Kamloops, BC (April 30, 2025) – Invictus Properties Inc. is proud to announce a double win at the 2025 BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Awards of Excellence. Two exceptional team members – Eddie Salehi and Mitch Shafer – have been recognized as leaders in their fields, bringing provincial acclaim to the Kamloops-based hotel.
• Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, was awarded Leader of the Future, a distinction that honours emerging leaders who are shaping the future of hospitality through innovation and excellence.
• Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef of Delta Kamloops & Cordo Resto + Bar, received the Culinary Excellence Award, which celebrates creativity, consistency, and a commitment to elevating the guest dining experience.
Eddie expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to the support and mentorship he’s received along the way:
"This award means so much to me," said Eddie Salehi. "Being recognized as a leader in the future of hospitality is an incredible honor, and I owe it to the amazing mentors and colleagues who have supported me along the way. I’m excited to continue growing and innovating in this industry."
For Chef Mitch, the award is a testament to his team's collective passion and creativity:
"For me, cooking has always been about creating memorable experiences," said Mitch Shafer. "Winning this award is a reflection of the passion and dedication our entire kitchen team puts into every dish. I’m grateful to be part of such a forward-thinking and supportive hospitality community."
General Manager Jocelyn Bennett was also a finalist for the provincial Hotelier of the Year award and celebrated the team’s accomplishments with pride and enthusiasm.
"I couldn’t be happier for Eddie and Mitch," said Jocelyn Bennett. "Their talent, dedication, and passion are what make Delta Kamloops such a special place. While I am grateful to be a finalist this time, celebrating their wins means just as much. This is a win for all of us."
Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties, praised the honourees for their hard work and the positive example they set for the industry:
"These wins are incredibly well-deserved," said Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties. "The awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work that Eddie. Mitch and Jocelyn consistently demonstrate. We couldn't be more delighted to see their efforts and passion recognized."
The BCHA Awards of Excellence honor outstanding achievements within British Columbia’s hospitality industry, with winners selected from hundreds of nominations across the province.
Invictus Properties Inc., alongside the 150 employees at Delta Kamloops, celebrates this outstanding achievement. The entire team remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service, setting the benchmark for hospitality, and being the preferred meeting and event location for Kamloops locals and visitors.
For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, please visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit.