‘Truly tremendous’: Minto Chamber of Commerce hosts awards night
Individuals, businesses, Lions Club honoured at annual event
PALMERSTON – The Minto Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Recognition Awards last week, with seven community members taking home awards.
Chamber members, local politicians and members of the public joined at the Palmerston Legion on Feb. 12 to celebrate the winners. Awards include:
- Youth Entrepreneurship;
- Not-for-Profit excellence;
- Business Community Involvement;
- New Business of the Year;
- Customer Service Excellence;
- Above and Beyond; and
- Business of the Year.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Award was received by Caleigh Lubbers, who was recognized for her commitment in the Saugeen Connects Student Start Up Program. The program encourages students from Grades 6 to 12 to create their own business from the ground up during the summer.
“She attended all five of the training sessions, attended the Minto Farmers’ Market regularly and went out of town to other markets,” town director of economic and community development Belinda Wick-Graham told the room.
“It was really cool to see how she collaborated with other student businesses and was a real advocate and promoter for their business as well.”
Lubbers ran a business named Blooms and Kin with her grandmother, selling flower bouquets and homemade bead bracelets.
“It feels good to know that people appreciated my success,” Lubbers told the Advertiser. “I’m proud of myself for working hard and for all the people that helped me.”
She noted the program helped her learn how to run a business and included “very informational meetings.”
Running a business and being independent is an important skill for youth to learn, Lubbers added.
Asked if she will continue Blooms and Kin this year, she said, “We’re going to start planting in May and hopefully the flowers will be ready for June.”
The Palmerston Lions Club was recognized with the Not-for-Profit Award, sponsored by Domino’s Pizza in Harriston.
“We’re very excited about receiving this award,” said Ron Elliott, one of many Lions Club members in attendance.
“It’s a really busy Lions group ... every weekend in the summer we’re out doing something to try and support our community wherever people need help.”
Elliott thanked club secretary Dave Wilson for all his hard work.
“The Lions club has been in Palmerston for 87 years,” Wilson told the Advertiser.
“This is recognition of all the things the club’s done over the years.”
Wilson himself has been a Lion for over 40 years.
“The community you live in is your home so everybody should do their part to make their community better,” he said.
The Palmerston Lions have raised money to support youth sports teams, school programs and local food banks.
“Wherever somebody needs us, we’re here to help,” Wilson said.
He thanked the chamber for the recognition stating it “does a great job with their businesses and promoting the talent ... that’s all part of serving the community.”
Other winners at the chamber of commerce’s Business Recognition Awards event included:
- Dulce Heaven Café and Cones, New Business of the Year;
- McDonald Chiropractic, Business Community Involvement;
- Palmerston Home Hardware, Above and Beyond;
- May’s Café, Customer Service Excellence; and
- Harry Stones Social House, Business of the Year.
A heartfelt speech was made by Mabel Amapali, owner of May’s Café.
“I never thought that people can open their arms the way this town did,” she said. “Coming from a city to a small town you don’t know what to expect, but to see and to experience what I did in this town is truly tremendous.”
She added the town’s motto – “You belong here” – is true, as “I felt that and I’m grateful.”
The chamber also honoured Grant’s Service Centre for its 20th anniversary, Evergreen Variety for its 26th anniversary, and Ab Dobson Sales Ltd. and Davies Antiques for their 50th anniversaries.
