Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Enterprises from Denbigh to Amherst Island were celebrated during the 11th annual Lennox and Addington Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards Gala on Thursday at the SPC.
The event featured a mix and mingle, 12 award presentations and a handful of guest speakers, including an update on the Chamber from president Ken Shurtliffe.
“It’s really nice to see that tonight we actually have people and businesses from far north in the county right down to the farthest southern part of the county and business nominations everywhere in between,” said Shurtliffe, who mentioned this time last year the Chamber had announced a new name, going from Napanee and District to the all encompassing Lennox and Addington. “That shows us that with what we’re doing, we’re on the right path.”
With the awards being the main focus for much of the 2024 to date, now that those in the books the Chamber will forge ahead with plans to increase road signage in the area and return to promoting tourism.
“The chamber was quite involved years ago in tourism and we want see that ourselves getting back into that zone,” said Shurtliffe. “We’ve got a new website and business directory and member directory coming up. It’s built, we’re just loading it up now.”
He outlined some of their plans for the upcoming months.
Hastings-Lennox and Addington MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman speaks during the award gala. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“Where we would like to move to next is to have a visitor’s centre for Lennox and Addington so that people can come find out (about the area) and people who live in the area and want to staycation can get their information or if they’re travellers for vacations then they could also get the information for that too,” added Shurtliffe.
Hastings-Lennox and Addington MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman was also on hand having made the trip from Ottawa-while also simultaneously voting on a live motion before the House of Commons every few minutes through her phone.
“The economic benefit that you provide, quite literally is part of what is driving all of Canada,” Kramp-Neuman told the business owners in attendance. “After all, all of our collective towns, cities and very nation was built with the very same ambitious, industrious and diligent spirit that embodies every single person willing to take the risk, take the responsibly and seize the opportunity to act on their passion and turn it into something tangible and real.”
Daniel Tisch, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce was the night’s guest speaker. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Daniel Tisch, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce was the guest speaker on the night. He noted that while Ontario is facing its economic challenges, business owners remain confident in themselves that they have the tools to weather the storm.
From there, the awards were handed out.
Youth Employee of the Year was Blake Dowling of Mike’s Tire Service.
Hospitality and Tourism Award went to MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company.
Workplace Wellness Award was presented to Touch of Wellness.
New Business Award was Shalagh Elliott Design Company.
Skilled Trades Award was Hay Bay Sand and Gravel Inc.
The Customer Service Award was divided into categories based on size of the business with Rose’s Cafe and General Store winning for small, Starlet for medium and Canadian Tire for large.
McCormick’s County Store was named the winner of the Milestone Award.
Social Impact Award went to Wayeshkad.
The Community Beautification Award winner was The Black Cat Cafe.
The Lennox and Addington Chamber of Commerce Award winner was TCO Agromart.