Kincardine chamber of commerce presents annual community achievement awards

About 200 people gathered at the Best Western Plus Governor's Inn Saturday night for the annual Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Awards.

The celebration honours individuals, businesses and organizations for doing that little bit extra to make the Kincardine area a terrific place to live.

"Our community thrives on small business," said Travis Crawford, chamber president. "The chamber of commerce is proud to recognize those who help make this such a great community, by presenting these community achievement awards."

He said that five years ago, when he joined the chamber, this annual event drew about 70 people. This year, it has grown to 187 people.

Kincardine deputy mayor Jacqueline Faubert thanked the chamber for hosting this gala evening to celebrate the many achievements in this area. "I'm so proud to be part of this community. Thank you and congratulations."

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson added her congratulations to all who were nominated for these awards. "There is no better way to celebrate the best of the best. We need small towns to flourish in Huron-Bruce."

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb congratulated all the small businesses in the Kincardine area. "You know what it takes to be in business - it's your life. You create jobs and add economic activity to this community. What we're celebrating here is the next generation of entrepreneurs, small businesses and employers. Congratulations."

ENBRIDGE QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD

The Enbridge Quality of Life award went to the Kinetic Knights Robotics Team 781 which is open to students, ages 13-19. The team applies skills-based knowledge, with the help of adult mentors, building a robot to meet an annual challenge presented by FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). The team competes against other robots at regional competitions, with the ultimate goal of making it to the world championships in April in St. Louis, Missouri. The team has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Chairman's Award, and promotes not only the FRC teams, but also FLL (FIRST Lego League), Junior FLL, and Team 781's summer camp.

Alex Pagnan, a member of the team, accepted the award for all the Kinetic Knights. He noted that the team is working with its fellow nominees on various projects, including a laboratory robot (lab-bot) that would take blood samples to the lab. He emphasized that the Kinetic Knights team is a community organization that promotes skills and friendship.

Also nominated for this award, were AREVA and the Kincardine Family Health Team.

ARMOW WIND GOLDEN APPLE AWARD

Amanda Saxton, a teacher at St. Anthony's School in Kincardine, received the Armow Wind Golden Apple award. A strong proponent of recycling, she works with the Green Team at St. Anthony's and promotes the Terracycle program which diverts thousands of pounds of waste from the landfill each year.

She thanked all of her students, family and friends for helping her with these many projects. "My goal is to help my students exceed their potential."

Also nominated, were Barb Grubb of Ripley-Huron Community School, and Sylvia Leigh of Huron Heights Public School in Kincardine.

OPG ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Environmental award went to the Lake Huron Fishing Club - Kincardine Fish Hatchery.

Al Wilkins accepted the award on behalf of the club's 50-plus volunteers who do all the work. He also thanked Kincardine council and the community for supporting the fish hatchery.

Also nominated, were the Kincardine and District Lions Club and Somerhill Golf Course.

MERIDIAN GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARD

The Meridian Credit Union Good Neighbour award went to the Kincardine Business Improvement Area (BIA) which has 180-plus members and represents about 160 businesses in downtown Kincardine.

Ashley Adams of the BIA thanked the chamber for the award, and thanked the community of Kincardine for supporting the downtown.

Also nominated, were the Kincardine and District Lions Club and Enbridge.

BRUCE TELECOM YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Katrina Smiley of The Hair Connection.

Smiley thanked her incredible team of hairstylists for all their hard work at the salon. "I'm privileged to be here today - many of my customers are in this room. I'm a proud member of this community, and I want to dedicate this award to my mother, who started The Hair Connection 30 years ago."

Also nominated, were Sarah Filsinger of Joint Physiotherapy and Sandra Parry of Bright Beginnings Child Care.

CANADIAN TIRE FARM BUSINESS OR FARM-RELATED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley won the Canadian Tire Farm Business or Farm-Related Business of the Year award.

New executive director Lynne Taylor thanked Huron-Kinloss Township for its support of the gardens. "Without the township's donation of the land, there would be no project. And without the volunteers, there would be no food."

She also thanked the Penetangore Regional Economic Development Corporation (PREDC) for assisting the gardens in obtaining a Trillium Foundation grant to get started in 2012. "Thank you for this award; it is a great honour. We plan to keep growing the gardens."

Also nominated, were Bruce Agra Dehy and Allan Ribbink Livestock.



Joe Carter (L) presents the Canadian Tire Farm Business or Farm-Related Business award to the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley, represented by Lynne Taylor, Heather Pletsch and Allan Ribbink

COMMUNITY LIVING OF KINCARDINE AND DISTRICT INCLUSION AWARD

The Community Living of Kincardine and District Inclusion award went to AREVA which last year opened its cafeteria to individuals with disabilities, to set up Changing Thyme Catering.

"It's humbling to receive an award for something that it is so natural to do," said Larry Robinson of AREVA. "We hire Community Living individuals and disabled individuals because they are incredible employees. They are committed, punctual and honest."

Also nominated, were Malcolm Place Retirement Residence and Gordon Pharmasave.

BDO CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

The BDO Customer Service Excellence award went to Kincardine Home Hardware.

Brad Pyke thanked manager Frank Alden, and all the employees for reflecting the high level of customer service at the store. "Shop locally and build our community," he said.

Also nominated, were Montgomery Ford, Kincardine; and Penetangear.

MUNICIPALITY OF KINCARDINE NEW BUSINESS AWARD

The Municipality of Kincardine New Business award went to Grey Bruce Kids, a publication by Amy and Dwight Irwin.

Accepting on behalf of the Irwins, was Amanda Farrell Walsh.

Also nominated, were Weekins and Accents by Gordon's.

SUPERHEAT BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Jennifer Cook of The Co-operators was named the Superheat Business Person of the Year.

"I love Kincardine," said Cook. "And it's so cool to receive this award from Shari Farrell since we've been friends for years. This is a great community and that makes it fun."

Also nominated, were Gabriele Trentleman of Bruce Agra Dehy, and Harold Maurer of Dar-Lyn Pools and Spas and Jean's Family Restaurant.

myFM'S BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

The myFM Business of the Year award went to West Shore Clothing Shoppe. Owners Ashley Adams and Tonya Schmalz thanked the chamber for this award. The store opened its doors about 11 years ago.

Also nominated, were Fit Body Boot Camp and Miller Insurance.

BRUCE POWER CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

John McManus was named Citizen of the Year. A long-time member and executive member of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, he has marched in the summertime Saturday Night Parades for the past 22 years.

He is vice-president of the Kincardine and District Lions Club and has been a strong proponent of the Splash Pad project, where construction began in the fall with completion expected later this year.

McManus thanked Bruce Power and the chamber for this award. He paid tribute to the other nominees - fellow Lion George Ling, and Rick Clarke of the BIA. "I accept this as recognition for all the folks in Kincardine who volunteer," he said. "Volunteers make this community a great place to live."