The Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce has handed out their 2021 Business and Community Excellence Awards.
Harry Courtis was named as the Chip Gordon Citizen of the Year Award winner.
“Harry Courtis is a very involved community member, having been a Kinsmen for more than 15 years and a coach with the Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association for over 12 years,” Chamber officials posted on social media.
“Harry is creator and chairperson of the WAMBO about town tractor shuttle, as well as the Remembrance Day veterans’ shuttle from WDSS to the cenotaph. He has been a member of the Sydenham Community Curling Club for more than 30 years and immediate past president, and he was also a Sunday School teacher.”
Wallaceburg Jersey Dairy Ltd. was named as the Business of the Year Award winner.
The business is a dairy distribution centre, which has been operating since 1946 and is currently owned by Jeff and Stacey Rosseel.
“Jersey Dairy has a small staff of 14 employees, which they consider to be a workplace family, and they pride themselves on delivering their dairy products with exceptional customer service,” Chamber officials say.
Linda Nethery captured the Wallaceburg BIA Award.
Chamber officials say back in 2020, Nethery started a horticulture program at Wallaceburg District Secondary School, where she teaches.
“The goals behind the horticulture program were to teach hands-on horticultural skills, the significance of environmental stewardship and sustainability, the importance of nutrition and local food sources and how to build connections in the community,” Chamber officials say.
“The program quickly grew from one to four classes, and continues with a special focus on building partnerships within our community.”
Barbara McCaughrin was named as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner.
McCaughrin is a licensed Real Estate Broker with Riversite Realty and the founder of the upcoming Wallaceburg Women’s Networking Group.
The Popcorn Barn captured the Community Inclusion Award.
The company, owned and operated by Debots Farms, produces unique “on the cob” popping corn that is enjoyed from coast to coast.
“Earlier this year The Popcorn Barn team partnered with Community Living Wallaceburg to hand harvest and process 10 acres of popcorn, reminding them all of the importance of teamwork and this employment program,” Chamber officials say.
Chris Taylor won the Volunteer of the Year Award.
Taylor has volunteered for 12 years at YourTV, 10 years at 99.1 CKXS and eight years at Community Living.
Shelby Pearce was selected as the Young Professional Award winner.
“Born in Wallaceburg, Shelby Pearce has become an experienced marketing director, feminist, optimist, and she is the founder and owner of Lunar & Co.- a design and marketing company that is helping put local businesses on the map,” Chamber officials say.
“Shelby is a creative leader and brings a growth mindset to her work using photography, web design, social media content and marketing strategies to help organizations grow in fast moving industries. Lunar & Co. has a special focus on women-led businesses and supporting their success in Chatham-Kent and beyond.”
The Wallaceburg Wellness Centre captured the Technology Award.
“Cathy Cogghe is the owner and operator of the Wallaceburg Wellness Centre, a business hub which aims to fully support ‘self employed business professionals’ and encourage wellness professionals to choose Wallaceburg as a place where their business can thrive,” Chamber officials say.
“The Wallaceburg Wellness Centre offers web-based business systems, customized online customer booking applications, website landing pages and social media integration for business tenants. Cathy and her business shifted directions at the start of the pandemic, and helped fitness and yoga instructors take their classes online to continue to serve our community.”
Wallaceburg Bookbinging won this year’s Industrial Achievement Award.
Established for over 50 years, the businessprovides service to schools, authors, students, libraries, printshops, hospitals and government.
“Over the past 20 years Wallaceburg Bookbinding has employed upwards of 225 students, and remains committed to the environment through renewable, sustainable materials and recycling,” Chamber officials say, adding they are an advocate for literacy and believes that books still have a place in this digital world.
Pretty Road Co. Farm Store captured the Agricultural Award.
“Owners Ryan and Sandy Duffy have been selling farm raised meats in our community for almost 18 years, and when COVID hit they adapted their business and started an on-farm store which quickly transitioned to online orders and deliveries in Lambton and Chatham-Kent,” Chamber officials added.
The award winners were announced on the radio throughout the week.
