As local businesses and organizations deal with a global pandemic the best they can, good news is always welcome.
To that end, the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce is highlighting its 2020 Business Achievement Awards’ nominees.
Chamber general manager Cathy Tait said that while the awards were announced and nominations accepted earlier this year, its AGM slated for March was cancelled and associated award announcements were put on hold due to COVID-19 with the winners eventually selected by the organization’s board of directors.
“We are thrilled to revive the awards portion of the event and once again announce the nominees in the six categories,” Tait said. “Stay tuned for the winners, which will be announced next week.”
According to Tait, the chamber represents close to 400 businesses throughout Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay and Tiny Townships.
“With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this past year has presented unprecedented challenges for these businesses and instead of closing shop, they rolled up their sleeves and hit the challenge head on.
“We really believe that our members deserve congratulations and a heartfelt round of applause for their perseverance and determination over these extremely stressful times.”
The nominees in the Outstanding Employee category are Carole St. Amant (Splash Events and Floral), Anna Hartman (Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre and Amanda Swick (Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.
Nominees for Outstanding Small Business are Perkinsfield Rustic Furniture, One Stop Beauty Shop Assisting You Social, Georgian Shores Catering and Mad Michaels (Georgian Bakery, Mad Cravings/Captain Robert’s).
For Outstanding New Business, the nominees are: Tiny Forest Academy, Olde Town Library and Dragonfly Dreams Inn.
Outstanding Medium Business nominees are: Black Light Investigative Services, Team Jordan, Gilkon Construction and Midland Home Hardware.
The Ambassador award goes to Faris Team while the the Community Support/Spirit award goes to North Simcoe Therapy Network.
“These resilient business owners and operators have modified their products, services, staffing and hours over the past months to ensure that they could still operate and accommodate their customers,” Tait said.
“They introduced safety protocols to ensure the safety of both staff and customers, they took their businesses online with ecommerce and they introduced entirely new products.”
