Coquitlam business owner Kerry Chin was rewarded for his entrepreneurial endeavors at the 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards on October 21.

Kerry Chin, was named winner of the Global Award. His company, Altimus Product Development Ltd. provides services including project management, outsourced electronics manufacturing, custom plastic and metal parts, and design consulting for global clients including the 2010 Olympic Games and Disney Cruise Lines.

Also recognized as Finalists at the Awards were five Tri-Cities business owners.

Finalist Steve Chapman turns going for a walk into a high tech adventure. His company, Virtual Outdoor Adventures, creates digital guidebooks for outdoor adventure locations and tourist destinations. His products are sold as DVD-ROMs or as internet download and are aimed at hikers, cyclists, kayakers, skiers and tourists. He has also been selected to appear on CBC’s The Dragons Den!

Finalist, Vera Darius of Genuine Art Effects is able to convert a plain painted wall into a work of art by providing unique paint and decorative finishes, using the latest in paint, plaster, and wallpaper treatments.

Two years ago Steven Eglsaer, of Kert Landscaping, was a category winner and was nominated this year as a finalist for the overall award — Entrepreneur of the Year. Since last year, his landscape design and construction company has grown to include large corporate clients and he’s acquired more equipment to take on these larger jobs. He has so much equipment now that he’s in desperate need of a warehouse to store it all.

It is no surprise that Justin Johnson of JJ’s Custom Plumbing was up for a Service Award; he provides such great customer service that his company is one of the highest rated plumbing companies in the lower mainland according to the Better Business Bureau. Johnson listens to clients’ needs, suggests possible solutions, provides high quality workmanship, gives DIY ideas and provides a one year warranty on all workmanship.

Shahin Kamali of Archwood Millwork supplies consulting, design, manufacturing and installation services for quality custom architectural wood products for commercial and high-end residential and was a finalist up for an award in the Construction and Manufacturing Category.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recognizes graduates of the Douglas College Self Employment Program. This year, 25 finalists were nominated for awards in eight categories. Last week’s celebrations at the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam coincided with Small Business Week.

Over 400 program alumni and special guests attended.

For more information on the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and the Douglas College Self Employment Program, please contact 604-777-6012.