The site directly across from the old courthouse and the casino is being cleared this month, and will become a temporary parking lot.
Photograph by: Heather Colpitts , Langley Advance
Two Langley companies have been named in the top five best small businesses in B.C., as part of the Successful You Awards contest.
Chris Davies, and his company Chris's Sign & Lighting Service Inc., is now a top-five finalist competing to receive the best employer award.
"It's been a great year for us," he told the Langley Advance, noting he made it into Business in Vancouver's 40 Under 40 list last fall, and now this.
"It's kind of a proud moment for us," he said, explaining how the company has grown.
Like his father and grandfather before him, Davies struck out on his own in the sign business 21 years ago. Despite struggles and making most of the calls and running the business by himself for the first few years, he has triumphed. The business has grown to now include 18 employees working out of his shops on 232nd Street in Langley, and another 18 employees working in an Alberta division of his company - Westcan Lighting - that he started with a partner four years ago.
This award will recognize one B.C. business for its outstanding leadership in the workplace and promotion of employee health, safety and values. Davies hopes it will be him.
Likewise, Melody Leskun of House Calls Health & Wellness in Langley, is competing for the best company award. It recognizes exceptional leadership and a proven track-record of growth and profitability. Her company is situated at 204th Street and Douglas Crescent.
Small Business BC hosts the Successful You Awards annually in recognition of the outstanding contributions entrepreneurs make in this province.
"It's fantastic to see such a diverse and vibrant range of businesses being recognized for their achievements," said George Hunter, Small Business BC CEO.
This year, 172 businesses were nominated and narrowed down to the top 10 in six award categories through online voting.
Each business then submitted an extended application detailing why they deserved to be named one of B.C.'s best, allowing a judges to select the top five.
Davies goes back before another panel today [Thursday] and will have to wait like the rest of us until the end of the month to find out if he's earned top spot. He tells me he's feeling confident, but not cocky. His fingers are crossed. So are mine.
Winners will be announced at the Successful You Awards ceremony Feb. 28 in Vancouver. Best of luck to both local contenders.
REVITALIZING THE CORE
In only three short days, one large two-storey building in the 20300 block of Fraser Highway was torn down. And over subsequent days, any signs of it and its five former tenants were sorted, recycled, and shipped off.
About a year ago, a downtown Langley property owner approached the City about buying the parcel sandwiched between 56th Avenue, Fraser Hghway, and the City hall parking lot, explained Teri James, a Langley City councillor and executive director for the Downtown Langley Business Association.
At the beginning of the month, demo work began, and as soon as weather allows the site will be excavated further and covered in gravel for temporary parking.
Long term, she said, it could become part of the Timm's Community Centre hub, or sold and redeveloped in keeping with the City's master plans for a mix of retail and residential.
No decisions have been made yet. Stay tuned.
