October 24, 2024:  The Langley business community came together tonight to celebrate the exceptional achievements of local businesses at the 2024 Langley Business Excellence Awards. Presented by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, the prestigious gala was attended by nearly 400 of Langley’s business, community, and government leaders, who gathered to celebrate some of the stand-outs in Langley’s business community. 

Among the recipients this year were Otter Co-op and Thunderbird Showpark, which were recognized with the two Business of the Year awards, and Yvonne Hopp, owner of New Directions English Language School,  who received the George Preston Memorial Business Person of the Year Award for her longstanding contributions to business and the community.

The Langley Business Excellence Awards, now in its 28th year, have become a hallmark of professional achievement, designed to highlight the innovation, resilience, and excellence of businesses across all sectors. This year’s event presented eight awards in categories that reflect the values and diversity of Langley’s thriving business community, including recognition for leadership, environmental sustainability, community involvement, and entrepreneurial success.

“These awards are more than just a celebration of business success—they highlight the individuals and organizations who are driving Langley forward,” said Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.  “These awards represent an opportunity for us to recognize the talent, creativity, and dedication of our local business community, and showcases to the rest of the region that Langley is clearly a great place to do business.”

The recipients of the 2024 Langley Business Excellence Awards are:
 
Entrepreneurial Excellence Award:   Chops Consulting
Chops Consulting helps businesses thrive by taking a multifaceted approach to growth that includes operations consulting, technology strategy and implementation and digital marketing.  The Chops Consulting team works across many industries including legal, financial, trades and healthcare and help businesses grow by transforming their biggest challenges into plans for strategic action.



 Environmental Leadership Award:  Darman Recycling
Darman Recycling is a biomass waste collector which collects 400,000 – 800,000 tons of wood waste biomass annually, preventing it from ending up in Lower Mainland landfills. Once collected, Darman Recycling creates mulch, shavings, wood chips and other saleable products, as well as biomass feedstocks which provide consistent fuel sources for a wide range of customers.



Charitable or Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award:  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley creates, invests in and empowers life-changing relationships for children facing adversity. For 50 years, the organization has been making a difference in the Langley community – matching youth with positive role models in professionally-supported mentoring relationships that help them achieve their biggest possible futures.



Employer of the Year:  Centra Windows
Centra Windows is a Langley-based company that has grown rapidly to become the leading authority on windows. Centra Windows strives to be a model employer and support the entire Centra Family, be they their employees, their customers, or members of their community who are in need.  100% Employee Owned and passionately mission-driven, Centra Windows is recognized as an employer of choice with an award-winning corporate culture.



Langley Community Spirit Award:   The Barley Merchant Taproom & Kitchen
The Barley Merchant Taproom and Kitchen is a Langley restaurant that proudly curates a tap list that features BC-made beer, wine, ciders and spirits.  Based on their love for where they live, the Barley Merchant constantly works at finding ways to support local initiatives and efforts.  From volunteering with local agencies, to providing countless donations to Langley fundraisers, to playing host to important community events, the Barley Merchant wears its community spirit proudly.



George Preston Memorial Businessperson of the Year Award:  Yvonne Hopp, New Directions English Language School
Yvonne Hopp, founder and business owner of New Directions English Language School, has dedicated over 30 years to serving vulnerable populations, including unemployed youth, women, seniors, and newcomers. Her innovative and committed approach has helped these individuals more successfully integrate into the community and labour market, and her innovative leadership has resulted in a successful business that has achieved significant growth and had a lasting impact on the community.



Business of the Year (up to 24 full time employees):   Thunderbird Show Park
Thunderbird Show Park -- or “tbird” as they are more commonly known -- has been a member of the Langley community for more than 50 years. tbird hosts ten international show jumping competitions annually, along with a variety of other equestrian events that attract thousands of competitors and visitors to Langley. While upholding the legacy of founding members George & Dianne Tidball, tbird has grown to become one of the world's premier equestrian competition venues.



Business of the Year (25 or more full time employees):   Otter Co-op
Otter Co-op has been a proud member of the Langley community since its founding 102 years ago.  It operates a diverse range of businesses, including food stores, pharmacies, gas bars, restaurants, bulk fuel delivery, bagged and bulk animal feed, and its playfully-dubbed Angry Otter Liquor Stores. Owned by its members, Otter Co-op emphasizes community support, and is known for offering competitive prices, high-quality products, and excellent customer service.