"The Chamber received more than 40 nominations for the seven awards that will be presented during Small Business Week,” said Chamber President Andrew Lake. “The quality of the applications was impressive, representing a broad sector, further highlighting the strength and diversity of business in Colchester.”
The award recipients of 2016 are:
• New Small Business of the Year, Tatamagouche Brewing Company;
• Small Business Achievement, Fundy Appliance Service;
• Small Business Innovator of the Year, TruLeaf;
• Exporter of the Year, North River Fish Farms;
• Excellence in Community Development, Mitch Cooke, organizer of the Rockstar Energy Motocross Nationals in Pleasant Valley.
And new categories this year:
• Business Growth, Century Honda;
• Agriculture/Agri-Small Business, That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm.
The seven awards are sponsored by Community Credit Union, PWC, RBC, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Town of Truro, BDC and WBLI Chartered Accountants, respectively.
Recipients will be honoured at this year’s Small Business Week annual luncheon, Wednesday, Oct. 19 at noon at the Holiday Inn and Conference Centre. All nominees will receive recognition for their contributions to the local economy during the luncheon.
Guest speaker is Rodney Small, business development manager with Halifax-based Common Good Solutions. A resident of Halifax, Small has been an active volunteer in his community and is a graduate of Dalhousie’s bachelor of management program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. He is a highly motivated leader with a passion for entrepreneurship, community and people development.
To reserve seats for the luncheon, contact the Chamber of Commerce office by calling 902-895-6328 or email [email protected]. Seats cost $25 for chamber members and $35 for future members (plus tax).
The Chamber will kick off a week of Small Business Week activities with a Women in Business Breakfast on Monday, Oct. 17.
On Tuesday, the Chamber will host a panel discussion featuring views from local entrepreneurs, Mitch Cooke, HAF Skate and Tattoo; Sharon Corcoran, REMAX Fairlane Realty; and Connie Baird, Party Time Rentals, moderated by Peter Theissen of P.T. Property.
The discussion will be held at noon at the Marigold as part of an Entrepreneur’s Expo event.