By Brent Cooper
Like many award shows, the fifth annual Business Excellence Awards was not without its surprises and exhibits of emotion.
The event, hosted by the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Bell Canada, attracted hundreds of people, including nominees and well-wishers, to the Algonquin Theatre Thursday night for a night of red carpets and entertainment.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening came during the presentation of the People’s Choice Award.
The winner was the Dwight Public Library, which is technically not a business, but an organization that has been lauded for years for its service to the community.
“I am in shock. I really am,” said librarian Peggy Hurley. “I am so pleased and so honoured. This goes to the community of Dwight. Without them and their support, our staff, our volunteers, well they make me look good.”
Doug Sullivan of the New Bickley Ford said he was humbled upon receiving the award for Business Community Involvement.
“I have a lot of fun with (community involvement),” an emotional Sullivan said. “We just enjoy being part of the community, and it is a great feeling to be part of the community.”
Chamber president Simon Bevan said he was pleased at how well the 2008 award show was received by the public.
“It was great. We had 11 worthy recipients and 86 different nominees. It was a fantastic event for the community and it was very exciting,” he said.
The other winners included:
Company of the Year (0-5 employees)- Soapstones Handcrafted Soap and Skincare.
Company of the Year (6-30 employees) - The Nutty Chocolatier.
Company of the Year (31+ employees) – Robinson’s Independent Grocer.
Business Leader of the Year – Jeff Suddaby, 3 Guys And A Stove.
Community Organization of the Year – Huntsville Festival of the Arts.
New Business of the Year – Northern Disposal & Sanitation.
Professional Business of the Year – Drs John and Sharon Koncan.
Service Business of the Year – FITT Gym & Personal Training Studio.
Tourism Business of the Year – Delta Grandview Resort.
The evening concluded with an energetic performance by Juno-nominated singer Suzie McNeil followed by a media reception in the Partners Hall.
