Washington honoured as Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year

Dennis Washington, founder of The Washington Companies, has won UVic’s Gustavson School of Business Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award (DEYA) for 2014.

“Dennis fits the criteria for this award perfectly,” says Peter B. Gustavson, founder and chair of the DEYA committee. “The award was created over 10 years ago to celebrate the achievements of an inspirational entrepreneur who has had a significant and positive impact on the global community through his or her business leadership. Dennis exceeds the bar we set back then, in spades.

Adds Gustavson: “Dennis was an entrepreneur and a very hard worker by an early age. He grew up with little wealth, so he understood the importance of hard work and the value of money.”

The Washington Companies comprise more than a dozen affiliated companies—including Seaspan—that are leaders in rail and marine transportation, ship building and repair, mining, environmental remediation, heavy-equipment distribution, and aviation.

“We’re incredibly pleased that Dennis will accept our award,” says Dr. Saul Klein, dean of the business school. “He’s been recognized internationally for his business accomplishments and his philanthropic work with his wife, Phyllis. His coming to Victoria to accept the award is recognition of the hard work being done at Gustavson and, of course, the importance of Seaspan and its associated companies to the BC economy.”

Washington’s business and community accomplishments will be celebrated at a DEYA black-tie gala on June 4 in Victoria. For sponsorship and tickets please contact 250-721-6406 or pbartilu@uvic.ca.
 

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