in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
October 20, 2022
The Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce (GHCoC) held their first annual Excellence in Business Awards Gala on October 14 at the Osprey Community Hall. Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson was the guest speaker who stressed the importance of rural businesses to the economy of the province. Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers also spoke briefly to the crowd of approximately 80 attendees. But the stars of the night were the award winners.
Two thirds of the nominees for this year's awards got their start at local farmers markets. Known as incubators for small business, farmers'-market-starts and agricultural business played a large role at this year's awards.
The Agri-Business of the Year Award was sponsored by Maxwell Farm Service. The winner was Laslyn Alpaca (Kick'N Back Alpaca Ranch) near Markdale and Carolyn and Doug Lillyman were presented the award by Minister Thompson and GHCoC board member Margot Byers.
Sponsored by Grey County Business Enterprise Centre, the New Business of the Year Award went to Eco Refillary in Flesherton. Owner Katrina Wood accepted her prize from Courtney Miller of the Business Enterprise Centre.
Grey County Tourism sponsored the Tourism Excellence Award that went to Rocklyn Inn B&B, Ice Cream and Snack Shop in Rocklyn. The owners Lesley & Michael Telfser were represented by Beverley and Charly Telfser who accepted the award on their behalf from Grey County Tourism staffer Alison Theodore.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was sponsored by the Municipality of Grey Highlands. The winner was Marna Mador (absent), whose duties with volunteer organizations included the Markdale & District Horticultural Society, Markdale Agricultural Society, Markdale Fall Fair and Markdale Food Bank. Absent from proceedings, the award was delivered to her after the event. Margot Byers and Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen pose with the award above.
The big award of the evening went to Tracy Nietvelt-Prentice, owner of The Market Shoppe in Markdale. Sponsored by Bernard's Quality Cars and Service, the Archie Bernard Memorial Business of the Year Award was presented to her by Margot Byers, coordinator of the event. Archie Bernard founded the Flesherton car sales and service business nearly 50 years ago. He went on to become a well-loved community leader and long-standing Councillor for Artemesia Township. The award was presented by Jessica and Stefanie Bernard shown above.
An additional award was presented to Beaver Valley Ski Club for outstanding inclusion and diversity within its ranks. The MentorAbility Award of Workplace Diversity and Inclusion was presented to by Cristin O'Sullivan of Life Directions (left) to Erika Wright of Beaver Valley Ski Club (right).
Each of the award recipients displayed excellence over the course of the past year, meeting challenges and making the community a better place. Congratulations to all.
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