Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Businesses from across Greater Napanee were celebrated in a wide array of categories Thursday night at the Napanee Lion’s Hall during the annual Business Achievement Awards.
Organized by the Downtown Napanee BIA, Napanee and District Chamber of Commerce and the town of Greater Napanee, the event recognized outstanding local businesses and individuals.
Perhaps it was only fitting that the Milestone Award winner, presented to a local business leader and role model, had at one point served on all three entities. Peter Veltheer was a councillor and founding member of both the BIA and Chamber of Commerce. He was also very active with the Napanee Rotary Club, along with running several successful businesses in town, most recently Mainstay Herbals and Buy the Grapevine.
FireRein representatives took home a pair of awards, as Zack Hodgen was named the Youth Entrepreneur while the company itself earned the Chamber of Commerce Award. Hodgen, a co-founder and vice-president of FireReign, was recognized for his innovation in helping the cutting edge fire suppressant company solving a design issue. He was also instrumental in helping to secure funding to help the company break into broader markets. Later in the evening the company was recognized by the Chamber both for their innovative product-a food grade gel that is more effective than water at putting out fires-as well as their involvement within the community.
TCO Agromart’s Ltd and Bridge Street West Animal Hospital’s Emily Shelley was the Youth Employee Award winner, given to an individual under the age of 30 who demonstrates above and beyond workplace practices, is punctual, courtesy and helpful.
Starlet’s Jefta and Cat Monster earned the Community in Blooms Award as a result of the sunflower garden and mural they have established at the back of their store. The display turned an otherwise bland looking part of the town into a colourful work of art.
The event’s newest award, the FlexBen Workplace Wellness Award, was given to Deadleaf Distinguished Gentleman in recognition of their work to promote and support the health and wellbeing of their employees.
The Customer Service Award, as voted on by the community, was given to Second Debut.
Napanee’s Golf and Country Club, in recognition of their ongoing work with summer students, was presented with the Career Edge Empowering Employees Through Training Award. The NGCC has been employing students throughout the summer to help with their lawn care maintenance and has been training them in some of the best practices in the business, helping them to gain valuable experience should they wish to pursue that career.
Marie’s Place was given the Downtown BIA Award in recognition of their ongoing support for the community through the use of sound equipment for various fundraisers throughout the year.
Along with the awards, mayor Gord Schermerhorn was also called upon to unveil the latest pall’atable art, which depicts a scene of shoppers strolling the downtown Napanee sidewalks.