NEWS
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops Celebrates Dual Victories at 2025 BCHA Awards of Excellence
Kamloops, BC (April 30, 2025) – Invictus Properties Inc. is proud to announce a double win at the 2025 BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Awards of Excellence. Two exceptional team members – Eddie Salehi and Mitch Shafer – have been recognized as leaders in their fields, bringing provincial acclaim to the Kamloops-based hotel.
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Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, was awarded Leader of the Future, a distinction that honours emerging leaders who are shaping the future of hospitality through innovation and excellence.
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Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef of Delta Kamloops & Cordo Resto + Bar, received the Culinary Excellence Award, which celebrates creativity, consistency, and a commitment to elevating the guest dining experience.
Eddie expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to the support and mentorship he’s received along the way:
"This award means so much to me," said Eddie Salehi. "Being recognized as a leader in the future of hospitality is an incredible honor, and I owe it to the amazing mentors and colleagues who have supported me along the way. I’m excited to continue growing and innovating in this industry."
For Chef Mitch, the award is a testament to his team's collective passion and creativity:
"For me, cooking has always been about creating memorable experiences," said Mitch Shafer. "Winning this award is a reflection of the passion and dedication our entire kitchen team puts into every dish. I’m grateful to be part of such a forward-thinking and supportive hospitality community."
General Manager Jocelyn Bennett was also a finalist for the provincial Hotelier of the Year award and celebrated the team’s accomplishments with pride and enthusiasm.
"I couldn’t be happier for Eddie and Mitch," said Jocelyn Bennett. "Their talent, dedication, and passion are what make Delta Kamloops such a special place. While I am grateful to be a finalist this time, celebrating their wins means just as much. This is a win for all of us."
Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties, praised the honourees for their hard work and the positive example they set for the industry:
"These wins are incredibly well-deserved," said Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties. "The awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work that Eddie. Mitch and Jocelyn consistently demonstrate. We couldn't be more delighted to see their efforts and passion recognized."
The BCHA Awards of Excellence honor outstanding achievements within British Columbia’s hospitality industry, with winners selected from hundreds of nominations across the province.
Invictus Properties Inc., alongside the 150 employees at Delta Kamloops, celebrates this outstanding achievement. The entire team remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service, setting the benchmark for hospitality, and being the preferred meeting and event location for Kamloops locals and visitors.
For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, please visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit.
For More Information or to Book an Interview:
Bryan Pilbeam | Chief Operating Officer, Invictus Properties
778-257-5757 |️ Bryan@invictusproperties.com
For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, please visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit.
For More Information or to Book an Interview:
Bryan Pilbeam | Chief Operating Officer, Invictus Properties
778-257-5757 |️ Bryan@invictusproperties.com
NEWS
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops Honoured with Three Finalist Nominations in 2025 BCHA Awards of Excellence
Kamloops, BC (March 18, 2025) – Invictus Properties Inc. is proud to announce and congratulate three of its team members who have been named finalists in the prestigious 2025 BC Hotel Association (BCHA) Awards of Excellence, making Delta Kamloops the most recognized property in the province this year. This remarkable achievement highlights the hotel's commitment to excellence and dedication to providing outstanding guest experiences.
The distinguished finalists from Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops are:
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Jocelyn Bennett, General Manager, nominated for Hotelier of the Year.
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Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, nominated for Leader of the Future.
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Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef for the hotel and Cordo Resto + Bar, nominated for Culinary Excellence.
Having three team members recognized as finalists is an extraordinary achievement, making Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops the only property in British Columbia to receive this level of recognition.
"This recognition is a true testament to amazing culture and incredible people who make Delta Kamloops what it is," said Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer of Invictus Properties. "Jocelyn, Eddie, and Mitch represent the very best in hospitality, and we couldn’t be prouder to see their hard work and passion acknowledged on a provincial level."
The BCHA Awards of Excellence celebrate the outstanding achievements of British Columbia's hospitality professionals and businesses. There are 20 finalists amongst 7 categories who were chosen from hundreds of nominations from around the province.
"Being a finalist alongside such talented hospitality professionals is an incredible honor," said Jocelyn Bennett, General Manager of Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops. "These nominations reflect the dedication and heart our entire team puts into delivering exceptional guest experiences every day."
