锘縆wantlen First Nation is the latest local winner of a provincial award recognizing excellence in business.
91原创鈥檚 Seyem鈥� Qwantlen Business Group has received accolades from the B.C. Economic Development Association, for implementing a number of initiatives that provide economic benefits to the community.
Kwantlen received the Community Project award for populations less than 20,000.
鈥淪ince inception, February of 2011, SQBG has expanded its employee base from one to 60 employees, successfully operating five companies and one non-profit,鈥� the letter from BCEDA states.
鈥淎ctivities are diverse, with its strength in new business startup and economic development.鈥�
Speaking to 91原创 City Council last week (Sept. 15), Tumia Knott, president of SQBG and a Kwantlen First Nation Councillor, outlined the business ventures undertaken by the Kwantlen First Nation since a formal decision was made to divide its business ventures into separate entities.
Among the five corporate entities that fall under the SQBG umbrella are the new lelem Arts Caf茅 in Fort 91原创 and a gift shop at the Fort 91原创 Historic Site.
SQBG is also working with the Dilawri Auto Group, which leases the Kwantlen-owned land on which the 91原创 Mercedes dealership sits.
It also has forestry interests in Maple Ridge鈥檚 Blue Mountain area and works in partnership with the province and the District of Mission to operate a campground at Sayres Lake.
鈥淚 feel we鈥檙e just out of the starting gate,鈥� Knott told City Council.
鈥淲e鈥檝e got a long way to go to reach our high goals.鈥�
