On October 18th, 2019 the Carleton Place and District Chamber of Commerce held their 7th Annual Business Awards of Excellence with an awards gala to celebrate to accomplishments of local business. This annual event was held at The Grand Hotel this year featuring Magician Kevin Smith, red carpet photos, champagne, and amazing food. Along with our MC’s for the evening Chair, Jamie Law of Law & Orders and Past Chair Donna MacDonald of Mortage Alliance guests were treated to an evening of celebration, recognition, and encouragement to keep doing what you are doing to make our local community a great place to live, work and do business.
Though all the business nominated are deserving of an award there can only be one winner. Voting was open to all Chamber Members prior to the awards ceremony. Each nominee was presented with a certificate of congratulations for there nomination.
The Employee of the Year award was presented to Gail Sheen MacDonald of Wisteria. This award recognizes an individual who has been nominated by their peers who clearly demonstrated loyalty, exceptional performance and overall contribution to their organization. The individual has provided a significant impact to their company through high-quality work, outstanding performance and is a well respected role model to others.
The Excellence in Customer Service Award was presented to chef and owner Ian Carswell of Black Tartan Kitchen. Giving all the credit to his from of house staff the Excellence in Customer Service Award is given to an organization that consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment to customer service and satisfaction. The business owner understands the meaning of the phrase “the customer is always right” and empowers staff to provide solutions to problems and offers a consistent high level of service.
New this year us the Green Business of the Year award presented to Petra Graber owner of The Good Food Co. The Green Business of the Year award was sponsored by the Carleton Place Environmental Advisory Committee (CPEAC) to recognize and celebrate those businesses who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the environment. The award recognizes businesses overall commitment to the environment, actions, communication, adaptability to change and willingness to innovate. The Green Business Award supports businesses seeking to adopt and strengthen sustainable best practices, enhance their triple bottom line and celebrate success. Nominate a business that is working towards reducing waste, conserving resources, promoting a healthy workplace environment and community engagement.
The Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Moe Hajo of Lakeside Shawarma. This award was once again sponsored by Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation and is awarded to a business that has opened within the last 5 years. The award recipient must meet the following criteria: The ability to create a business concept and implement it effectively. LEADERSHIP: The focus and strength of character that enables the entrepreneur to move forward and inspire a team to do the same, despite skeptics and obstacles. ACHIEVEMENT: Driving business success by going beyond developing an idea and continually innovating in order to generate new ideas.SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Knowing that commitment and responsibility are not only confined to business and leveraging energies and resources to give back to the community.
Presented by Reve Richard Kidd on behalf of Valley Heartland.
The Business of the Year award was presented to the Real Wool Shop. This award is presented to a business that has been operating in Carleton Place and District for at least five years. The winner is viewed as a business leader in the community and has demonstrated excellence in business operations including financial management, environmental practices, customer service, and sales and marketing. The Business of the year has a strong track record of community involvement and support.
Presented by last year’s Business of the Year award winner Stonefields Estate.
The People’s Choice of the Year award is the only award that is voted on by the public and was presented to Carousel. This award is presented to a business that is seen as a leader in the community, is highly engaged and active. This business (and their staff) is engaged in volunteering, community events, and understands the concept of giving back to the community. This business delivers a high level of customer service, is an innovator in their field and has demonstrated overall excellence in business.
We congratulate our winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements in business this past year.