Judging from the number of nominations submitted and the way tickets have been selling, the chamber’s 2015 awards program is shaping up to be a successful one, says one of the organizers.
Linda Cain, co-chair of the chamber’s business awards committee, tips her cap to all award nominees and says the annual awards are a great way to highlight some of the people having a positive impact on the local business scene.
“It really showcases the entrepreneurs that we have in this area and the things they do that make them unique to us,” she said.
Again this year, awards will be presented in various categories, including small, medium and large business of the year. There is an award for customer service and another recognizing a business’s community impact. Categories also include rising star and export achievement. There is an award focusing on the hospitality/tourism sector.
All told, nearly 60 nominations were submitted for this year’s awards, including 10 for a new award: employee of the year.
“There’s a lot of talk about the new category,” Cain said. “We all have outstanding people that work for us and they need to be recognized as well.”
Aside from the employee-of-the-year award, another new element for the awards this year is the time and format of the presentation ceremony. Rather than having a meal, organizers have decided to go with a cocktail reception that is scheduled to go from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Phil Mooney will be the event’s MC.
The chamber realizes people tend to be pretty busy these days, Cain said, so many of them likely will appreciate the new format and time slot.
The chamber will hear what people have to say about the changes and take this under advisement for next year, she said.
For now, though, the focus is on 2015, the 10th year for the chamber’s business awards. Tickets are $25 and available from the chamber (902-742-3074).
The nominees in the new Employee of the Year Category are:
GLORIA BANKS: Business Advisor, Grant Thornton
“Gloria’s clients include owner-managed businesses, public companies, healthcare, aboriginal groups, and nor-for-profit organizations. She also volunteers in many community organizations.”
GEORGE BOUDREAU: Armour Transport
“George is an exceptional employee who went above and beyond to ensure a critical delivery when the manufacturer was running behind. His efforts made sure our client was satisfied.”
LARRY BURKE: D. K. Muise Motors
“Larry, an employee for 49 years, always comes out with a smile, excellent service and a treat for the dogs. He’s a volunteer for many organizations and rescues homeless cats.”
ANGELA COLLIER: Director, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Western Branch
“Angela takes great pride in her work and demonstrates a real passion for her job, by promoting the gallery and its programs to all walks of life, including a school program for gallery visits.”
GINA MUISE: West Nova Inclusive Employment Society
“Gina always strives to work towards our mission by working with the community to create innovative approaches for persons with disabilities to become gainfully employed.”
TODD MUISE: Supervisor, Yarmouth Terminal for Nova Star Cruises
“Todd’s passion for his job shows in everything he does — training staff, loading luggage, unloading deliveries, filling out paperwork or just saying good morning to passengers and crew.”
LOUELLA NESTOR: Front End Manager, Sobey’s
Louella is always passionate about her customers and it’s not uncommon to get a note or call from a customer, highlighting the great experience they had when dealing with her.”
MICHAEL (MIKE) RANDALL: Agent, The Real Estate Store
“Mike is number one in his field and has been for the last four years. He takes upgrading courses on his own time, striving to be the most professional salesperson he can be.
RANDY SMITH: Shoppers Drug Mart
“He greets everyone with enthusiasm and usually knows your name. Randy loves his job so much he donates his vacation pay to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation and works year round.”
CHRISTA SPINNEY: Office Manager, Wheelans White Chartered Accountants
“Christa is the glue that binds us together. A fantastic multi-tasker, she makes sure the office runs smoothly, but is never too busy to help others and always has a smile on her face.”
KEITH STODDARD: Pleasant Supplies
“Keith goes above and beyond to serve customers, cheerfully helping to solve problems and negotiating with suppliers to get the required results.”
ROBERT (BOB) THIB0DEAU: Rolex Trucking
“Bob began work at 16 and now, at 77, says he will continue to deliver parcels and serve the community until he is unable because of health or they send him home.”
Judging from the number of nominations submitted and the way tickets have been selling, the chamber’s 2015 awards program is shaping up to be a successful one, says one of the organizers.
Linda Cain, co-chair of the chamber’s business awards committee, tips her cap to all award nominees and says the annual awards are a great way to highlight some of the people having a positive impact on the local business scene.
“It really showcases the entrepreneurs that we have in this area and the things they do that make them unique to us,” she said.
Again this year, awards will be presented in various categories, including small, medium and large business of the year. There is an award for customer service and another recognizing a business’s community impact. Categories also include rising star and export achievement. There is an award focusing on the hospitality/tourism sector.
All told, nearly 60 nominations were submitted for this year’s awards, including 10 for a new award: employee of the year.
“There’s a lot of talk about the new category,” Cain said. “We all have outstanding people that work for us and they need to be recognized as well.”
Aside from the employee-of-the-year award, another new element for the awards this year is the time and format of the presentation ceremony. Rather than having a meal, organizers have decided to go with a cocktail reception that is scheduled to go from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Phil Mooney will be the event’s MC.
The chamber realizes people tend to be pretty busy these days, Cain said, so many of them likely will appreciate the new format and time slot.
The chamber will hear what people have to say about the changes and take this under advisement for next year, she said.
For now, though, the focus is on 2015, the 10th year for the chamber’s business awards. Tickets are $25 and available from the chamber (902-742-3074).
The nominees in the new Employee of the Year Category are:
GLORIA BANKS: Business Advisor, Grant Thornton
“Gloria’s clients include owner-managed businesses, public companies, healthcare, aboriginal groups, and nor-for-profit organizations. She also volunteers in many community organizations.”
GEORGE BOUDREAU: Armour Transport
“George is an exceptional employee who went above and beyond to ensure a critical delivery when the manufacturer was running behind. His efforts made sure our client was satisfied.”
LARRY BURKE: D. K. Muise Motors
“Larry, an employee for 49 years, always comes out with a smile, excellent service and a treat for the dogs. He’s a volunteer for many organizations and rescues homeless cats.”
ANGELA COLLIER: Director, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Western Branch
“Angela takes great pride in her work and demonstrates a real passion for her job, by promoting the gallery and its programs to all walks of life, including a school program for gallery visits.”
GINA MUISE: West Nova Inclusive Employment Society
“Gina always strives to work towards our mission by working with the community to create innovative approaches for persons with disabilities to become gainfully employed.”
TODD MUISE: Supervisor, Yarmouth Terminal for Nova Star Cruises
“Todd’s passion for his job shows in everything he does — training staff, loading luggage, unloading deliveries, filling out paperwork or just saying good morning to passengers and crew.”
LOUELLA NESTOR: Front End Manager, Sobey’s
Louella is always passionate about her customers and it’s not uncommon to get a note or call from a customer, highlighting the great experience they had when dealing with her.”
MICHAEL (MIKE) RANDALL: Agent, The Real Estate Store
“Mike is number one in his field and has been for the last four years. He takes upgrading courses on his own time, striving to be the most professional salesperson he can be.
RANDY SMITH: Shoppers Drug Mart
“He greets everyone with enthusiasm and usually knows your name. Randy loves his job so much he donates his vacation pay to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation and works year round.”
CHRISTA SPINNEY: Office Manager, Wheelans White Chartered Accountants
“Christa is the glue that binds us together. A fantastic multi-tasker, she makes sure the office runs smoothly, but is never too busy to help others and always has a smile on her face.”
KEITH STODDARD: Pleasant Supplies
“Keith goes above and beyond to serve customers, cheerfully helping to solve problems and negotiating with suppliers to get the required results.”
ROBERT (BOB) THIB0DEAU: Rolex Trucking
“Bob began work at 16 and now, at 77, says he will continue to deliver parcels and serve the community until he is unable because of health or they send him home.”
