Black Tie Award finalists were recognized in Chemainus for the outstanding work they’ve put into the community, and with a full house, there was a lot to celebrate.
According to the Duncan/Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, 216 nominations were submitted to fill nine categories during the night of presentations and out of those only three were selected for final nomination.
Categories included exceptional customer experience, volunteer of the year, new business, arts and culture, young entrepreneur, community builder, environmental excellence, and business excellence which was presented to organizations with one to five employees, six to 19 employees and 20 or more.
Along with the many categories, the gala presented executive director of Nourish Cowichan Fatima Da Silva with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding work in and around the community, and for her many contributions.
Photo credit: Don McCormick, VistaRadio
Da Silva says she’s humbled to accept the award, and says she wanted to give back to a community that’s been so welcoming.
“I’m so grateful for this community that has taken me in and gave me the opportunity to do the best I could,” she says. “I am so extremely grateful to the chamber, and everyone who has allowed me the space to do everything I do.”
Along with Da Silva winners in the 2025 Black Tie Awards included Bunch on Third, Carol Ann Rolls, Rewild Homes, Holocene Distilling Project, Fabrications, PlentiFILL, The Old Farm Market, The Chemainus Theatre Festival, Flourish Kitchen and Sun FM.
The Black Tie Awards have been hosted by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber since 1996 to shine a spotlight on outstanding achievements of businesses, individuals, and organizations across the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
