Doug Perry Businessman of the Year Doug Perry was named Business Person of the Year Wednesday at a Spirit Day luncheon organized by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce. Perry is chair of the Mastercard World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) held each April, as well as managing director of the winter season opener the Hongkong Bank Whistler WinterStart Festival, which kicks off next week. Thelma Johnstone of the chamber says the award takes into account a number of factors. "The business person award has been presented annually since 1988 and the person has to have been in business for the last five years. As well as being a very successful business person they have to make a real contribution within the community. We emphasize business but it is for an all round person." It has been Perry’s work with the WSSF that brought recognition from the chamber. "He is responsible for bringing in the technical events and that led into the whole ski and snowboard festival and certainly for its success. It has made such a contribution to the business community and taken the shoulder season and turned it around. It is the most fun thing we do in the community. We felt it was time that he was recognized for all his hard work." Perry received the award from Ann Chiasson, owner of Windermere Sea to Sky Real Estate, who won the accolade last year.
