The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony Wednesday evening at Lowey’s Greenhouse, honouring the top businesses and organizations around the Rainy River District.
Two of the big winners were Riverside Health Care Facilities and RPM Powersports, which took home Business of the Year (16+ employees) and Business of the Year (1-15 employees), respectively.
Riverside Communications Coordinator Katherine Peirroz said the organization is proud to be Fort Frances’ largest employer.
“We are incredibly proud to call Fort Frances our corporate home, and the place where our story began back in 1941 with just 16 employees: fun fact. But today, Riverside is the largest employer in Fort Frances, and the largest employer of local residents in our district, with about 800 people spanning from Atikokan to Rainy River,” Pierroz said.
“While healthcare is at the heart of what we do, we have always seen ourselves as more than that. We are a community partner, a neighbour, and an organization deeply connected to the people and communities that we serve.”
Pierroz said the organization is pleased to accept the award on behalf of its staff, who are what make it so special.
“What makes Riverside what it is are our people. It’s the dedication of those who show up every day, often going above and beyond to care for others, support one another, and make a difference,” she said. “They are the heart of Riverside, and this recognition is really a reflection of them. It is with great pride and privilege that we accept this award on behalf of our staff, volunteers, physicians, leadership, Board of Directors, and everyone who contributes to making Riverside what it is today.”
RPM Powersports took home three other awards in addition to Business of the Year (1-15 employees). They also won Customer Service (individual), which went to Matt Armstrong, as well as Customer Service (business). Owner Ryan Mosbeck also won Business Owner/Manager of the year.
After the ceremony, Mosbeck said that the company prides itself on providing great service.
“It’s what we strive to do every day at RPM Powersports,” he said. “We provide excellent customer service and put the customer first.”
Full list of winners:
Customer Service Award (individual) – Matt Armstrong, RPM Powersports
Customer Service Award (Business) – RPM Powersports
Home Based Business – Brianna Eldridge, Busy Bree Nails
New Business Award 1-3 Years – Turtle Island Café & Barbershop
Small Business Trainer of the Year – Alicia Anderson, Stylush Salon
Indigenous Business of the Year – Turtle Island Café & Barbershop
Business Woman of the Year – Lindsay Dixon, Calder Law
Business Owner/Manager of the Year – Ryan Mosbeck, RPM Power Sports
Business of the Year 1-15 employees – RPM Powersports
Business of the Year 16+ employees – Riverside Health Care Facilities
Tourism & Hospitality Award – Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung (Manitou Mounds)
Youth Entrepreneur Award – Brady Heyens, Northwestern Ontario Counselling and Consulting
