And the envelope please.
The Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce has unveiled this year’s Achievement Award winners while highlighting the perseverance of the local business community in the face of the adversity and uncertainty created by COVID-19.
While handing out the hardware at the organization’s downtown Midland office Wednesday, chamber president Peter Kostiw noted both the nominees and award winners showed tremendous heart and dedication by continuing to excel during a global pandemic.
“Normally, we give out the awards in a large room with about 250 people in attendance,” Kostiw said as the winners and chamber staff gathered in the smaller confines of the chamber office compared to a larger venue where the annual awards’ ceremony would normally be held.
“It’s important for us to recognize that many businesses have done well in many different ways.”
Anna Hartman of the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre captured the prize in the Outstanding Employee category. Fellow nominees were Carole St. Amant (Splash Events and Floral) and Amanda Swick (Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre).
“This is well deserved,” said support centre board chair Lana Lyons, who accepted the award on Hartman’s behalf.
Lyons said Hartman’s energy and commitment toward the cause continues to inspire and proved essential during the $1-8-million campaign to move to a new Penetanguishene space for the support centre.
“Anna has been amazing. She headed up the capital campaign.”
Mad Michaels (Georgian Bakery, Mad Cravings/Captain Robert’s) captured the Outstanding Small Business award. Other nominees were Perkinsfield Rustic Furniture, One Stop Beauty Shop, Assisting You Social and Georgian Shores Catering.
Tiny Forest Academy won the Outstanding New Business award. Other nominees were Olde Town Library and Dragonfly Dreams Inn.
Gilkon Construction was named the Outstanding Medium Business winner. Other nominees were Black Light Investigative Services, Team Jordan and Midland Home Hardware.
Added Gilkon’s Chris Bondar: “Thank you for the opportunity. This is fantastic. It’s great to be recognized for your hard work.”
The Community Support/Spirit award went to North Simcoe Therapy Network while the Ambassador award was picked up by the Faris Team.
Faris Team representative Sabrina Staunton accepted the award, noting “we really appreciate the award and are happy to make a difference in our community.”The chamber represents close to 400 businesses throughout Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny Townships.
