The judges of the Clinton and Central Huron BIA Business and Community Excellence Awards created an award of their own, unveiled at last night’s ceremony. The Outstanding BIA Champion Award went to Jeff Roy, of P.A. Roy Insurance.
HEATHER BOA Bullet News CENTRAL HURON – Businesses, service clubs and individuals who have contributed to a vibrant community were honoured in the first-ever Clinton and Central Huron BIA Business and Community Excellence Awards on Saturday night.
“As judges, oh man, we had a very difficult chore. Every applicant is so worthy of recognition. Decisions were difficult. What an awesome problem we had,” Jane Muegge told an audience of more than 180 people at the Central Huron Community Complex. The adviser for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, along with Burk Metzger, a Central Huron councillor, and Mike Pullen, Huron County’s senior economic development officer, reviewed 32 nominations for five awards.
In a surprise move, Pullen announced the judges had created a new award category, Outstanding BIA Champion Award, in recognition of an individual whose name appeared in almost every category as nominee.
He said Jeff Roy, of P.A. Roy Insurance and board chair of Clinton and Central Huron BIA “has continually gone above the call of duty as a BIA member and community champion. Their commitment and leadership style has contributed significantly in re-energizing the BIA enough to get it from where it was two or three years ago to celebrating a series of successful initiatives, charting exciting new directions and planning for a great future.”
Roy expressed his surprise as he accepted the award.
“I didn’t even know there was a category like this. I’m just kind of in awe,” he said, using his time at the lectern to congratulate the evening’s award nominees and winners. “I didn’t have a speech prepared so I’m kind of caught flat-footed on this.”
The following is the list of other winners:
- Healthy Community, which is dedicated to a community member, community organization or business that goes the extra mile to get involved in programs, activities or business that makes the Municipality of Central Huron a healthier, more active, environmentally friendly community to live, work and play: Clinton Kinsmen;
- Retail, Trade and Professional is to reward the efforts and successes of a business operating as a retail merchant, trade or professional designation that requires a certification: Moore’s Foodland;
- Lifetime Achievement will be given to a business owner who has operated their business more than 15 years within the Municipality of Central Huron with exceptional operational success, providing leadership, mentorship and motivation to other entrepreneurs in this community: Bill Fleming (posthumously);
- Citizen of the Year goes to an employee and/or community member who goes beyond their usual role, who is community-minded, and known for their support, commitment and dedication to making Central Huron a more vibrant, prosperous and welcoming community: Steve Campbell;
- Business of the Year recognizes a Central Huron business that demonstrates excellence in a number of areas, including particular skill in taking their business forward and support of the local community while demonstrating economic sustainability: Lavis Construction Co. Ltd., who were unable to attend the ceremony.
In an email to the BIA today, Gord Lavis of Lavis Contracting, wrote, “It is certainly an honour and a privilege to have been chosen winner in the Business of the Year category and we sincerely thank anyone who nominated us for this prestigious award and to the judges who made the hard decision selecting us amongst all worthy-to-win nominees.”
“While we were unable to attend the ceremony, it does not make us any less appreciative of this special recognition,” he said.
Earlier this year, Lavis Contracting, with 200 employees and nearly 75 years of operating as a family-run company, became part of Miller Group.
In 2009, the Clinton BIA operated on a budget of about $30-$40,000. Then in 2011, it undertook a plan for Business Retention and Improvement, interviewing more than 50 businesses over a four-month period. It hired Genny Smith, who took the lead on a number of projects as the BIA’s community improvement co-ordinator.
“Every community needs a Genny. She’s done a phenomenal job. She’s been the difference-maker,” Roy said.
BIA has gained a presence on Facebook and Twitter, created a 5-km and 10-km walking trail in Clinton, landed a spot on the London Free Press’ Shunpiker Tour, which brought thousands of daytrippers to the area, organized Summerdaze promotion, and expanded to become the Clinton and Central Huron BIA, operating on a $90,000 budget. One-third of its budget is contributed by the Municipality of Central Huron.
One Comment on "Premiere awards night celebrates business, community in Central Huron"
Congratulations to all the well deserving award recipients. Way to go Steve! Great job Genny, another successful Central Huron event!