The Burnaby Board of Trade announced that longtime local family business Charlie’s Chocolate Factory will be this year’s inductee into the prestigious Burnaby Business Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame induction is a special honour bestowed jointly by the BBOT and the City of Burnaby each year to a widely-recognized, Burnaby-based business that has demonstrated outstanding business success over many years and has had a positive and significant impact on the community.
“I am so pleased to be able to welcome Charlie’s Chocolate Factory into the Burnaby Business Hall of Fame,” said Paul Holden, president and CEO of the Burnaby Board of Trade, in a news release. “Few businesses hold such a special place in the hearts of so many as Charlie’s does. Since 1971, Charlie’s Chocolate Factory has become a true destination for people from across the region, and Charlie himself is a great symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and small business success in Burnaby.”
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory was started in 1971 by Charlie Sigvardsen, who has become the iconic face of the business in his signature striped shirt, maroon vest, red bowtie, and black bowler hat. Since its founding, the company has expanded its Burnaby location, opened a satellite office in Port Coquitlam, and welcomed the third generation of family into the business.
“Charlie is so honoured to be inducted into the Burnaby Business Hall of Fame,” said Ellen Sigvardsen, general manager and granddaughter of founder Charlie. For something that started as a small family business to grow into something that is receiving such an honour, we know we are very blessed. Over the years the business may have evolved, grown and changed, but we have remained right where we started - on Canada Way here in Burnaby - and we’re so proud of that.”
After being in the chocolate industry for over 65 years and running Charlie’s Chocolate Factory for 47 years, Charlie points to a famous Walt Disney quote as inspiration: “Do what you do so well that when other people see what it is that you do, they will want to see you do it again, and will bring others with them to show them what it is that you do.”
Charlie’s Chocolate Factory will be formally inducted at the Burnaby Business Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon on Oct. 2 at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown Hotel. Shortlisted finalists for each category of the 19th annual Burnaby Business Excellence Awards will also be announced at the luncheon. For further details on this event and to purchase tickets, visit www.bbot.ca.
