1) Mute your microphone if you aren't already muted. Background noise is distracting.
2) If you are not engaged in the presentation, turn off your camera.
3) Chat function should only be used to address the speaker, not for Club member remarks during the presentation
4) Unmute when harassing the Sergeant at Arms or taking your turn during Sergeant at Arms.
5)Have a Gin and Tonic
Please direct any questions or concerns to the President or a board member of yourchoosing and the board will discuss any and all questions or concerns during a board meeting. Also please refer to the members committee anyone who may be interested in attending a meeting or joining the club.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
"Don't let the fear of striking out cause you to stop playing the game." Babe Ruth via John
VISITORS
Shaena Furlong, Lisa Wong, Mike Matsuo(?) and Maddie Pughe
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND
CLUB BUSINESS
HAH! THERE WON'T BE ANYTHING NEXT WEEK EITHER.
OOPS! Check your email, summer BBQ at Debbie S' September 14th. RSVP!
Speaker
This Week’s Speakers: Lisa Wong & Shaena Furlong – Celebrating Richmond’s Best in Business
This morning we had the pleasure of hearing from Shaena Furlong, President & CEO of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and Lisa Wong, Principal of Lauren Financial and Chair of the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards Committee.
Brian Cole introduced them with his usual humor, recalling Shaena’s rise from Chamber staff in 2012 to CEO, and Lisa’s three decades of experience in financial planning, community leadership, and her long-standing passion for Richmond. As Brian noted, these two are not just business leaders — they are champions for Richmond’s business community.
A Century of Supporting Richmond Businesses
Shaena reminded us that 2025 marks the Chamber’s 100th anniversary — founded in 1925, the Chamber has spent a century supporting employers and entrepreneurs. With a small but mighty team of 5½ staff and a highly engaged Board of Directors, their mission is simple: to help businesses connect, grow, influence, and lead.
This year, that legacy of support continues with the 48th Annual Business Excellence Awards.
The Business Excellence Awards: From One Award to Eleven
What began in the 1970s as the “Businessman of the Year” award has grown into 11 categories recognizing every corner of Richmond’s economy:
Small, Medium, and Large Business of the Year
New Business of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year (under 40 – “still very young,” Lisa quipped)
Outstanding Workplace
Association of the Year (for nonprofits)
Innovative Enterprise
Outstanding Customer Service
Business Leadership of the Year
The gala is now Richmond’s largest celebration of business, hosted this year on November 20th at the River Rock Show Theatre.
Fairness and Transparency: “Not a Popularity Contest”
Both Shaena and Lisa emphasized that the awards are not about popularity or who you know at the Chamber. Instead, they are built on process, rigor, and fairness:
Anyone can nominate a business (takes less than a minute).
Nominees then complete a detailed online application, telling their story — what they do, their workplace culture, community impact, and future vision.
Independent volunteer judges (never Chamber staff or board members) evaluate applications. Judges undergo onboarding and sign confidentiality agreements.
Each category has at least two judges to ensure no single person makes a decision.
Conflicts of interest are strictly managed — judges recuse themselves if needed.
As Lisa put it, “We’ve created the most fair process of any business awards run by a Chamber in BC.” Unlike the “pay-to-play” style awards some of us have seen in our inboxes, nominees don’t pay to participate, and even gala tickets for nominees are offered at below cost to keep the celebration accessible.
Why It Matters
Lisa shared why she devotes so much time to the committee: small and mid-sized businesses are the backbone of Richmond’s economy. They provide jobs, build capacity, and strengthen community ties. Many past recipients have been businesses that not only excel in their industries but also treat employees like family and give back to the community.
A Call to Action
With more than 13,000 businesses in Richmond, the Chamber wants to shine a spotlight on those who deserve it. Nominations are open until August 29th — whether it’s your favorite restaurant, local gym, a trusted advisor, or even your own business, take a moment to nominate.
As Shaena said, “Having a process allows us to really hear the stories.” And those stories — of entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and community spirit — are what the Business Excellence Awards are all about.
Lawrence enjoyed a rare stretch of quiet with his family away, capped off by an incredible experience helping produce an interview with Sarah McLachlan in her home studio. He says the space looks exactly like the sort of place you’d imagine her writing music.
Gordon reminded us how important recognition is in our community, praising the Chamber’s work with the Business Excellence Awards and how meaningful it is to highlight people doing good.
Blair has been busy visiting his three daughters and four grandchildren, enjoying dinners and catch-ups. He’s also keeping active on the pickleball court with Kal’s wife.
