Sadie Al named Woman of Distinction at Kincardine chamber’s Community Achievement Awards

Sadie Al (above, right, with Jennifer Cook), of Kincardine has been named the Jennifer Cook and Associates The Co-operators Woman of Distinction.

Al was recognized for her hard work as the owner of Sleepers Bed Gallery and co-owner of Lake Huron Home, who creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere at her establishments and supports the shop local campaign. While she is busy raising a young family, she leads with heart and is committed to the betterment of the community.

The award was one of 15 presented at the Community Achievement Awards, hosted by the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, Thursday night, at Ainsdale Golf Course.

Also nominated for Woman of Distinction, were Stephanie Tschirhart and Nadine VandenHeuvel.

The evening began with chamber board member Linda Bowers welcoming everyone to the event, followed by grace and dinner, with musical accompaniment by Adam Cousins.



Adam Cousins provides entertainment at the Community Achievement Awards

Following the meal, Pat O’Connor of Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb’s office brought greetings and congratulated all the nominees.

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson sent a message of congratulations, and Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig said the evening was about celebrating all the nominees and the vibrant business community in Kincardine.

MC Mike Brough then took over, noting that the chamber received 95 nominations for the 15 awards. He welcomed a representative from each award sponsor to introduce the nominees and announce the winners.

The Bruce Power Citizen of the Year Award went to Wes Larson.

Larson is executive director of Drop-in at the Bridge in downtown Kincardine, offering food, friendship and a positive, safe, welcoming space for people in need in the community. The organization has about 80 volunteers and is expected to serve 14,000 meals this year.



Dwight Irwin (left) presents the Bruce Power Citizen of the Year Award to Wes Larson

Also nominated, were Larry Bannerman and Andrea Clarke.
 

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The MNP Customer Service Excellence Award went to McKechnie Pharmacy.

McKechnie Pharmacy is located in the lower level of the Hawthorne Community Clinic in Kincardine. It is a family business, providing personalized and compassionate service, and often going above and beyond to offer the best care for its customers.

Also nominated, were The Back Forty Baker and George’s on Harbour.
 

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The Linda Bowers Century 21 In-Studio Realty Youth Programming Excellence Award went to Judy Watt, as part of the Kincardine Refugee Sponsorship Committee ESL Team.

Watt is a retired educator who works with sponsored families when they arrive in Kincardine to get settled after fleeing from war-torn countries. She and her team provide newcomer children, teens and young adults with assistance in learning English.



Linda Bowers (left) of Century 21 In-Studio Realty presents the Youth Programming Excellence Award to Judy Watt

Also nominated, were the Kinetic Knights Robotics Team mentors and Turner Ruetz.
 

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The Enbridge Quality of Life Award went to the Jodee Beer.

Beer of Kincardine leads the Community Living of Kincardine and District’s Active Living 55-Plus program, providing more inclusive activities and events for older adults.

Also nominated, were Now Playing Family Centre and Shawna Small.
 

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The Nuclear Promise X (NPX) Good Neighbour Award went to Darrel Perry.

Perry owns and operates Penetangear in downtown Kincardine, which is more of a community hub than a retail store. He is an advocate for downtown safety improvements and shopping local.



Meagan Fair (left) of NPX presents the Good Neighbour Award to Darrel Perry

Also nominated, were Keith and Linda Battler and Jodee Beer.
 

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The Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Schooner Events.

The newly-opened Schooner Events of Ripley is a catering service, food truck and bodega in downtown Ripley. It has quickly become a local favourite, offering delicious food in a delightful setting.



Jessica Towriss (left) of Bruce Telecom presents the Young Entrepreneur Award to Nikki Pelrine and Taylor Horn

Also nominated, were Olivia Hinchberger and Jocelyn Leidy.
 

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The Miller Insurance Agricultural Business Award went to Lazy J Ranch.

Lazy J Ranch of Kincardine went from a small agricultural honey business, to a thriving retail outlet, the Hive ‘n Hoe Country Store, which features local honey, preserves, baked goods and more. Guy and Gail Anderson, who began the business 20 years ago, have just retired, and their son, Josh, and his family have taken over the operation. They continue their commitment to local agriculture and products.



Stacey Millar (left) of Miller Insurance presents the Agricultural Business Award to Josh and Emma Anderson

Also nominated, were Commonplace Market and Snobelen Farms.
 

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The 7 Gen Industrial Environmental Award went to the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley.

The Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley grow 3,000 kinds of heirloom produce, providing vegetables for the public at a nominal cost, as well as the Kincardine Food Bank. The gardens also offer workshops, partnerships and school programming.



Jason Munro (left) of 7 Gen Industrial presents the Environmental Award to director Hannah Aerts and garden manager Olivia Haufe of the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens

Also nominated, were the Lake Huron Coastal Centre and the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network (PRWIN).
 

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The Kincardine BIA Downtown Ambassador Award went to Kimberly Rankin.

Rankin has rebuilt her life in Kincardine and operates the Kincardine Dairy Queen and Reactor Room.



Amanda Goetz (left) of the Kincardine BIA presents the Downtown Ambassador Award to Kimberly Rankin

Also nominated, were Sadie Al and Nicole Ireland.
 

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The Andrea Clarke Law Offices Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award went to the Christina Wahi.

Wahi is the mother of three and a passionate community advocate. She works with Kincardine Pride in providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA-plus community, and is a powerful force for change.



Andrea Clarke (left) presents the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award to Christina Wahi

Also nominated, were Josh Easton and Team Reid McDonald’s Kincardine.
 

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The NEW Youth Citizenship Award, sponsored by Kincardine councillors Blackwell, Hinchberger and Prenger, went to Madison Forster.

Madison of Kincardine is a dedicated youth leader who has demonstrated academic excellence and a strong voice for youth in the community.



Mike Hinchberger (left) presents the Youth Citizenship Award to Madison Forster

Also nominated, were Liam Lynch Morrison and Adalee Turland.
 

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The Municipality of Kincardine Tourism Award went to Kincardine Beach Safety.

For the second year in a row, Kincardine Beach Safety has won the Kincardine Tourism Award. This organization was established in 2023 as a group of concerned citizens, providing water safety information and education to the community.



Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig (left) presents the Tourism Award to Meagan Fair, Blaire Porter and Dave Lafortune

Also nominated, were the Inn At The Harbour and the Lighthouse Blues Festival.
 

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The Superheat FGH Business Person of the Year Award went to Shawn Small.

Small is a major part of the downtown Kincardine business community, with her shop, InStyle Hair Studio, celebrating 25 years in business.



Becky Fair (left) of Superheat FGH presents the Business Person of the Year Award to Shawn Small of InStyle Hair Studio

Also nominated, were Ryan Cadden and Nadine VandenHeuvel.
 

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The Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award went to Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness.

Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness is owned by Emily Jones and Elliott Montag. A family-oriented health and wellness centre located in downtown Kincardine, it offers chiropractic services, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, massage therapy, counselling and more. The business not only promotes healthier and happy lives, it supports the community through donations to sports teams and charities.



Jaye Boyer (left) of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce presents the Business of the Year Award to Elliott Montag and Emily Jones of Lighthouse Chiropractic and Wellness

Also nominated, were FIG Studio Kitchen and Littles By The Lake.