Some of the town’s most notable members came together to celebrate success Friday evening.
The Bradford Board of Trade held their annual Business Excellence Awards Gala at Brick N Fire restaurant in Bradford on Nov. 15. For more than 16 years, the awards have recognized the achievements of the local business community.
Beyond being an evening of celebration, board president Donna Katz called the awards a “testament to the unwavering dedication, innovation and perseverance” of the local business community.
“I am privileged to stand in a room filled with the very people who make our local economy thrive,” she said. “Tonight we recognize not only the milestones you’ve achieved, but countless hours of hard work and sacrifice that brought you to this moment.”
In addition to highlighting individual success, Katz said the event also recognizes the “spirit of collaboration and community that binds us all.”
That sentiment was echoed by Mayor James Leduc, who emphasized that spirit is part of what makes the town “such a remarkable place,” which has always been strengthened by the dedication and passion of local businesses.
“Whether long-established or newly launched, each business here contributes to our town’s unique character, creates jobs, supports families and invests in our future,” he said, adding that the achievements of those businesses “set a high bar and spark all of us to aim higher and work harder.”
Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu was also grateful for the example those business leaders set for future generations.
“Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of your businesses,” he said.
This year’s winner of the premier Business Excellence Award was Cruise Holidays | Be Our Guest, which was accepted by Richard Guest on behalf of his wife Cheryl Kelly-Guest who was actually on a cruise working at the time.
“We’re gobsmacked,” Richard said after the ceremony, noting he had already talked with Cheryl via video call to give her the good news. “We’re very honoured for sure, because we do know that this is like the Stanley Cup.”
While the business has been in town for about 13 or 14 years, Richard said this was their first time winning the award, and gave credit to his wife for doing 99 per cent of the work and handling the nuts and bolts of the operation.
Because he said she’s too humble to do so, Richard took the opportunity to praise all of Cheryl’s “tireless hard work,” including being available to clients 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and remaining committed to providing her clients with quality over quantity to ensure they get the best vacation for their needs that fits within their budget, while also preparing them for what to expect on each individual trip to minimize the stress that can come with travelling.
“This award is something that is near and dear to her,” he said. “I can’t say enough about this award because we’re very grateful for it. We cherish it.”
Cassidy Hilliard, vice-president of events for the board, said this year was one of their best for attendance with 125 guests registered.
In total, the gala featured 18 awards, an increase from 13 last year, with winners including:
- Business Excellence Award — Cruise Holidays | Be Our Guest
- Community Award — Contact Community Services
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Michael Gutta, Addictive Design
- Home Based Business Award — Santos Hair Studio
- New Business Award — Automated Shade Solutions Inc.
- People’s Choice Award — BBBeauty Boutique
- Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Lucas Bobala, Bobala Lawn Care
- Agriculture Award — Fermanagh Farms
- Philanthropy Award — Holland Gardens Retirement Residence
- Sports and Recreation Award — Hall of Fame Basketball Academy
- Real Estate Agent of the Year — Pam Bechard, Royal Lepage RCR
- Culinary Delight Award — Off Cut and Co.
- Woman of Influence — Cassidy Hilliard, Hillside Charity Events
- Employer of the Year — That Wheel and Tire Shop
- Health and Wellness Award — BioPed Bradford
- Student Achievement in Business — Ketrin Rozenboim, Bradford District High School
- Student Achievement in Business — Giulia Gervaise, Holy Trinity Catholic High School
- Economic Development Award — Channel Industrial Group
As a chamber of commerce and non-profit organization, the board’s mandate is to sustain and promote local businesses and it says it is committed to enriching the lives of its members and the business community through services, networking and advocacy.
For more information about the board, visit bradfordboardoftrade.com.
