Business Excellence Award
Vanessa and Peter Willis – The Churchkey
Vanessa and Peter Willis have owned The Churchkey Bistro-Pub for almost 16 years. As a previous employee who worked in the hospitality industry for 35 years, I can truly say they are the epitome of employer excellence. I worked for them for a couple years and during that time we went through COVID together. They did whatever they possibly could to assist their staff during the unforseen future. The saying of “give their shirts off their own backs” is truly a definition of the type of atmosphere they create at the Churchkey. (before,during, and now after the pandemic)
A family atmosphere is the complete dynamic at The Churchkey Bistro-Pub.
Vanessa and Peter have always supported local businesses. Thay are supporters of the Grand Theatre, Centennial Hall, and many surrounding church events. Whenever there is a suitable downtown and surrounding area promotion, the Churchkey is always there to support. They have recently chosen to expand their business in the upstairs area of their current location. Hoping to be open within the very near future, this new venue will allow for many private events that will bring so many more people to experience downtown and all it has to offer.
The Churchkey has always welcomed the Downtown dollars and continues to support this promotion. When it comes to the clientele Peter and Vanessa have done nothing short of welcoming all through their front doors and made lifelong friends in the process. The multiple Google reviews can certainly testify to this.
Vanessa and Peter have always been 2 people in this world of uncertainty that will always help when they can and support where they can. They are humble, generous, and have the biggest hearts.
–
Gerald Gallacher Heart of Downtown Award
Lori Da Silva
Lori Da Silva joined the London Convention Centre Corporation in January 2006 and served as the General Manager and CEO for 18 years. During this time she initiated a transformative era marked by operational self-sufficiency and strategic reinvention for the Convention Centre. Under Da Silva’s leadership, RBC Place London underwent significant redevelopment, including the modernization of key spaces such as the ballroom and first floor, setting the stage for its emergence as a premier event destination. Within her first few years leading the team, RBC Place London became operationally self-sufficient, with the City investment annually directed to the capital reserve. Her time as head of RBC Place was further evidenced when she secured federal funding for technological upgrades and the creation of captivating amenities such as the King St patio with LED light display.
Her leadership has not only elevated RBC Place London but also enriched the entire region. The development of the King Street Patio helped to as to create partnerships with local agencies to activate the area outside as well as inside the venue. During her tenure at RBC Place Lori supported the community and region serving as the first Board Chair of the inaugural Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation, serving on the Board of Convention Centres of Canada, and on the Board of Downtown London. Lori served on the Downtown London board for 8 years, during which she helped to make decisions to help move the organization and the downtown as a whole forward.
