Provincial honour for Patti Carr

To many she’s been the face of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce for years and she’s getting provincial recognition for her efforts.

Patti Carr who until recently was the chamber’s executive director has been named the winner of the Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award.

She received the award on the weekend at the Ontario Chamber’s Annual General Meeting in Sarnia.

The award is given to a chamber professional who demonstrates excellence in management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service.

Ms Carr stated “it is certainly an honour and provides affirmation that after 29 years of hard work and dedication with the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, that it did not go unnoticed.”

While somewhat humbled among this great network of peers that she gets to work with on a regular basis, some of them mentors that have been past winners of this award, she also noted “this work we do is not just an individual effort, we work with a great staff, a great volunteer board of directors, and a great network of Chambers across the province and country; for which I am truly grateful and allows me to provide my best to the chamber, the community and the region.”

Both Carr and Peter Chirico, the new President and CEO for the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce were in attendance at the OCC AGM this past weekend.

Mr. Chirico stated “this was a complete surprise for Patti and I can’t think of a more dedicated person to receive this award. Chamber management inherently requires a huge commitment to the business community,” said Chirico, “but the Gillespie Award goes further to recognize an individual who goes well beyond the daily requirements of the position of Patti has always demonstrated her commitment to the businesses of our district.”

“On behalf of the board of directors, we are so pleased to see Patti recognized by her peers in the network,” said Brad Gavan chair of the board of directors. “She is truly a leader for the chamber and very dedicated to people and the community. Much of her volunteer efforts outside the chamber go unnoticed, and as such we are very proud of her accomplishments that are now recognized through this prestigious award.”