District businesses and individuals were in the spotlight Saturday evening during the eighth-annual Chamber of Commerce business awards gala at the Fort Frances Curling Club.
The winner of the Business of the Year (1-15 employees was Home Suite Home, while La Pace Rendez-Vous took home the Business of the Year (16+ employees) award.
Linda LaRocque of Maurice Fillion, CA, was named Employee of the Year (private sector), while Jane Johnstone (Ontario Travel Centre) was picked as Employee of the Year (not-for-profit).
The Training and Adjustment award went to Envision North.
The Abitibi-Consolidated Safety Award (business) was handed out to George Armstrong Co.; while Jeannette Cawston (2002 World Health Organization conference co-ordinator) received the Abitibi-Consolidated Safety Award (individual).
The Customer Service Award (business) was given to Gagné Pharmacy, while Karen Sockolotuk (Stan’s) was honoured with the Customer Service Award (individual).
Meredith Croswell, owner of Scrap-A-Bit, was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year award was bestowed upon Gord McBride.
Roberta Oliver was named Director of the Year, and also received a plaque as past president.
Presenters included Cathe Hoszowski, Tannis Drysdale, Lynn Beyak, Paul Pirie, Telford Advent, Angela Halvorsen, Ala Dulas, Caren Naismith, Gary Rogozinski, Amy Wrigley, Tony Zuschtok, Marlene Deschamps and Alan Tibbetts.
Comedian John Ljungberg of Winnipeg provided some entertaining banter as emcee for the evening, while a video, put together by Jadmart Video Productions, showing some of the 100-plus nominees at work served as a prelude to the awards ceremony.
About 220 people came out for the banquet.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
