Albert County Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
by Amanda Rossiter
On May 14, 2022, for the first time since Covid started, the Albert County Chamber of Commerce was able to hold its 5th Annual Business Excellence Awards live and in person at the Broadleaf Ranch. It was an exceptional event to be invited to and take part in. The dining room was beautifully decorated, the Chamber of Commerce Directors were fabulous hosts, the food was exceptional.
The evening’s theme was The Albert County Transformation and highlighted the wonderful ways the Albert County businesses were able to work together and support each other over the last two years. The business owners have emerged on the other side of Covid stronger, determined and ready to move ahead towards the next opportunities that the change and challenge have brought them.
We were also treated to a photo and video presentation by local author, photographer and nature enthusiast, Kevin Snair. Kevin is a former Interpretive Guide and Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the Hopewell Rocks, who has recently accepted a position with Hurtigruten Expeditions travelling to Antarctica. His presentation showcased his most recent trip there and the amazing footage he was able to capture with his unique photography and videography skills.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Byron Gourley, the owner of the newly opening Gateway Market in Hillsborough. Gateway Market is a grocery store that serves and employs community members throughout the region of Albert County. He discussed economic development in New Brunswick and its effects on local commerce. In the months leading up to the Gateway Market opening, Byron has already become an excellent supporter of our community, as he has employed all local people from the community to conduct all of the renovation work on his building as well local people who will be working in the store once it opens.
Award recipients for the evening were as follows:
- Community Care & Service Award: won by Fundy Farms: Local Harvest
- Artistic Excellence Award: won by Chris Colepaugh / CCLC Productions
- Tourism Excellence Award: won by ABConnect Travel
- People’s Choice Award: won by Tosh Taylor & The Podcast Hub Emerging
- Business of the Year Award: won by RevelYOUTHsion Studios
- Non-Profit of the Year Award: Codiac Cycling Trails
Award recipients each received a beautiful glass statue created by Glass Roots Inc Canada. Many different businesses were acknowledged throughout the evening. If you think of a business that deserves to be nominated for one of these awards, then keep an ear out for next year’s nomination time in Spring 2023. Anyone can fill out the nomination forms for these awards. Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It was so very refreshing to be out for a live and in person event in our area again. We are grateful to have been invited to attend the evening’s event and are already looking forward to next year’s event.