Eddie Salehi, Director of Rooms, expressed his gratitude: "To be recognized as a finalist for 'Leader of the Future' is an incredible milestone in my career. I am fortunate to be part of a team that values innovation, leadership, and guest satisfaction at every level."
Mitch Shafer, Executive Chef at Delta Kamloops and Cordo Resto + Bar, added: "Food is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. This nomination for Culinary Excellence is a reflection of the passion and creativity that goes into every dish we serve. I’m grateful to work with such an amazing team that constantly pushes the boundaries of what we can offer."
The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala on April 23, during the 2025 BCHA Summit at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver.
Invictus Properties Inc. joins the 150 employees at the Delta Kamloops to extend heartfelt congratulations to Jocelyn, Eddie, and Mitch for their well-deserved nominations. The entire team remains dedicated to delivering exceptional service, setting the benchmark for hospitality and being the preferred meeting and event location for Kamloops locals and visitors.
For more information about the BCHA Awards of Excellence and the 2025 BCHA Summit, please visit https://bcha.com/bchasummit/.
For More Information or to Book an Interview:
Bryan Pilbeam | Chief Operating Officer, Invictus Properties
778-257-5757 |️ Bryan@invictusproperties.com
NEWS
DELTA HOTEL KAMLOOPS ANNOUNCES JOCELYN BENNETT AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
Kamloops, BC – July 18th, 2023 – Invictus Properties and Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops are pleased to announce the appointment of Jocelyn Bennett as General Manager.
Bryan Pilbeam, Chief Operating Officer at Invictus is delighted to share the news with the Delta team and local community at large. "Jocelyn's strong leadership skills, results-oriented management style and extensive knowledge of our hotel as well as the Kamloops market are a true example of living our values, making her a respected leader and the heartbeat of our establishment. We are very proud of Jocelyn and excited for her to lead this team.”
With a strong track record of success and vast experience in the industry, Jocelyn brings a wealth of strategic expertise. After graduating from the Hotel and Resort Management program at Thompson Rivers University, Jocelyn began her career in the Rocky Mountains eventually moving into executive positions at Mountain Park Lodges and Jasper Inn and Suites. Upon returning to Kamloops, she accepted a management position with the Coast Hotel Kamloops before joining Invictus Properties, where she held progressive roles as Front Office Manager, Rooms Division Manager, Hotel Manager of the Thompson Hotel (previously owned by Invictus), and most recently Director of Operations at the Delta Hotel Kamloops.
When asked about her vision for the hotel, Jocelyn stated "I am inspired by the team and focussed on growing new and current leaders while continuing to strengthen the culture at Delta Kamloops."
Under Jocelyn's leadership as the Director of Operations, the Delta Hotel Kamloops was recently awarded the top prize in the hotel category of the Best of Kamloops Awards by Now Media Group and is the top-rated Kamloops hotel for 2023 by Trip Advisor.
For More Information or to Book an Interview:
Bryan Pilbeam, Invictus Properties
Chief Operating Officer | 778-257-5757| Bryan@invictusproperties.com
About Delta Hotels by Marriott
One of North America's leading four-star brands, Delta Hotels, with more than 50 locations in gateway cities across the US, Canada and Asia, was acquired by Marriott International in 2015. Delta's distinct style of simple made-perfect provides guests with exactly what they need for a seamless travel experience. The brand's invitingly familiar rooms, free Wi-Fi and convenient dining options offer travellers a comfortable and stylish place to stay. Delta Hotels and Resorts is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit www.marriott.com. Stay connected to Delta Hotels on Facebook, @DeltaHotelsLtd on Twitter and @deltahotels on Instagram.
About Invictus Properties Inc.
Invictus Properties Inc. is a multi-generational family business with a long-term mindset focused on acquiring and developing commercial and industrial properties across Canada. Invictus is passionate about providing best-in-class services, positively impacting communities and collaborating with tenants, partners, and city builders to leave a lasting legacy. The Invictus portfolio currently includes The Delta Hotel by Marriott Kamloops, Cordo Resto & Bar, Stills Co Cocktails and Tapas Lounge, Stills Co Distillery, Scott’s Inn and Suites, Scott’s Family Diner, Centrepoint Kamloops, and is part owner of the HIVE Class A Office Building.
