Chamber hands out business awards

Some of the district’s finest businesses and individuals were in the spotlight Saturday night at La Place Rendez-Vous during the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s 11th-annual business awards.
Ed Kaun & Sons won the Business of the Year Award (16+ employees) while the Fort Frances Clinic Dispensary was honoured as Business of the Year (1-15 employees).
Jackie Lampi-Hughes, owner of Energy Fitness Centre, was named Entrepreneur of the Year, with Susan Bodnarchuk of Holmlund Financial winning the Business Woman of the Year Award.
Glenn Witherspoon captured the Lifetime Achievement Award while Joanne Bliss of RBC Investments was named Employee of the Year.
The Tony Beyak Volunteer of the Year went to Linda Hamilton while the Accessibility Award was given to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Jayne’s TLC was honoured with the Customer Service Award (business), with Neila Booth of Gourmet Outfitters winning the Customer Service Award (individual).
The Safety Award (individual/employee) was given to Grace Silander of the Fort Frances Ambulance Service while the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team received the Safety Award (business/employer).
Nominations for the awards were sought over a six-week period in September and October, and any business in Rainy River District was eligible to be nominated.
A total of 82 nominations, listing 75 different nominees, were received for this year’s business awards.
The awards were presented by representatives from the respective award sponsors. The ceremony was emceed by Chamber president Gary Rogozinski.
The Borderland Orchestra Ensemble provided music for the event.