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Businesses, individuals, organizations honoured at annual Community Achievement Awards gala

March 28, 2017

Almost 200 people attended the annual Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Awards gala, held Saturday night at the TownePlace Suites Marriott Hotel in Kincardine.

Chamber president Matt Smith welcomed everyone and said there were more than 100 nominations submitted this year which is a record number. Those were narrowed down to the top three in 13 categories, and then the winners were announced at the gala.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie congratulated all the nominees and said this is an exciting time for the business community as Bruce Power gears up for its Major Component Replacement project at the Bruce Nuclear site.

"This means an increase in economic opportunities for Kincardine and the surrounding area," she said. "I'm proud of the professionalism and enthusiasm of our business community, and I thank you for the hours and hours of hard work and dedication you put in to making this such a great community in which to live."

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb echoed those sentiments, saying the Kincardine area is a vibrant, enthusiastic and awesome community. "It's nice to see many small and medium-sized businesses recognized with these awards."

Following the meal, with entertainment by Pick Studio musicians Morgan Ritchie and Scotlyn Murray, the awards were presented.

The Enbridge Quality of Life Award goes to an individual, business or not-for- profit organization for outstanding contribution to the quality of life of a person, group or organization in our community.

The winner is the Lake Huron Learning Collaborative which has established a central communications point in the community for learning outside the provincial school system and provided a method for the community to benefit from grants from Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

The collaborative has brought together many diverse groups providing education and training services to all ages in the community, such as speech pathologists for children, the Grey-Bruce Georgian Adult learning centre for students to obtain their high school graduation diploma, Contact North for on-line post-secondary education, vpi for job seekers, and the Kinetic Knights Robotics team.

Also nominated, were Sarah Martyn and Kayli Hall Elwood of Penetangore Wellness; and the Rick Rock Memorial Golf Tournament.

The RBC Golden Apple Award recognizes high standards of professionalism, leadership and innovation in teaching - commitment to student learning, assessment and use of tools to advance student progress and efforts to stimulate student interest in learning.

The winner was Janey Campbell, principal at St. Anthony's School, Kincardine, who is passionate about ensuring each child is cared for as an individual, be it academically, socially, sensorily or emotionally. She strives to ensure her team has the tools and strategies in place to help students, with unique needs, achieve the most out of their school learning.

Also nominated, were Madame Joanne Wilson who teaches Grades 7 and 8 at Ecole Elgin Market Public School; and Stacey Palmer, program director at KIDS Co-Op Nursery School.

The OPG Environmental Award is presented to a business, organization or individual who is guided by a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment, which manifests itself through initiatives designed to preserve, conserve or improve the local environment.

The winner is the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN) which began as a kitchen table group of citizens and has grown into an independent body with charitable status. PRWIN's vision is, "Clean water and a healthy ecosystem within the Pine River Watershed." It has arranged for more than 250,000 trees to be planted, built 11 kilometres of exclusion fencing, constructed six cattle-crossings, designed six wetlands, and co-ordinated the construction of 11 berms.

Also nominated, were Victoria Ambito who organized the inaugural Kincardine 7K Trail Challenge last year; and Brad Kirkconnell for his commitment to the Kincardine Trails Association.

The Meridian Good Neighbour Award goes to a business or service group that has made contributions of outstanding significance to the community.

The winner is Jacques Law for its support of the community, with such events as the Lighthouse Blues Festival, and the Cheetahs Fun Run.

Also nominated, were Bruce Telecom and the Bruce Steakhouse.

The Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur Award goes to an individual under the age of 35 who owns a business, has shown excellent leadership qualities, innovation in business skills, proactive employee and customer relations and community leadership.

The winner is Holly McCormick of Allure Beauty and Medi Spa who has a passion for her job and wants to ensure an enjoyable and calming experience for her clients. She has been in the beauty and aesthetic industry for 13 years, and first brought IPL and skin rejuvenation to Kincardine almost five years ago after going into business with Kyla Kempton and opening Allure.

Also nominated, were Keith Foster who developed the inKincardine.com digital portal; and Jesse Lorusso of the Lorusso School of Dance.

The Miller Insurance Farm/Farm-Related Business goes to a farm business or farm-related business which has demonstrated growth, sales, leadership, and has an active involvement in the community.

The winner is R.G. and G. Farms Ltd., operated by Geoff and Sandra Farrell, with the help of their sons. Evolving through six generations, this farm has recently been transformed into a state-of-the-art compost pack dairy barn. It boasts a number of innovations, from a climate-controlled indoor pasture and a Lely robotic milking machine which they call "Sadie," to a sophisticated tracking system for each cow, to cleaning out the manure - truly a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week techno operation.

