THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce held its annual award ceremony on May 26 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium where it honoured the business community for its outstanding efforts over the past year.
The event held at the Community Auditorium was a breath of fresh air for those who attended, with a return to the in-person format after last year's drive-in award pick-up.
In classic award show fashion winners were able to give a brief speech after their name was called, many thanking family members, friends, and employees for their achievements.
"All deserving nominees tonight and certainly some amazing winners too, but I know that anyone that was nominated could have been up on that stage and been just as deserving,” said Charla Robinson, president, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
There were twelve categories, each recognizing the different ways local businesses go above and beyond to serve Thunder Bay.
The Clean, Green, and Beautiful Award which was sponsored by the City of Thunder Bay was awarded to EcoSuperior Environmental Programs.
The Looking Good Award, sponsored by Tbaytel was awarded to Goods & Co. Market.
The Not For Profit Excellence Award, which was sponsored by Impala Canada was awarded to NorWest Community Health Centres.
Westfort Foods was awarded the Quality of Life Award which was sponsored by Enbridge.
The Customer Service Award, sponsored by TD, was awarded to Jones Insurance.
Dorset Pier Mental Health was awarded the New Business Excellence Award which was sponsored by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
The Business Excellence Award – SMALL, sponsored by Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission was awarded to Rent Panda.
The Business Excellence Award – MEDIUM which was sponsored by Weiler, Maloney, Nelson was awarded to Superior Strategies Inc.
The Business Excellence Award – LARGE, sponsored by BDO Canada LLP was awarded to Levaero Aviation.
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, was awarded to Bree & Hailey Hollinsworth from Ungalli Clothing Co.
Sullivan & Associates Clinical Psychology was awarded the Game Changer Award which was sponsored by Synergy North.
And the Business Person of the Year Award which was sponsored by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was awarded to Erin Beagle of Roots to Harvest.
"It is a group effort, there is no one person there. There's a lot of people that make that place happen and grow and that's what the community sees,” said Beagle.
“I think that there's a lot that people can see as an individual but what we actually see about the impacts of Roots is because of a large number of people that are working towards that."
Roberta Simpson was awarded honorary membership for her years of service to business, community and volunteer work with the Chamber
