By ADELLE LARMOUR
An audience of over 400 area business and political representatives celebrated business excellence and entrepreneurial spirit Oct. 20.
They celebrated 13 Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Business Award winners at the Chamber’s 116th annual luncheon meeting.
Sponsored by Bell Canada, the event featured a keynote address by Jerome Quenneville, president and CEO of Sault Area Hospital.
A dynamic video program accompanied the award presentations, which provided a brief multimedia snap shot of the winner and/or their business.
The Business Development Award, sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada, was presented to Eazy Express Inc., for demonstrating a positive attitude for job creation and growth within the community. Eazy Express Inc. is an independent courier service, which began in 1990 with eight employees and a single combined urban service contract with Canada Post Corporation. Since that time, the company has expanded its delivery service nationwide and has 100 full-time and 90 part-time employees.
The Skipper Manzzutti Award for Business Achievement recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding business achievement, and has demonstrated exemplary qualities of an entrepreneur and community-minded citizen within the past year or number of years. It was awarded to Kelly and Steve Rome, owners and operators of Rome’s Your Independent Grocers. Rome’s is the largest franchise operation within the Loblaws group of companies, employing 235 unionized and non-unionized people.
The Chamber’s President Award was given to Gene Nori, recently retired general manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized as going above and beyond the call of duty in business and community development.
Aldo Greco of Community First Financial Services was awarded with the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding commitment and contribution to the Chamber over the years.
Vic Fremlin, owner and operator of Lock City Dairies and North Shore Tractor, was awarded the Paul Dalseg Award. Fremlin is recognized for his leadership and community-mindedness within the Sault.
The Entrepreneur/Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Palmer Construction Group Inc., was awarded to Brian Tremblay Photography. He demonstrates a progressive attitude toward employee relations, a positive public image, and a reputation for excellence in customer service.
Other awards handed out were as follows:
* Loplop Gallery and Lounge won the Marketing Award, sponsored by Algoma Office Equipment;
* The Lung Association won the Service Sector Award, sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Community Development Corporation;
* The Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre won the Customer Service Award, sponsored by MCTV;
* The Ontario Forestry Research Institute and the Sault Ste. Marie Disposal/Green Circle Environmental won the Environment Award, sponsored by the Sault Economic Development
Corporation;
* the Community Capacity Building Award, sponsored by Industry Canada/FedNor was presented to Lucidia Studios, and
* the Safe Work, Sound Business Award, sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Safe Communities Partnership, was presented to The Algoma Health Unit.
Additionally, the internationally recognized ATHENA award that honours women who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishments will be presented at the Women in Business luncheon at the Riuniti Banquet Hall on Nov. 8.
The ceremony will run from noon to 1:30 pm.