Dalbir recalled his days with KPMG and the Richmond Chamber in the late ’80s, noting how much rigor and confidentiality goes into judging the awards. Even being nominated, he said, elevates a business.
Sandra shared her experience winning a Business Excellence Award, which came as a surprise since she didn’t think she’d need an acceptance speech. She also enjoyed her time as a judge and encouraged others to get involved. On a personal note, she and Brian are heading to an island that starts with “G.” (Gabriola, Galiano, or God know where?)
Amanda spent Sunday in Victoria with her sister and brother-in-law, squeezing in tea, wine tasting, and a poolside rest (the haunted tour was skipped due to “too much wine”). Next up, she’s off to the KidSport Night of Champions in Surrey with her friend Jacqueline.
Mary Lou reflected on her past involvement with the Chamber and its many initiatives—from networking breakfasts to the Women in Business Awards. She’s also celebrating her son’s 40th birthday and enjoyed a whale-watching adventure this week where she spotted orcas and a humpback. (What since when are you old enough to have a 40 year old son?)
Debbie M remembered the learning curve of Chamber “speed dating” for business, but said it was invaluable (Where she met Miles perhaps). She praised the awards for spotlighting lesser-known businesses, reminisced about Miles’ nomination, and recounted a recent paddleboarding adventure in the ocean. Next week, she’s off with family to Vernon.
Kal thanked the Chamber presenters and shared he’ll be golfing in a kids’ fundraiser this Sunday. On a lighter note, he joked that his wife plays pickleball with “a bear” on the court—actually Blair, whose name caused some confusion.
Margaret took on something “terrifying”: buying an Apple Watch. After a lesson, she mastered the basics of changing the watch face and tracking her steps. With weddings, reunions, and social events on the horizon, she reflected that Rotary has taught her much about business beyond her education career.
Danny took us on a whirlwind journey: from typhoon relief in the Philippines, to Rotary meetings in the Maldives, to dodging storms from an overwater bungalow, and even witnessing tensions on the Cambodia–Thailand border. Along the way, he exchanged Rotary banners and kept an eye on weather satellites.
Elena organized a multicultural festival for the Victoria Drive Business Association, complete with dignitaries and entertainment. She reminisced about her Chamber days in Richmond and is now headed to a Philippine consular event promoting Canadian–Philippine business ties.
Peachy has been busy growing her home care business—dancing on stage at a multicultural event, branding her car with contact details, and investing in Google Ads. She also gave thanks to Margaret for a referral.
Pat is relieved that her house painting is finally done and enjoyed a dinner club gathering. Her granddaughter just started working at a juice bar, and she’s looking forward to a big family get-together this Sunday.
Susan was glad Lawrence goes first now, sparing her the pressure of opening. She wished Blair a happy birthday, shared that she just celebrated her own 60th (months after her March birthday), and reported that son Ryan is still lifeguarding on the Sunshine Coast. She herself is staying put for a “staycation.”
Mike Matsuo (guest), a Chamber board member, praised Shaena’s small-but-mighty team and reflected on his long connection to Chris P. He joked about being “on too many boards already” but was delighted to reconnect with Rotary after two decades.
Chris P welcomed the Chamber speakers and shared she recently joined. She also spoke about the upcoming anniversary of her dad’s passing and her plan to honor him with a Ukrainian dinner of pierogies and cabbage rolls—her father’s favorite meal. Chris credited guest Mike Matsuo for being a key influence in her career.
Sam had a fun surf-filled getaway to Tofino with Justin and family, though Justin imposed a “one-hike maximum.” They managed good waves, plenty of food, and lots of laughs.
Brian joked that Danny must be in the CIA with all his globetrotting. On his own front, he finished a home project (a stair railing) and is taking his daughters and niece to Bard on the Beach this Sunday—a family tradition.
Micheal is still coming down from a trip to Las Vegas, keeping the memories alive by scrolling photos. He also enjoyed a family day at Cultus Lake’s waterslides. On a more serious note, he updated us on his brother Bobby, who is away for a family wedding in Calgary, with travel plans complicated by the Air Canada strike.
John is spending time at Cowichan Bay, partly to escape home renovations, and may not be back next week.
MEANDERINGS
According to National Geographic one day millions of gigabytes of data that are currently stored in a warehouse in servers containing the cloud will eventually be stored in small vial. The reason - scientists are encoding data into artificial single strand DNA. Not only will this take less space but less energy and last forever. The system is currently being used for medical records and libraries but the cost are coming down.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 14th Summer BBQ at Debbie S.'
Third Thursday of every month will be a projects meeting.
