It wasn't just execs making waves in the B.C. business world this year.
Some of the biggest newsmakers of 2024 included high-profile politicians and athletes, all of whom made their mark in 2023.
Newsmaker: Ryan Beedie, CEO, Beedie
Reason: He brought bands that included Blondie and Bryan Adams to a concert at Malkin Bowl, which raised more than $2 million for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. His company stirred controversy with its continuing attempts to build a housing project in Chinatown. City council in June gave approval for Beedie to build an 111-unit, nine-story building at 105 Keefer St.
Newsmaker: David Eby, premier, Province of B.C.
Reason: For his first full year as premier, his attention to the housing file and the headlines generated by billions of surplus spending.
Newsmaker: Peter Hlynsky, CEO, MEC
Reason: He took the helm at MEC and put in place an ambitious growth strategy to double the chain’s store count within six years
Newsmaker: Ravi Kahlon, housing minister, Province of B.C.
Reason: In his first full year helming B.C.’s newly created housing ministry, Kahlon was the point person for a wave of new rules and laws aimed at addressing the province’s ever-worsening housing crisis.
Newsmaker: Brenda Locke, mayor, City of Surrey
Reason: For her very vocal battle with B.C. in an attempt to retain the RCMP in Surrey.
Newsmaker: Calvin McDonald, CEO, Lululemon
Reason: He helped increase Lululemon sales nearly 20 per cent, while opening a net total of at least 10 more stores. He also wound down the company’s Mirror division, halting sales of that gadget, while forging ahead with a greater emphasis on menswear and shoes.
Newsmaker: Jonathan Price, CEO Teck Resources
Reason: His efforts to restructure the company involved agreeing to sell a 77-per-cent stake in its steelmaking coal operations to Swiss commodities giant Glencor for US$6.9 billion, while a side-deal included selling a 20-per-cent stake in Teck’s coal operations for US$1.7 million to Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp.
Newsmaker: Christine Sinclair
Reason: The soccer legend from Burnaby played her final pro game in Canada at BC Place in December. But before that, she had harsh words Canada Soccer when testifying before a House of Commons Canadian Heritage committee. He critiques for the association zeroed in on concerns over fair and equitable compensation and treatment.
