The Excellence in Business Awards Gala
Businesses shine at the Excellence in Business Awards gala night. Roughly 80 business owners and supporters spent last Friday night at the Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala at Osprey Hall. The hall sparkled with the help of Markdale Flowers, whose owner, Kimberley Lewis, was a part of the organizing committee that also included Reuben McCallum, Ron Barnett and Darlene Lamberti, and was led by Chamber vice-president Margot Byers. “It really was a team effort and our committee was pleased by how our local businesses and business organizations came together for this special night with other like-minded, local business people,” said Byers.
The evening began with placing bids on some items at the silent auction table, a walk down the red carpet, a stop for a photo against a gold and black backdrop, and collecting tickets for the bar and the draw prize, which was later won by Reid Dennison.
Slides of the Chamber’s year in review alternated as soft jazz played throughout the cocktail hour sponsored by Marilynne and the catered dinner sponsored by Saugeen Economic Development Centre. Small Business Sponsors included Garage13 and Ladybird Garden Designs. After the catered buffet dinner, Chamber president Karen Cox took to the microphone with a welcome to the attendees and introduced local Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers and then guest speaker Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Ms. Thomson spoke passionately of the need to support local.
Following the guest speaker it was time to announce this year’s business awards, as nominated by the community and scored by the organizing committee. The winners were:
Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Municipality of Grey Highlands: Marna Mador
Agri-Business of the Year award, sponsored by Maxwell Farm Service: Kickin’ Back Alpaca Ranch
Tourism Business of the Year, sponsored by Grey County: Rocklyn Inn Ice Cream & Snack Shop
New Business of the Year award, sponsored by Business Enterprise Centre: eco.refillary
Business of the Year award, sponsored by Bernard’s Quality Cars & Service: The Market Shoppe
MentorAbility Award of Workplace Diversity and Inclusion, sponsored by Life Directions: Beaver Valley Ski Club
The evening concluded with a welcome to new Chamber administrator Jackie Taylor, and a thank you to outgoing Chamber administrator Michelle Patey. Said Cox after the event, “This was a great evening and one the Chamber looks forward to hosting for years to come. The business community came together to help us recognize some very important partners in the strength of Grey Highlands.”