business Of The Year: Cascades Casino
• Medium Business Of The Year: Edmonds Batteries Ltd.
• Small Business Of The Year: Mountainview Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Renee Ferguson
• Community Impact For Profit: Otter Co-op
• Community Impact Non Profit: Langley Community Farmers Market
• Environmental Leadership: Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Service Excellence (Retail/Service): C&D Logistics, Dana Matheson
• Service Excellence (Food And Beverage): Lance Verhoeff, The Trading Post Brewery and Eatery
monique@langleytimes.com
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