By SSI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mahon Hall was buzzing with celebration on Thursday, Nov. 6 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 eight 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.”
Award winners are:
Business of the Year: WIndsor Plywood
Emerging Business: Sweetwater Distilling Co.
Island Ambassador: Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
Community Impact: Salt Spring Island Foundation
Green Business: SALT JAR Refillery
Trades: Diggin’ It Excavating
Cornerstone: Windsor Plywood
Hand + Land: Salt Spring Wild Cider
Tourism + Hospitality: Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
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 of locally made Salt Spring Sea Salt.
Each winner was also presented with a surprise gift from fellow local businesses — making their win even sweeter.
Beautiful award statuettes were handcrafted by Angelo Scaia of Red Mountain Forge, adding an extra touch of island artistry to the celebration.
Special thanks were extended to Kirsty Smythe for event coordination, Sweetgrass Food Co. For catering, Salty Awards Committee members Solveig Brickenden, Robert Steinbach, Teile McDonald and Katie Brennan, photographer Rob Lowrie and jury panel members Tanja Akerman, 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 Walls, Walter Stewart, Fiona Walls and Yael Wand.
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More info about the winners, sponsors, and prizes is here, followed by photos from the evening in addition to this story’s featured photo. ALL PHOTOS BY ROB LOWRIE
EMERGING BUSINESS WINNER: Sweetwater Distilling Co.
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. The Walls family members prove that hard work, creativity, and love of place make for spirits — and business — that shine.
PRESENTER: Return On Insight – Bruce Cameron
SPECIAL PRIZE: 120 min forest hydrotherapy spa ritual, Julie James at Solace Spa $230
HAND + LAND WINNER: Salt Spring Wild Cider
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!
PRESENTER: Gallery 8 / Coast Gallery – Razali May
SPECIAL PRIZE: Visit with Naturopath Patrick Callas plus gift basket from Madrona Integrative Health, Hannah Webb, $350.
TRADES WINNER: Diggin’ It Excavating
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.
PRESENTER: Windsor Plywood – Adam Geddes
SPECIAL PRIZE: $200 gift basket from Osisi Boutique, Jennifer Lannan Emekoba
ISLAND AMBASSADOR WINNER: Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
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.
PRESENTER: Chamber Plan – Marc Bourdon
SPECIAL PRIZE: $200 spa package from Simon and Michaela of Arbutus View Thermal Spa
CORNERSTONE WINNER: Windsor Plywood
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.
PRESENTER: Salt Spring Exchange – (no presenter)
SPECIAL PRIZE: $250 gift certificate to Twang + Pearl, Teile McDonald
GREEN BUSINESS WINNER: SALT JAR Refillery
SALT JAR Refillery is showing us all how easy, everyday sustainability can be! From shampoo to coffee beans, Caitlyn Pal 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.
PRESENTER: Mouat’s Trading Co. – Maria Elsser
SPECIAL PRIZE: Personalized 60-minute social media strategy session with Alicia Sjolin of Sunrise Digital Marketing Agency
TOURISM + HOSPITALITY WINNER: Salt Spring Visitor Information Centre
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.
PRESENTER: Thrifty Foods – Sandra Crandall
SPECIAL PRIZE: $220 gift basket from Salt Spring Chocolates with hoodie and hat, Rebecca + Emily
COMMUNITY IMPACT WINNER: Salt Spring Islands Foundation
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.
PRESENTER: Island Savings – Melissa Hill-Rodrigues
SPECIAL PRIZE: $200 gift certificate for Feast, Jason & Rochelle
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNER: Windsor Plywood
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 Harkema and Adam Geddes 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.
PRESENTER: Country Grocer – Robert Steinbach
SPECIAL PRIZE: Two-night stay at Collins House B+B, $400 value, Solveig and Dal Brickenden
Ambassador Award.
