Chamber of Commerce honours excellence in business at ‘final virtual’ awards ceremony

Gavin North and Lenny Epstein, of ‘Short Attention Spa’ were masters of ceremony for the third and expected to be final virtual Business Excellence Awards ceremony. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Lavender notes plans for a live event in November are underway.

Prince Edward County’s Chamber of Commerce honoured leadership and business excellence during its third, and expected to be final virtual event – with plans for the 2023 awards to be held live in November.

“We continue to be impressed by the entrepreneurial talent and spirit of PEC businesses,” said Duarte Da Silva, chair of the PEC Chamber of Commerce. He also thanked the Chamber, its board, sponsors and members. Special video guests offering congratulations included MP Ryan Williams, MPP Todd Smith and PEC Mayor Steve Ferguson.

Lenny Epstein and Gavin North, of the local comedy ensemble Short Attention Spa were masters of ceremony for the evening. They noted the awards judication committee of 12 people from inside and outside of Prince Edward County (“six innies and six outies”) had many decisions to make as to winners who would receive a glass sculpture award created by Mark Armstrong.

During intermission, viewers were treated to three spotlights on businesses in history by Peter Lockyer, of History Lives Here. He included the County connection to the Woolworth store empire, how PEC was known as the garden county of Canada and how Trenton was once known as Hollywood North.

There were more than 50 nominations among seven award categories: Business of the Year, Beyond Business, Contribution to the Arts, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Not-for-Profit, Environmental Practices and the Employer of the Year.

PECish Baking Company was named Business of the Year, recognizing achievement in business as well as significant contributions to the business community. Nominees included PEFAC, Terra Vista Landscaping, County Acupuncture & Wellness, Nomad Cre8tive, Josephina’s Ladies and Men’s Fashion, Edward Jones and Adega Wine Bar.

Kingfisher Financial received the Beyond Business Award in recognition of an individual in the business community who has contributed to the fabric of Prince Edward County through a lifetime of community involvement, community support and volunteerism. Nominees also included The Ye11ow Studio and The Royal Hotel.

555 Brewing Company was named Employer of the Year in recognition of a business or organization that exemplifies excellence in its employee focus. Also nominated were Base 31 and ERBN Green Cannabis Co.

From a slate of 22 entries, Slake Brewing was chosen as the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner in recognition of a business or organization showing excellence. Nominees included Harmony PEC, Decanter, County Candle Co., The Eddie Hotel and Farm, Countylive.ca, Joseph Prinzen Woodworks, Nomad Cre8tive, Northern Craft Supply Co., Andara Gallery, Beacon Bike+Brew, The Renaissance Farm, Evergreen Kids Thrift, Kaleidoscope Catering, Karlo Estates, OneLook Productions, Flossie’s Sandwich Parlor, Picton Bay Hideaway, PECish Baking Co, Jackson Falls Country Inn, Knots by Felicia, and Serendipity Yoga.

The County Food Hub received the Not-for-Profit Award in recognition of excellence or growth in programs and services. Nominees included The ROC, PEC Youth Centre, Hospice PE, The County Foundation, The HUB Child and Family Centre and the Naval Marine Archive.

PaperKite Farm received the Environmental Practices Award in recognition of environmental responsibility, adopting new practices and encouraging the sustainable use of renewable resources. Harmony PEC, 127Bees and The Everly Inn were also nominated.

Andara Gallery received the Contribution to the Arts Award in recognition and celebration of the artistic achievements of an individual, organization or business that contributes to local art and culture. Also nominated were Base31, Big Lake Arts, County Stage Company, Joseph Prinzen Woodworks, Oeno Gallery, The Eddie Hotel and Farm and The Hayloft dance hall.