Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce president Laurie Wichers-Schreur presents MBC President Jon Pole with the President's Award. (Sherry Haaima photo)
This year’s Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce awards had a fresh format and title – the Pinnacle of Business Excellence Awards – and by all accounts, the evening was a resounding success.
More than 140 community leaders, business owners, and residents gathered to celebrate the best in business innovation, customer service, and community engagement.
My Broadcasting Corporation president Jon Pole emceed the event, held Oct. 24 at the myFM Centre, telling the more than 20 nominees to be proud of the accomplishment and savour the moment.
In what was a surprise to him, Pole was presented with the President’s Award.
Chamber president Laurie Wichers-Schreur thanked Pole, a former board member and president, for his commitment to local business.
There were a couple of double winners. Keith Gourley of Gourley Outdoors won Chamber Member of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
And Kinsey Maxwell of In A Bind picked up awards for BIA Member of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Lorraine Vincent of the BIA outlined some of Maxwell’s many positive attributes.
King’s Offroad and Small Engine Repair won Best Business of the Year. The Hospitality Award went to Bonnechere Bakery and Bistro. The Juice Box picked up Breakout Business of the Year Honours. Tracy Essiambre of Pick It Fence won Employee of the Year. And Lacey Shea of the McDougall Mill Museum is Youth Employee of the Year.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
All nominees gather before the awards ceremony.
