Duane Hicks
District businesses once again were in the spotlight Saturday night during the 14th-annual Bell Business Awards at the Adventure Inn here.
West End Motors, a long-time mainstay on the local business scene, was named Business of the Year (16+ employees).
“I would say that it’s very nice to receive that award after 44 years in business here,” said owner Roy Avis.
“We’ve had faith in this community. We’ve expanded into Emo and throughout the district,” he noted.
“Years ago, when we stared this business, the pavement ended at Wright Avenue and we were part of McIrvine,” Avis said. “We used to be the furthest dealer in the west end, and that’s why we called ourselves ‘West End Motors.’
“Now, we’re the closest dealer to the central part of town so things have changed,” he chuckled.
“It was very good to win that award, and be recognized by the community and the business leaders of the community,” Avis added.
“It’s our staff that won it for us,” he stressed. “I’ve always said you must earn your business to deserve your business.”
Avis felt the annual business awards is “a good night for the district.”
“It’s a great thing the Chamber of Commerce and the major sponsor, Bell, has put forward,” he remarked, adding it’s a positive event for the business community and that the award nominees reflect “a good cross-section of what happens in business” in Rainy River District.
The Business of the Year (1-15 employees) award went to The UPS Store here.
“We love what we do and we have fun doing what we do,” said UPS franchisee Lillian Gerley.
“Just the other day, I was told that when you’re nominated for an award, it’s the community saying that they accept [you].
“Well, thank you very much.
“I am so honoured to be a part of this awards,” Gerley added. “I thank my staff because I love working with them, and they’re doing a fantastic job.”
Meanwhile, Blair and Donna Lowey (Lowey’s Greenhouse) were honoured as Entrepreneurs of the Year.
“We’re very, very proud to be nominated. We couldn’t have done it without you as customers,” said Donna Lowey.
“We’re very, very proud to live in this community . . . thank you very, very much.”
Jennifer Krag (Moss Yoga & Barnswallow Photography) was named Business Woman of the Year on Saturday night.
“First and foremost, I just want to thank whoever nominated me,” a clearly-surprised Krag said as she stepped up to the podium.
She noted the last year of her life has seen some big changes, but she’s worked hard to be there for her clients, adding all “my clients are dear to me.”
“If you weren’t there at the [yoga] studio every week, I wouldn’t have a reason to be doing yoga,” Krag reasoned.
“The support, dedication, and strength that you show when you come and practise with me is very inspiring.”
Town of Fort Frances treasurer Laurie Witherspoon was named Employee of the Year. A tearful Witherspoon shared a few words of thanks upon receiving the award Saturday night, but offered further comment Monday via e-mail.
“What an honour to be recognized as the recipient of such a prestigious award,” she wrote.
“A heart-felt thank you to the nominator for taking the time to forward my name and believing that I was worthy of such an award.
“The role of treasurer for the Town of Fort Frances is very challenging and demanding given the constant changes that municipalities face,” Witherspoon added. “I try to stay positive, to keep an open mind, and am committed to do the best job that I can to fulfil the role that I have been entrusted to do.
“I’m very fortunate to have a dedicated treasury staff, to be part of a supportive senior management team, and to have the leadership of mayor and council.
“It’s been truly overwhelming with the number of congratulatory phone calls and e-mails from family, friends, co-workers, and colleagues I’ve received since the awards banquet.
“Thank you everyone.”
The Customer Service (Individual) award was given to Judy Webster (RBC), who thanked her co-workers for being so good to work with, while Boston Pizza was saluted for Customer Service (Business).
“Elizabeth and I started our business in November and it’s been a very busy year, but one of the things that we always committed to each other and to our business was that we would do our best to offer service second-to-none,” said Dale Fortes, who is co-franchisee of BP Fort Frances along with wife, Elizabeth Leishman-Fortes.
“We’re working hard at it,” he pledged. “We have some room to grow and we’re going to continue to grow, but we thank you very much for this designation and honour.”
The Safety Award (Business/Individual) went to the Rainy River District Victim Services Program.
Manager Peggy Loyie, who took the stage to accept the award, noted the program just turned three years old, and whole-heartedly credited the program’s volunteers for tending to “the emotional, mental, and physical safety of people who are experiencing trauma.”
Jack Hedman (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters) was honoured as the Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year.
The Accessibility Award was given to Betty-Anne MacKintosh (Supervised Access Program) while Ken and Laurie Pentney (Spruce Greek Golf Course) were named the Small Business Trainer of the Year.
Cathy Emes, presenting the latter award on behalf of NCDS Career Works, said the Pentneys couldn’t be there to receive it as they were at home waiting by the phone to hear word of the birth of a grandchild.
Finally, a special award this year was the 100th Anniversary Economic Development Award, sponsored by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.
Meant to honour an organization that has shown dedication towards the growth of economic development in Rainy River District, the award was presented to the Rainy River Future Development Corp. on Saturday evening by local Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry officer Jeannette Cawston.
Economic development officer Geoff Gillon credited the RRFDC’s success to its board of directors and committee members, adding “all I am is a facilitator.”
“If I have something happening out there, you have something happening out there,” he added. “I need people to do these things and I really appreciate this.”
“The only thing I want to say is Geoff is the Rainy River Future Development Corp. right now, and we really appreciate him,” said RRFDC chair George Emes.
This year’s gala drew a total of 56 nominees, a couple of which were nominated in more than one category.
Nominations were open to any business in Rainy River District.
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president Harold Wilson emceed the evening while John McEvoy, regional manager of field services for event sponsor Bell Aliant, greeted attendees.
The “Fort Harmonies” entertained the crowd with some fun songs, including an ABBA medley.
There also was a prime rib dinner and a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses.
