The three Rotary clubs in Delta have recognized three businesses as finalists for the 2012 Delta Rotary Business Ethics Award.
Canada Colours and Chemicals Ltd. on Annacis Island, plus Houweling Tomatoes and Santevia Water Systems Inc., both based in Ladner, are the finalists for the award, now in its second year.
They will be recognized, and a winner announced, at a ceremony in conjunction with the Delta Chamber of Commerce's annual Hats Off to Excellence gala on Nov. 16.
The Rotary clubs of North Delta, Tsawwassen and Ladner are recognizing businesses in the community that exhibit not only exemplary business practice, but personify the four-way test of Rotary International in conducting their business.
In keeping with its motto, "Service above self," the four-way test, at the heart of Rotary International and each of its 33,000 clubs around the world, asks each of its 1.2 million members to ask of himself or herself, in whatever they may do: 1) Is it the truth?; 2) Is it fair to all concerned?; 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendship?; 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Canada Colors and Chemicals Ltd.
CCC, with its head office in Toronto, was founded in 1920. It is a market leader with over 5,000 commodity and specialty products. The company's warehouse on Annacis Island serves the Metro Vancouver area.
The company is a signatory to Responsible Care, which is a mandatory program for all members of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada.
Responsible Care is "cradle-to-grave" stewardship and responsibility for products, developed in Canada and now shared in more than 60 countries.
The company is engaged in the Jog for the Bog event and actively participates with the Delta Fire Department in training opportunities and drills.
Houweling Tomatoes
Houweling Tomatoes was one of the first companies in B.C. to offer migrant farm workers from Mexico and Guatemala modern, generously appointed housing along with transportation options to and from local shopping.
Six years ago, on a visit to Vancouver, then Mexican president Vincente Fox visited Casey Houweling and his greenhouse operations to check out the living facilities because he had heard about the company's high standards and high ethics in the treatment of its employees.
This business has given back to the community in many ways, including supporting local groups and events as well as giving products to social services organizations on a weekly basis.
Santevia Water Systems Inc.
Santevia Water Systems has created a business of excellence in just five years. Its core values include honour, health, trustworthiness and giving back.
Yvonne and David Anderson received a sold out shipment of goods that did not meet their high quality control and chose not to deliver the goods to waiting clients. Santevia lives by its core values even if it loses money. Santevia has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and received the Rising Star Award from the Delta Chamber of Commerce.
Santevia Gives Back is a philanthropy program that sponsors two orphanages in Thailand and gives back to water projects in Africa, the Dominican Republic and Asia. Santevia also supports local charities and sport organizations.
