VANCOUVER, BC (February 19, 2025) — The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) is proud to announce the finalists for the esteemed 2025 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of British Columbia’s hospitality professionals and businesses, highlighting their dedication to excellence, innovation, and service. Winners will be celebrated at the highly anticipated Awards Gala on April 23, as part of the 2025 BCHA Summit, taking place at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver.

Bringing together the brightest minds in the industry, the two-day Summit serves as a premier gathering for BC’s accommodation sector. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders, participate in networking opportunities, and celebrate the accomplishments of their peers.

“The 2025 BCHA Awards of Excellence finalists are an inspiration to us all,” said Paul Hawes, President and CEO of the BCHA. “The passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence demonstrated by these individuals and establishments highlight not only the strength and vibrancy of the BC hospitality industry, but also its role as a professional sector. This is an industry where people build rewarding, lifelong careers doing what they love. We’re excited to celebrate their achievements at the BCHA Summit.”

The finalists for the 2025 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence are:

Accommodation of the Year | Sponsored by Encore Canada
• The Parkside Hotel & Spa – Victoria, BC
• Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre - Sun Peaks, BC
• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler – Whistler, BC

Housekeeping Excellence | Sponsored by Ecolab
• Paradox Hotel Vancouver – Vancouver, BC
• The Cove Lakeside Resort – Kelowna, BC
• Crystal Lodge – Whistler, BC

Community Contribution | Sponsored by BC Hospitality Foundation
• John Kearns, General Manager, Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
• Ozzy Goksel, Director of Rooms, Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel

• Lisa Jaager, General Manager, Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa

Leader of the Future | Sponsored by Fortis BC
• Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
• Amandeep Kaur, Sales Manager, Sandman Hotel Group

Hotelier of the Year
• Jocelyn Bennett, General Manager, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
• Kimberly Hughes, General Manager, Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
• Chelan Goonetilleke, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Culinary Excellence
• Renee Lauzon, Food & Beverage Manager, The Courtney Room, Magnolia Hotel
• Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef, Cordo Resto + Bar, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
• Lukas Exelby, Chef, Treetop Tapas & Grill at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort

Sustainability Champion
• Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites – Kelowna, BC
• Blackrock Oceanfront Resort – Ucluelet, BC
• Sandman Hotel Group – Kelowna, BC

For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit.

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. – Excel Dryer, Inc., was recently recognized as a double winner in the prestigious 2024 Sustainability Awards, hosted by Business Intelligence Group, which honors organizations worldwide that make sustainability a core part of their business practices.

The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync® Hand Dryer was recognized as a Sustainability Product of the Year, and Excel Dryer’s Healthy Office Oasis received the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award. Excel’s ThinAir® Hand Dryer with Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) Filtration was also selected as a finalist in the Sustainability Product of the Year category.

“We are thrilled with these recognitions, which are a testament to Excel' s unwavering commitment to the environment,” said Joshua Griffing, director of marketing and international sales for Excel Dryer. “We are dedicated to advancing the industry while ensuring that everything from our workplace to our products reflect our values of sustainability and wellness.”

The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer with eHEPA is a collaboration between commercial product designer D|13 Group and Excel Dryer. Integrating the elements of proper hand washing and drying in a cohesive 30" unit, it introduces a new level of hygiene, sustainability and aesthetic appeal that instantly transforms any commercial restroom.

Excel Dryer’s energy-efficient, sustainable and comfortable office expansion at its LEED-certified headquarters was guided by the WELL Building Standard® and rooted in the company's mission to lead through innovation. It incorporates beauty, health, wellness and sustainability—from a reception desk that limits the introduction of air pollutants to carpet fibers made from recycled fishing nets.

"Forget greenwashing—Excel Dryer puts sustainability at the heart of everything it does," said Russ Fordyce, CEO, Business Intelligence Group. "We're inspired by their dedication and excited to showcase the incredible work they're accomplishing."

Feb 17th, 2025 — Horwath HTL is pleased to welcome Jason Raimondi as the newest member of our team.

With over 20 years of hospitality leadership, training, and operational consulting experience, Jason brings a wealth of expertise in strategic development, service excellence, and leadership coaching.

Prior to joining Horwath HTL, Jason founded JOR Hospitality Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in hospitality strategy, operational change, and leadership development.

His extensive career includes executive training roles at Forbes Travel Guide, as well as leadership positions at IHG, Hilton, and The Walt Disney Company. Throughout his career, Jason has worked with some of the world’s most renowned hotel brands, helping them enhance guest service, refine operational efficiencies, and cultivate strong leadership teams.
Jason holds a Master of Arts in Management & Leadership from Webster University and has played a key role in developing training programs that drive measurable success in the hospitality industry.

His expertise in emotional intelligence, luxury service training, and strategic hospitality consulting will be instrumental in strengthening Horwath HTL’s service offerings worldwide.

John Fareed, Horwath HTL Global Chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment:
"We are thrilled to have Jason join our team. His deep understanding of hospitality operations and his passion for leadership development align perfectly with our commitment to providing industry-leading advisory services.

We look forward to the impact he will make for our clients and partners around the world."

Harrison Hot Springs, BC – February 18, 2025 - True Key Hotels & Resorts (True Key), a leader in exceptional hospitality experiences, is delighted to announce the completion of a transformative renovation project at Harrison Beach Hotel. This milestone marks the culmination of an extensive two-year redesign project, setting a new standard for lakeside retreats in Harrison Hot Springs.

Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, tranquil waters, and nearby hot springs, the redesign of the hotel was led by SMB Interior Design and the transformation was brought to life by Lacey Construction, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The new coastal-inspired look features soft, calming tones and carefully curated furnishings, creating a serene retreat for guests of the hotel.

“We are overjoyed to unveil the fully renovated Harrison Beach Hotel,” said Laura-Lee Lofgren, General Manager. “This project represents our unwavering dedication to providing our guests with an elevated, memorable experience. The redesigned suites are more than just a place to stay—they’re an invitation to relax, recharge, and connect with the unparalleled beauty of Harrison Hot Springs.”

Beyond its refreshed suites, Harrison Beach Hotel offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance every guest’s stay. From the heated indoor pool and outdoor hot tub to the on-site fitness center, the property provides everything needed for a relaxing getaway. Its prime location directly across from Harrison Lake allows guests to enjoy easy access to the beach, hiking trails, water activities, and the vibrant local culture.

Celebrate with the Harrison Beach Hotel Exclusive Renovation Package

To mark this exciting milestone, Harrison Beach Hotel is offering a Renovation Celebration Package for guests looking to experience the newly refreshed suites. To learn more, please visit www.harrisonbeachhotel.com/specials