By Tammy Schneider
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Community Achievement Awards, during a livestreamed ceremony on Nov. 28.
The Chamber congratulated all the nominees and winners, as well as award sponsors. Community partners Epcor, Reliance Home Comfort, RogersTV, Jennifer Cook and Associates the Cooperators and JMedia were thanked for their support.
The awards, usually presented after a sold-out gala, moved to the virtual format in order to conform to pandemic gathering restrictions and to ensure the safety of all in attendance.
“The Kincardine & District Chamber of Commerce is so very honoured to be facilitating this event for another year,” said Chamber executive director, Ashley Richards. “The stories and successes expressed in our record-setting intake of nominations were inspiring.”
Congratulations were sent out to Brad Thomas, who retired from his business, Lake Huron Rod and Gun, earlier this year. Thomas was thanked for providing the “community with the tools and imparted important knowledge, to inspire generations of people to embrace the journey of hunting, and foster an appreciation and love for the outdoors,” said Richards.
The 2020 Achievement award winners are:
Kincardine Food Bank, winner of the Enbridge Quality of Life award.
Cati VanVeen, winner of the Royal Bank Golden Apple award.
Eden Babbitt, winner of the Ontario Power Generation Environment award.
Sylvia Leigh, winner of the Meridian Good Neighbour award.
Nadine VandenHeuvel, winner of the Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur award.
Chris Napier, Sobeys, winner of the Community Living Kincardine & District Inclusion award.
Quinn Florist, winner of the BDO Customer Service Excellence award.
Kincardine Fall Fair, winner of the Miller Insurance Agricultural Business award.
Janice Matchett, winner of the Bank of Montreal Woman of Distinction award.
Jamie Hunsburger, the winner of the Law Offices of Andrea Clarke Youth Programming Excellence award.
Brad Thomas, winner of the Superheat FGH Business Person of the Year award.
Kincardine Canadian Tire, winner of the myFM – Business of the Year award.
Inn at the Harbour, winner of the Municipality of Kincardine Tourism award.
Rick Clarke, winner of the Bruce Power Citizen of the Year award.
“We should all feel so very proud of our businesses, who in unprecedented times, doubled down on their work ethic, took their standard method of operating off a pedestal and pivoted promptly for not simply survival, but success,” said Richards. “The greatest triumphs (were) found where the greatest innovation and risks were taken. The time and effort entrepreneurship involves in an average year is significant. 2020 has produced an onslaught of additional obstacles and stressors, and we should all acknowledge their dedication for staying the course.”
“Our community has continued to step up to the plate in stunning numbers to volunteer their time, energy and money in support of others. This path of service transcends any club, group or initiative. It is clear that in good times and in bad, Kincardine gives.”