> Home > In the News > 2007 News and Information > Emerging Entrepreneur Award Win Helped Propel Successful Richmond Business
2007 News and Information
Emerging Entrepreneur Award Win Helped Propel Successful Richmond Business
10 October 2007When Lisa Thompson and Katherine Campbell won the Emerging Entrepreneur Award at the Richmond Chamber Business Excellence Awards in 2004, they had no idea how it would change their business and their lives.
Thompson and Campbell established Cartwheels Incorporated in 2002, a gymnastics club for kids, with an emphasis on self-esteem building and fun, rather than professional level competition. Prior to winning the Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Cartwheels Incorporated had 300 students at its Richmond location. Since winning the award, they have added a second location in Surrey, increased the number of students to 1,100 and tripled their revenue to over $1 million.
“Being honoured by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce had a direct impact on our company as we saw an immediate surge in business right after winning the award,” explains Lisa Thompson. “But the biggest benefit of the award was the confidence it gave us. The fact that we were recognized by the business community as a mainstream company, not just a little business in the corner of Richmond, was very inspiring. It gave us the confidence to open our second location in Surrey and we have not looked back since.”
On Wednesday, October 17 the Richmond Chamber of Commerce will be honouring more businesses at their 30th Business Excellence Awards. The Richmond Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Richmond, will recognize those businesses that have contributed to the economic prosperity of this community through entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Nominees for the business awards will be judged in 10 categories on innovation of product or service, company growth, response to adversity and contribution to the community.
For more information about the 2007 Richmond Chamber Business Excellence Awards call 604-278-2822. Tickets are still available for next Wednesday night’s event.
