Strong vision
Dr. Pavan Avinashi, who practises optometry in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, won the B.C. Association of Optometrist's Young Optometrist of the Year award.
The award honours a doctor of optometry who has been in practice 10 years or less who exemplifies a commitment to the profession of optometry in B.C. According to a press release from the BCAO, Avinashi's interest in humanitarian work has led to various fundraising campaigns supporting a range of third-world eye care societies. In 2007, he founded and produced Vision - a benefit for the Canadian Eye Charity Society. He also routinely travels to northern B.C. to provide eye care services to under-serviced communities.
Avinashi received his award at the end of February during BCAO's annual conference.
Wood winners
Kimberley Smith and Bo Helliwell of West Vancouver's Helliwell + Smith Blue Sky Architecture took home two awards at the 2013 Wood WORKS! BC Wood Design Awards earlier this month.
In addition to the Architect Award, the firm also won the Residential Wood Design Award for their Solar Crest project on Sidney Island, B.C.
Meanwhile, Zimba Designworks won the Western Red Cedar Award for its Urban Longhouse project in North Vancouver. Equilibrium Consulting, which worked on the City of North Vancouver Civic Centre renovation, won the Wood Champion Award and the Engineer Award.
Top marketer
North Vancouver resident Annalea Krebs, who founded eco-marketing company ethicalDeal, won the Best Online Marketer award at the 10th annual Small Business B.C. Successful You Awards on Feb. 28.
Headquartered in Vancouver, the company offers promotions on greener choices ranging from organic skincare to eco-cleaners.
Krebs said the award is representative of a greater movement for change.
"I am convinced that business has the power to change the world for the better and this award demonstrates that you can profit with purpose," she said.
To submit information on North Shore business groups or events, email [email protected].
