The Business Achievement Awards honours businesses in the community for their outstanding accomplishments and contribution to Southern Georgian Bay. Here are this year’s recipients:
Collaborative Haus Marketing – Small Business Award
Wendy Mullin, Jason Wilson owner of Collaborative Haus, Kevin Cascagnette and Kathy Watson of Scotia Bank
Collaborative Haus Marketing started 11 years ago as a small home-based business and over the years, they have grown to incorporating the company, increasing their staff, rebranding the business, and relocating to a much larger, beautifully renovated office to be more accessible to their clients. Their steady growth of Gross Profit confirms their reputation as an effective marketing agency. By successfully hiring highly skilled employees has allowed them to reach out to clients as far as Toronto. They have a team of experts in all of their services, which allows them to say they are the “jack-of-all-trades” in this marketing world. The Co-founders of this business and their team are actively involved in the community by supporting various non-profit organizations.
Georgian Shores Dental Centre – Small Business Award
Dr. Raf Bartosiak owner of Georgian Shores Dental Centre, Kate Larmand of RBC and Amanda Bartosiak
Georgian Shores Dental Centre has been providing Southern Georgian Bay with high quality service and community support since it was established in 2007. Over the years, their staff has grown from 2 to 20 and has acquired two locations. They have plans to increase staff by another 4 employees. Dr.Raf Bartosiak and Amanda Bartosiak pride themselves on customer service, which is evident by their growing clientele and highly regarded reputation. They are also very well know for their on-going community support by donating supplies and products as well as their personal time.
Shirley’s Boutique – Small Business Award
Lisa Adams of National Bank and Shirley Cowdrey, owner of Shirley’s Boutique
Shirley took a leap forward by purchasing an existing business and turning it over to brand it personally. By learning the ins and outs of the retail fashion, she has successfully maintained loyal customers. She continues to provide quality fashions by Canadian made and designed products. Her friendly and warm customer service goes far beyond the experience of shopping locally. Customers are engaged through her social media. Most of you may have been introduced to Ethel, Lucy and Laverne, store mascots, as they add an element of fun with their antics while introducing products and specials. As a firm believer in collaborating with the community, Shirley has partnered with other organizations in providing products to women of all ages to enjoy. Her business creations will soon provide online shopping convenience for her customers.
North Simcoe Therapy Network – New Business Award
Sarah Durant, owner of North Simcoe Therapy Network and Richard O’Neill of BMO
Sarah started her business when she realized that she could accomplish much more in her line of expertise to helping people in the clinical world. Through her most authentic, caring guidance, and with everyone’s best interest at heart, she has helped hundreds of individuals find better pathways. The success of North Simcoe Therapy Network is not single handed, as Sarah has created a warm and inviting atmosphere for other clinicians to join her, which has created an enormous impact for their clients. Believing that everyone is someone, clients are treated with respect, dignity and care. Working together with her team and local professionals, North Simcoe Therapy Network has created an incredible community resource making Southern Georgian Bay a loving, caring community to live and grow.
Boys and Girls Clubs of North Simcoe – Community Support Award
Heather Purchon, Amanda Giles, Kelsie Maracle and Ashleigh Twitchin of Boys and Girls Clubs of North Simcoe
Over 14 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Simcoe has grown to serve over 300 children and youth in Southern Georgian Bay through affordable recreational programs and camps. The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Simcoe’s mission is “to provide a safe and supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.” By eliminating barriers, members are able to fully participate and develop the skills they will need to thrive as adults and give back to their community. The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Simcoe is truly deserving of this award as they, not only engage the community, but truly builds on Southern Georgian Bay as a good place to be!
Habitat for Humanity Midland ReStore – Community Support Award
Marg Hamelin manager of Habitat for Humanity Midland ReStore and Maureen Reid of Meridian Credit Union
Habitat for Humanity Midland ReStore provides an incredible level of service to Southern Georgian Bay as it both accepts new and used donations and sells these products to the public at a great discount. All money received goes directly back into the community to assist in home building projects and operations to assist local families for better living. With the assistance of volunteers, sales and recycling of products have made a positive impact to many lives in Southern Georgian Bay. Habitat for Humanity Midland ReStore has increased their presence with the recent move to their new location and is now strategically located to better serve the community. Engaging with local businesses has contributed to increase recognition and traffic to this organization.
King’s Wharf Theatre – Ambassador Award
David Connolly, artistic director at Drayton Entertainment and Marlene Thornbury of C.I.B.C.
For the past 20 years, King’s Wharf Theatre, an award-winning, registered not-for-profit charitable organization has been bringing the finest in professional entertainment to Southern Georgian Bay. King’s Wharf Theatre has an annual economic imapct to the community; the ability to attract and retain tourists; and engage volunteerism from both adults and youths. They complement the area’s touism with the ultimate visitor experience. As a result of carefully cultivated relationships, residents of Southern Georgian Bay have been able to participate in enhanced opportunities and theatrical involvement that are second-to-none.
North Simcoe Rotaract Club – President’s Award
Deanna Van Rooyen, Kevin Cascagnette, Jenna Reid, Julian Van Rijn, Rachel Gerow and Reggie Laurin of North Simcoe Rotaract Club.
The Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce would like to recognize this non-profit organization of young professionals who volunteer their time and energy to enhance our community. Together, they connect with students and other young professionals to encourage them to share their ideas with leaders in the community, and to develop leadership and professional skills. Through their volunteer initiatives, they have raised more than $100 000 for March Mudness, a fundraiser in support of Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation since its inaugural event in 2016. With the help of their support system, the club has grown tremendously over the past year and a half as they have been capable of developing a platform for young leaders who want to be involved in their community. They are the future of this community.