A Message from Our President
Our annual Business Achievement Awards offer well-deserved recognition to North Simcoe businesses for their successes and contribution to our community. We are thrilled to celebrate our businesses and to showcase the people behind the business, their entrepreneurial spirit, their unique stories, and their achievements.
Our Chamber President, Peter Kostiw, extends our sincere congratulations!
Black Light Investigative Services – Small Business Award
Presented to a business that has experienced outstanding achievement in growth in sales, innovation, excellence in leadership, increased productivity, and employment creation, and has had a positive impact on the community through good business citizenship.
“We stand out from other competitors because we offer programs for security guards and private investigations and we give them the tools they need and we also offer reasonable pricing for our community. We strived and survived COVID-19, and assisted the community with vaccinations, mask mandates, and other regulations, etc. that helped our community to keep everyone safe during COVID-19”
Boys and Girls Club North Simcoe – Medium Business Award
Presented to a business that has experienced outstanding achievement in growth in sales, innovation, excellence in leadership, increased productivity, and employment creation, and has had a positive impact on the community through good business citizenship.
“BGC North Simcoe just celebrated its 17th anniversary in March 2022. We have grown over the years from a membership of 60 children/youth to an active membership of over 300 children and youth. During the pandemic, we found ways to provide recreational programming through virtual platforms as well as began providing food security to families. Currently, we feed over 100 individuals per week through our Project Backpack program. The club has become more than just an after-school program and continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs in North Simcoe.”
Midland Home Hardware Design Centre – Large Business Award
Presented to a business that has experienced outstanding achievement in growth in sales, innovation, excellence in leadership, increased productivity, and employment creation, and has had a positive impact on the community through good business citizenship.
“MHHBC offers a wide range of products including concrete, paint, lumber, drywall, hardware, general merchandise, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, insulation, and doors. MHHBC continues to thrive and serve the local community with all of its building needs supply. Friendly, small-town service from a knowledgeable staff is a key factor to MHHBC continued success. Reliable and professional delivery, efficient/organized and well-stocked lumber yard, home installations, complete home packages, in-home design consulting, and special order experts are just a few of the qualities to be commended in MHHBC customer service. Kevin leads by example. His ‘open door’ policy is reflected in the personal one on one service of his Team. Being part of the Home Hardware family allows the sale of a large variety of products and competitive pricing.”
Farm2Door – New Business Award
Presented to a business established within the last seven years that has demonstrated growth and success through profit in sales, employment creation, and acceptance in the local economy. The business will have helped attract positive interest and attention to Southern Georgian Bay.
“Farm2Door is a truly local food hub, carrying produce and food products from over 100 local suppliers. The majority of the suppliers are located within Simcoe County and 90% are sourced from within a 100-mile radius. Farm2Door started as a quest to reconnect with local food buyers. Farm2Door was founded on the idea of making local food more accessible and available. Through the Farm2Door website and the local food store on Balm Beach Road, local food is available 24/7 all year long.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters North Simcoe – Community Support/Spirit Award
Presented to a business or charitable organization that provides support and who creates long-lasting community change, meeting the emerging needs of our diverse community. The business/charitable organization will have helped attract positive interest and attention to Southern Georgian Bay.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 2 years, we are most proud that we continued to offer our programs without a pause. Our small team with the support of the board got creative and offered 11 virtual fundraisers, recruited more mentors, and offered a hybrid version of programs online and in person. This opportunity taught us that we need to remain innovative for our youth and ensure we are there to support them on an ongoing basis. We became more engaged in learning and interacting with our LGTBQ+ and Indigenous youth and community partners to ensure we are a safe and accessible resource for all youth that need our services.”
Windlee Farms – Agriculture Award
Presented to an agri-food business, individual, or organization that has raised the bar for agri-food excellence, or advanced technological innovation. The business will have helped attract positive interest and attention to Southern Georgian Bay.
“Our focus on experiential agriculture & tourism makes us unique in Simcoe County. Our maple operation has partnered with charities and local businesses and the Township of Tiny, providing opportunities to fundraise, educate & showcase what we have to offer at Windlee Farms. For the past 8 years, we have hosted Maple Weekend bringing in 3000 people, and Fall in Love with Maple 2021 hosted 700 people during COVID-19, the Tiny Township Farm Crawl for the past 7 years, each showcasing Windlee Farms, our community, and our passion to make exceptional Maple Syrup.”
Aimée Rochefort – Outstanding Employee Award
Presented to an individual who consistently goes above and beyond by providing exceptional customer service and contributing to a healthy work environment. This individual should be an exemplary employee and have a consistent positive influence in your workplace in Southern Georgian Bay.
“Aimée Rochefort is an educator working at Le Cle in the Early Years program since 2018. During the last 2 years of the pandemic, Aimée has demonstrated outstanding capabilities to adapt our in-person programming to the virtual world. Not only did this enable Aimée to continue to connect with parents to manage the stresses surrounding the pandemic, but it also gave children the chance to continue to play, learn and develop. Aimée organized many outdoor activities to resume face-to-face connections in a safe and secure way, ensuring that families in the community were comfortable resuming in-person activities. Whether it be strawberry picking, a walk at the Wye Marsh, or a hike at the scenic caves, Aimée not only supported families in reconnecting but also supported local businesses. These imaginative, creative, and fun activities are just a few examples of Aimée’s dedication to the community, the children, and families. She never stops!”
Grounded Coffee – Outstanding Employer Award
Presented to a business that goes above and beyond for their employees and provides the best overall place to work. It places high levels of importance on a positive culture and a happy and healthy work environment for its staff. The company values employee development and retention on the same level that they value productivity and business growth in Southern Georgian Bay.
“The real reason for Grounded’s success is Nicole’s vision. The way she treats staff, the way she gives to the community, and through the chefs, baristas, and coffee roasters who wake up ready to serve Midland with a smile”