Evening of Excellence Awards are handed out

One of the highlights of Canadore College Small Business Week 2016 is the Bell Evening of Excellence awards with several businesses honoured last night (Thursday).

Eight awards were given.

Gin-Cor Industries won Business of the Year honours.

President and CEO Luc Stang says it’s great recognition for all of their employees in Mattawa and around the province too.

“If it wasn’t for the efforts, contributions, the dedication of our employees as a whole, we wouldn’t be here tonight.” He added.

The Small Business of the Year award (6-15 employees) went to Tranquility Spa Salon.

Owner Brigitte McLean says winning is quite the honour.

“Starting from a dream to a passion to getting small business of the year is actually amazing. To have my girls here supporting me is even more amazing, because without them none of that would be possible,”  she said.

Deacon Wealth Management won Small Business of the Year (1-5 employees).

Steve Deacon says he didn’t think they’d win because so many people are doing great things.

He added, “It’s an outstanding community and there’s so many people out doing good work and it’s an honour to receive the award. But, when you think about it there’s just so many people out there as well.”

Other awards include New Ontario Brewing Company winning New Business of the Year, North Bay Food Bank winning Not for Profit of the Year, Chartered Accountant Andrea Silveri with Grant Thornton is Young Professional, MetricAid Inc. won Innovation and Environment Business of the Year and this year’s Success Story is Canadore College for NPREP.

The annual awards gala also saw Past President John Strang named the Betty Alcorn Memorial Award Winner as 2016 Director of the Year.

Meantime, this year’s Mary Ellen Horner Memorial Award for Volunteer of the Year is past director and chair of the Value Committee, Elizabeth Evans, Chartwell Barclay House.

The President’s Award was presented to Canadore College President George Burton.