“It’s not just about getting more businesses to collect more tax assessment. It’s about quality of life.” – Lynn Dollin, mayor of Innisfil.
“Truly businesses are the lifeblood of our communities.” – Brandon Vieira, representing Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard.
“When small businesses thrive, communities thrive. Together we can make our communities stronger.” – Rebecca Brown, representing Simcoe-Grey MPP Kellie Leitch.
“Eighty-five percent of jobs are created by businesses with less than 15 employees.” – Independent MPP Jim Wilson.
Nottawasaga Future’s 22nd annual Business Excellence Awards opened with words of praise for small business, and for the companies that provide employment, fuel economic growth and contribute to their communities.
The awards recognize outstanding business operations, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement in the South Simcoe municipalities of Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Essa, New Tecumseth, and Innisfil.
The Town of Innisfil hosted the annual awards night on Monday, at the Lakeshore Branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. More than 140 nominations were received for 10 business excellence awards.
The award for Agricultural Excellence, recognizing an ag-business “in which the principles of running a successful farm or agricultural related operation are applied, resulting in a flourishing and thriving business” went to Sheldon Creek Dairy, of Adjala-Tosorontio.
Aspiring Entrepreneur, presented to the winner of the 3rd annual Youth Business Plan Competition – Bradford West Gwillimbury young entrepreneur Cole Kirschner, for the genetics-based company Age Rate.
Business Excellence Award, for an established business that has contributed significantly to the economic development of the community – Beattie’s Distillers Inc. of Alliston, which found an alternate use for potatoes that didn’t meet retail standards, creating a “farm-to-bottle” distillery.
Community Excellence Award, for outstanding leadership and community involvement – Applewood Dental, of Innisfil. Honourable Mention went to Alliston Home Hardware, in New Tecumseth.
Customer Service Excellence Award for a Micro Business (under 10 employees) – Innisfil Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre. Honourable Mention to Circle Theatre in New Tecumseth.
Customer Service Excellence Award for Small Business (10-24 employees) – New Tecumseth Optometry Clinic.
Customer Service Excellence Award for Medium-Large Business (25-plus employees) – Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery in Essa Township.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award – presented to Carol Austin, for her Concession Road Mercantile, in Alliston, New Tecumseth, described as a “new twist on the traditional country store” where “every product has a story.” Concession Road Mercantile also won the award for New Business of the Year (in operation less than three years).
Finally, the Youth Entrepreneur Award, recognizing an established business operated by a young entrepreneur between the ages of 15 and 29, went to Bradford West Gwillimbury resident Tara Andrews, for her Beyond Buoyancy Aquatics. What started as a private swimming school, with Andrews as the sole instructor, has grown to employ five additional instructors and earn awards for its dedication to quality.
“You contributed immensely to our economies. Thank you for making Simcoe County a better place.” – Warden George Connell.