Also nominated, were Courtney Grain and Seed (2015) Ltd., operated by Mike and Debbie Courtney, on Highway 21, just north of Amberley; and Homefront Acres Apples, operated by Roger and Gail Farrell who just retired after 26 years.

The Jacques Law Youth Programing Excellence Award goes to a local group or person (team, coach, club, team manager, group leader, initiative, etc.) in the community that has made an exceptional contribution to children and youth development.

The winner is Jesse Topp who operates Alpha Training, coaching youth in their physical training but also ensuring the struggles of school, work and life are balanced. He does not shy away from his own story of overcoming barriers, but uses it as a tool to assist in guiding and inspiring his students.

Also nominated, were Melanie Pyke, an active supporter of minor sports in Kincardine; and Jennifer Hunter who teaches children music and voice.

The Community Living of Kincardine and District Inclusion Award goes to a business, an individual or organization that recognizes that individuals can contribute to, and fully participate in, their community, while motivating and inspiring others to embrace the inclusion of all people in the community.

The winner is Leah Lance of Lake Huron Video, a strong advocate for people with disabilities, and the mother of two children with disabilities. She employs people with all abilities so they can gain job experience and skills, and her goal is to have 50 per cent of her staff consist of those with "exceptionalities." In all aspects of her life, from business to personal to community volunteer, Lance lives the values of inclusion every day.

Also nominated, were Magnum Fitness, operated by Melissa and Cody Owens; and Trillium Court Seniors' Community.

The BDO Customer Service Excellence Award goes to a business that has shown extraordinary commitment to customer service and care.

The winner is McKechnie Pharmacy, a family-run business established in 1982, and now owned by pharmacists Mike and Natalie McKechnie. Over two generations, this pharmacy has placed an emphasis on providing a positive customer experience. No matter how busy things are, customers feel they are always well looked after.

Also nominated, were Fincher's Ltd., and Pet Valu Store No. 2286.

The Municipality of Kincardine New Business Award - presented to a new business (operating for two to five years) that has demonstrated innovations, vision and business growth.

The winner is Dawg Jiu Jitsu Kickboxing and M.M.A., a mixed martial arts centre with a focus on mentoring and teaching others. The Dawg team is led by the dedicated and passionate Mike Weichert. Dawg students are top medal-earners at the Ontario Jiu Jitsu Association competitions, but the highlight for Weichert is the work he does training his students and under-privileged youth. With his dedicated families and students, he has been able to grow the business, re-opening in a larger location that includes women's kickboxing, youth, child and adult Jiu Jitsu, and yoga.

Also nominated, were The Kincardine Record, the on-line news source owned and operated by Liz Dadson; and 7 Acres, the medical marijuana operation at the Bruce Energy Centre.

The Superheat FGH Business Person of the Year recognizes an individual in an executive position who exemplifies excellent leadership qualities, innovative business skills, proactive employee and customer relations, and community leadership.

The winner is Chris Turcotte of Creative Casuals who juggles community support for initiatives such as the Canadian Tire Kincardine Fish Derby, and jumps through hoops for his clients. He is hardworking and has revitalized the Kincardine branch of Creative Casuals.

Also nominated, were Sebastien and Kristy Garneau of CRG Energy Projects Inc.; and Lindsay Cormier, banking centre leader of CIBC in Kincardine.
 

The myFM Business of the Year goes to a business that exhibits excellence in business growth, customer service and community leadership.

The winner is  CRG Energy Projects Inc., owned and operated by Sebastien and Kristy Garneau. The company was ranked No. 43 of Canada's fastest-growing companies on the Canadian Business PROFIT 500, and No. 2 overall in the HR industry in Canada. CRG Energy was also formally recognized as a project partner for the OPG $12-billion Darlington refurbishment project. The Garneaus are excited at how their success helps bring recognition to the Kincardine area, and plays a role in creating greater prosperity for this region.

Also nominated, were the Bruce Steakhouse, owned and operated by Craig and Kelly Kirkconnell; and the Hawgs Breath Saloon and Deli.

The Bruce Power Citizen of the Year recognizes the person who has demonstrated strong citizenship with outstanding contributions to the community in the past year.

The winner is the late and greatly-missed Richard Yun of Kincardine who showed commitment to his community by volunteering his time to a wide range of diverse groups. His seemingly-endless energy inspired and motivated all. From the Kincardine Scottish Festival to the Four County Labour Market board to the Kinetic Knights robotics team, his passion for the community was phenomenal. Sadly, on Friday, March 17, surrounded by his loved ones, Yun died. His family - wife Karen, and sons Michael and David - accepted the award on his behalf.

Also nominated, were Lynn Evans who diligently keeps downtown Kincardine clean; and Linda Stanley who supports many community organizations including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Kincardine and District, and is an active volunteer in the community.

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