Board of Trade celebrates, recognizes outstanding Bradford businesses in virtual awards gala

Bradford businesses were highlighted and recognized on Friday evening in the Bradford Board of Trade's annual Business Excellence Awards gala.

For the second year in a row, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, the award ceremony was held online, with BBT Director Donna Katz and VP of Public Relations Jennifer Harrison hosting at Addictive Design's home base in downtown Bradford.

All award winners are kept hush-hush until the night of, selected by an anonymous judging panel comprised of members of the community.

"Our mandate is to advocate on behalf of the business community, and we've not stopped doing that in the past 18 months," noted Harrison.

"Our businesses in Bradford, we employ, we give service, we are the backbone of the community and this night is to recognize those businesses that put their heart, soul, and life savings into the community," said Katz.

Harrison mentioned just a few of the BBT's initiatives this past year, including two golf tournaments.

Currently, the BBT is running their Shop Local BWG campaign where residents can post a photo of a local purchase on social media using the #ShopLocalBWG for a chance to win a $100 gift card of their choice.

An online auction was held, with various items donated by local businesses,and organized by BBT Director Jackie Kozak. Some of the items up for grabs included a ukelele+lesson from Bradford Academy of Music, a handmade wreath from Vintage Peony, and Swarovski crystal bracelet from Peter Dykie Jewellery.

York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney had a special message for the award nominees and recipients.

"Over the past 18 months we've seen what the BWG business are truly made of...embracing the Ontario spirits and doing their part," she said.

"I want to thank all of you, our role models for your ongoing community involvement."

The first award given out was the Agricultural Award, which is given to a company dedicated to agricultural processes.

Dominion Farm Produce Ltd. took home the award. They are the longest-running distributor in Ontario, growing an array of produce including carrots, onion, beets, and parsnips.

The Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award is given to an individual 29 and under who has had to overcome challenges and has demonstrated good corporate citizenship.

Alpha Detailing took home this year's award. The company was established in 2018 by 24-year-old Matteo Pirri. In October 2020, he grew his car detailing business to a full-size unit on Artesian Industrial Parkway.

York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson popped into Addictive Design to congratulate all the nominees, and announce the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Davidson is no stranger to business ownership, having owned many successful businesses in the York-Simcoe area.

"My heart goes out to all you people and I just wanted to come out in person and thank small businesses tonight," he said.

He presented the award for Entrepreneur of the Year to brothers Michael and Tony Gutta, owners of Addictive Design.

The Start-Up Award went to Eye Candy Ads.

Owner Mark Snaper started his digital billboard sign business in town in February 2020, with his sign at 121 Bridge Street. He has been involved in many local fundraising initiatives as well as launched the Youth Entrepreneur Program where he features young business owners for free on his signs while providing them with free business coaching. Look out for his new billboard in front of Benjamin Moore Paint store.

The Economic Development Award was presented by Mayor Rob Keffer. This award acknowledges manufacturers and large employers within the community.

This year, Keffer said he and the rest of town council came to a clear consensus that the award should be given to MiTek Canada.

The company employs 80 people in BWG and have invested eight million dollars into their operation in 2021.

The Community Award went to Holland Gardens Retirement Residence.

"Thank you! We are honoured!" said Shelley Snoulten, sales and marketing manager for the residence on the Live Chat screen.

The Award of Employer of the Year went to Crozier Consulting Engineers.

Crozier is located in downtown Bradford and was founded in 2004. The company recently expanded its Bradford offices on John Street West.

The Home Based Business Award went to Hillside Photography. Owner, Cassidy Hilliard was watching the event live, and was thrilled to be the recipient of this year's award.

Hilliard often offers photo sessions throughout the year, with a portion of the proceeds going to a local charity or family in need.

"Thank you so much for my award! I am so humbled," she said.

This year's People's Choice Award went to Sweet B's Bakery.

Owner Bonnie Aguiar is well-known for her sweet treats and is "the best smelling place in town". She often gives out "Random Acts of Sweet B's", leaving good bags and boxes on her stoop for anyone to come by and pick up for free.

The Woman of Influence Award went to Assunta Rose from Bradford Wellness Centre. Rose established her business just four years ago inside the downtown plaza beside Shopper's Drug Mart, and supports many local charities in town.

The last award given out was the Business Excellence Award, which went Royal LePage's The Ferragine Team.

"Of course we all know Peter Ferragine and the Royal LePage team and we cannot say enough about the Ferragine team, amazing, congratulations," said Harrison.

"Thank you to everyone who nominate who voted, who shopped local, and thanks to everyone for supporting the BBT," said Harrison.

"We will see everyone next year, live in person!" added Katz.

Sponsors for the event included venue sponsor Addictive Design and gold sponsors Genesis Gymnastics, Crozier Engineering, and The Town of BWG.

To learn more about the BBT, membership and upcoming events click here.

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List of All Award Winners: