TRURO - Amanda Grant threw her hands in the air, did a little dance and couldn't stop smiling all last night.
Grant didn't win the lottery but there was another prize that meant a lot to her and staff at Bella Sante Holistic Health Centre and Spa. It was one of 26 businesses that won a Best of Colchester award, which was handed out at the Best Western Glengarry. The business won the day spa/tanning salon category.
"I'm so excited ... we are so proud of our team and I'm surprised we won because it was the first time being nominated," said Grant, a registered massage therapist at Bella Santa, shortly after receiving the award at the ceremony in which about 350 people attended.
The Prince Street business has been in Truro for seven years and has a dozen staff members. Esthetician Michelle Webb said the award means a lot in a small community.
"To have recognition in the community it's fabulous because sometimes people don't know how great (local businesses) are," said Webb.
Another winner was Berry's Furniture Plus, which took home the home décor/furniture category. The Robie Street business has been in Truro for more than 50 years and staffs 10 people.
Berry's sales representative Becky Brown said it was the second year in a row the business received a Best of Colchester award.
"It's really nice to have it two years in a row ... maybe because we have what customers need so they don't have to go outside the local community," said Brown.
She said it's also a great idea to bring local businesses together for a positive event.
"It's nice to have the businesses together ... and it's a reminder of what we do have in Truro. I think people are ready for something new and it's great to keep what works and to listen to customers' needs and wants."
One of the unique award categories was best law firm, which was won by Burchell MacDougall. The law firm, on Prince Street, has been in Truro since the late 1940s and has about 25 staff members in its Truro office.
Vernon Hearn, managing partner in Truro, was pleased Burchell MacDougall received the honour. It was the second time in three years it won the award.
"It's great. It's nice to get but I'm also proud of other winners, especially newer businesses."
All winners were chosen by online votes during two weeks of voting in May and the event was presented by the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce.
The following are winners of this year’s Best of Colchester awards:
Automotive service centre - Moore’s Service Centre
Bed and breakfast - Belgravia Bed & Breakfast
Car dealership - Zack’s Auto Sales
Clothing store - Elegant Steps
Coffee shop/café - Clay Café Truro
Computer Sales / service / repair / training - G&G Computers
Customer Service - Clay Café Truro
Day spa/tanning salon - Bella Santé Holistic Health Centre and Spa
Department store - Walmart
Dining/restaurant/pub - Frank & Gino’s
Fast food - Wendy’s
Financial services - RBC Truro
Grocery store - Sobey’s, Prince Street
Hair salon/barber - Head Experts Salon and Barber Shop
Health centre - MacKinnon Fitness/Breathing Space Yoga Studio
Home décor/furniture - Berry’s Furniture Plus
Home-based business - Darcy MacCallum Photography
Hotel/motel/inn - Best Western Glengarry Plus
Jewellery store - Inglis Jewellers
Law firm - Burchell MacDougall
Non-profit organization - Colchester Christian Academy
Pet Care/groomers/vet/supplier - Central Nova Animal Hospital
Pharmacy - MacQuarries Pharmasave, Esplanade
Real estate services - Royal LePage Truro
Wireless communications provider - AML/Rogers
Most votes overall - Inglis Jewellers
