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North Bay celebrates business community at annual awards gala

Eight businesses and individuals chosen by North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce
2024-10-23-chamber-bell-business-awards-supplied
Winners of Bell Evening of Excellence Business Awards (L to R) Mike Van der Vlist (PHARA), Miranda Arellano (Healing Connections Psychotherapy), Makayla Schoonhoven (Scotiabank), Wayne Wallace (SMRT Computer Solutions), Eric Kohtakangas (Cementation Canada Inc.), Lori Laporte (Laporte’s Nursery & Greenhouses) and Bob Hudson (Burrows Country Store).

The North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce is hailing the Bell Evening of Excellence Business Awards held Oct. 24 at the Best Western as "a huge success, celebrating and honouring the outstanding businesses of North Bay and the district."

“The Evening of Excellence is a meaningful event where we celebrate businesses and individuals who have shown leadership, community involvement, and success,” said Donna Backer, president and CEO of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. “It’s truly well-deserved recognition for the nominees, winners, and all businesses across our district.” 

The winners by category:

Young Professional of the Year — Sponsored by Yes Employment Services

  • Makayla Schoonhoven, Scotiabank 

New Business of the Year — Sponsored by Nipissing University

  • Healing Connections Psychotherapy 

Not-for-Profit of the Year — Sponsored by OLG

  • PHARA 

Small Business of the Year, 1 to 5 employees — Sponsored by the Labour Market Group

  • SMRT Computer Solutions

Small Business of the Year, 6 to 15 employees (joint award) — Sponsored by Canadore College

  • Burrows Country Store 
  • Laporte’s Nursery & Greenhouses

Business of the Year, 16+ employees — Sponsored by Bell

  • Cementation Canada Inc. 

The Betty Alcorn Memorial Award for Director of the Year, an annual award, was presented by the Chamber to Jim Bruce, who is deemed to have demonstrated outstanding dedication and diligence to the board as chair of the Business Research and Policy Committee.

“Jim has been instrumental in leading efforts to strengthen our advocacy for businesses, particularly in addressing social issues,” said Backer. “His forward-thinking approach is helping to shape the Chamber’s growth, and we look forward to his continued contributions.”