The Governors' Gala and Rix Awards was first held in 1987 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Since then, it has become a prestigious event that brings together leaders from across Greater Vancouver to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions to our community.
At the heart of the evening are the Rix Awards for Community Citizenship and Corporate Citizenship, both of which pay tribute to the lasting legacy of Dr. Don Rix, the former Chair of the Board of Trade and a distinguished philanthropist.
The Rix Award for Community Citizenship honors an individual whose exceptional skills and dedication have made a meaningful, positive impact on our region and society. This award celebrates values such as trust, leadership, social capital, empathy, and responsibility.
The Rix Award for Corporate Citizenship is presented to an organization that exemplifies outstanding stewardship in its policies and practices, ensuring the long-term well-being of its employees, customers, business partners, the environment, and the broader community.
The evening also includes the induction of the immediate past Chair into the esteemed Council of Governors, further recognizing the leadership and enduring legacy of those who have shaped the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
2025 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Bob Rennie, a celebrated advocate for the region, has played a pivotal role in numerous philanthropic initiatives focused on mental health, education, and the arts.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting that empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world's greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.
2024 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Ratana Stephens, O.B.C. and Arran Stephens, O.B.C., in recognition of their life's mission to always leave the Earth better than they found it.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Odlum Brown, in recognition of their unwavering commitment to exemplary stewardship in all aspects of their operations.
2023 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, C.M., O.B.C., LL.D. (HON.) and Sergio Cocchia, O.B.C., LL.D. (HON.),, in recognition of their years of community service and generous philanthropy.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
White Spot, in recognition of the company's depth and length of community relationships.
2022 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Chief Wayne Sparrow, for his success in forging relationships and advancing Musqueam's vision, and for his cultural pride and resiliency within his community.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
London Drugs, in recognition of their role as a champion for small businesses and their community initiatives in support of those in need.
Special Rix Award for
Outstanding Public Service
Dr. Bonnie Henry, on behalf of all British Columbian healthcare workers. In recognition of hers and their unparalleled contributions to protecting British Columbians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Joe Segal, C.M., O.B.C., C.B.H.F., O.ST.J., LL.D.(Hon) for his generosity - both with his time, as a mentor, and philanthropic endeavours.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Canadian National Railway, in recognition of the company's outstanding customer focus, outreach, environmental initiatives, engagement with the First Nations, and safety record.
2019 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Robert H. Lee, O.C.,O.B.C., and Lily Lee, in recognition of the dedication, expertise, and resources they have put forward to building a brighter future for British Columbians and Canadians. (Representing his father, Graham Lee.)
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Ledcor Group, in recognition of the company's customer focus, outreach, environmental initiatives, and internal work culture.
2018 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Gordon Diamond, O.B.C.,LL.D., and Leslie Diamond, O.B.C., in recognition of their generous contributions to the community with time and resources.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Beedie, in recognition of the company's customer focus, outreach, environmental initiatives, and internal work culture.
2017 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Michael Audain, O.C., O.B.C., and Yoshiko Karasawa, in recognition of their community leadership, generosity, and unparalleled passion for the arts.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Whistler Blackcomb, in recognition of its focus on customers, employees, and the community at large.
2016 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
David R Podmore, O.B.C., MA(ESc.), D.TECH. (HON.), MCIP (RPP), FRI, RIBC In recognition of his tireless efforts to give back to the community, both professionally and personally. Widely recognized as one of Vancouver's most influential contributors to the real estate industry, David Podmore has been in the business for more than 40 years..
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
FortisBC, in recognition of the company's dedication, commitment, and ongoing contributions to all British Columbians.
2015 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Carole Taylor, O.C., Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Governor, former journalist, former B.C. Minister of Finance, and Chancellor Emeritus of Simon Fraser University. In recognition of her decades of work with volunteer organizations and corporate boards.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Global BC, in recognition of the company's commitment to building healthy, vibrant communities and its focus on community-based news.
2014 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
David McLean, O.B.C., L.L.D., F.I.C.D., Chairman of The McLean Group, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Governor, past Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and past Chair of CN. In recognition of his support for countless community organizations across Metro Vancouver and B.C.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, for its commitment to the highest standards of stewardship towards the long-term wellbeing of customers, employees, business partners, the environment and the broader community.
2013 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Terence Hui, President and CEO of Concord Pacific Developments Inc. In recognition for his strong and consistent support of community endeavours.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
TELUS, in recognition of the company's commitment to building healthy, vibrant, and more compassionate communities throughout B.C. and across Canada.
2012 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Peter M. Brown,O.B.C., L.L.D., Chairman and founder of Canaccord Financial Inc. In recognition of his leadership in the financial and investment sectors, his time and dedication as a volunteer, and his service and commitment to the community.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Teck Resources, in recognition for demonstrating, both in policy and practice, the highest standards of stewardship toward the long-term well-being of customers, employees, business partners, the environment and community.
2011 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Brandt C. Louie, O.B.C., L.L.D., F.C.A., Chairman and CEO of H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd., and chairman of London Drugs Ltd. In recognition for his community involvement.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Vancity, in recognition of the company's support of more than 160 charitable and community organizations, customer-centric approach, and employee support.
2010 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Jimmy Pattison, O.C., O.B.C., in recognition of his exemplary character and outstanding role in community service.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
RBC Royal Bank
2009 Rix Awards
Rix Award for
Community Citizenship
Craig and Marc Kielburger, C.M., in recognition of their dedication to making the world a better place, by inspiring an entire generation to stand up, become engaged, and have their voices heard.
Rix Award for
Corporate Citizenship
Vancouver International Airport (YVR), for its outstanding successes, economic impact, and valued reputation at home and internationally as an engaged corporate citizen.