The winners of the 2019 Business Achievement Awards were announced at the Awards Gala held on Friday, March 6 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre.
Presented in partnership by the Town of Cobourg and the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce, these highly esteemed awards recognize outstanding success in nine nominated business categories, plus the Chamber Chair’s Award, the Cobourg Mayor’s Award and the James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award.
2019 Business Achievement Award Winners:
James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award: The James Crossen Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the business community.
Recipient Garry Liboiron is a strong community, local business supporter and active member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg. Garry’s values centre on contributing locally, giving back to his community, helping others and embracing his family business. Both he and wife Liz believe strongly in the motto “Givers, Gain”.
Business & Consumer Services Award: A multi-award winning groomer with several certifications, Grooming By Bri expanded their team in 2019, including the addition of an experienced groomer who is also a Veterinary Technician. This provides a broader spectrum of knowledge within the business, and builds upon the team’s national reputation – owner Bri was nominated for Canadian Groomer of the Year by her peers!
The Award was sponsored by Cobourg Auto Collision.
Communications & Technology Award: With a local business history of over 35 years, Classical 103.1 FM was Canada’s first commercial classical radio station, and has expanded to major markets, but maintains its local presence with special programming, arts and events, weather, sponsorships and, of course, advertising pertinent to Northumberland County and the surrounding region. The station has two Media Advisors serving the region, both of whom enjoyed record sales.
The Award was sponsored by Cameco.
Health & Wellness Award: Recognizing a brief window of opportunity in the local market, the owners of Bodilogix Fitness responded quickly and developed a plan to build the business and better serve the community. The gym was expanded by eleven hundred square feet, existing facilities were renovated, 2 full time staff and 8 group instructors were hired, in addition to new part time positions. The result of this bold business plan? A 100% increase in membership! The Award was sponsored by Stadtke Plumbing & Heating.
Hospitality & Tourism Award: After expanding the kitchen to more than double its size through renovations and new equipment, Craft Food House had its most successful year to date. One of the most popular lunch destinations in Cobourg, the restaurant continues to build its catering service and enjoys great success with their very popular themed Pop-Up Dinners. Always looking to be the innovators, they are rebuilding their website to include a new online ordering platform, and are currently developing an app to pre-order take-out meals. The Award was sponsored by Lakefront Utility Services Inc.
The Chamber Chair’s Award: The Chamber Chair’s Award was established to recognize a business, organization or individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chamber of Commerce and its mandate to support the local business community.
The Lions Club of Cobourg and the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce have worked in partnership for well over two decades, and this award represents the Chamber’s sincere gratitude and respect for this valued community partner.
Non-Profit Sector Award: Since 1976, The Northumberland Players have been bringing top quality theatrical productions to the community. In the 2018/19 season alone, over 13,000 people bought tickets to Northumberland Players productions. It takes thousands of volunteer hours both on and off the stage to deliver such a successful season, and this remarkable volunteer community theatre group show no signs of slowing down.
The Award was sponsored by Jacqueline Pennington – ReMax Hallmark First Group Realty.
The Mayor’s Award: A family-oriented business that has been innovating since its early beginnings in 1999, National Shunt Service has remained true to their core mission of being “dependable, trustworthy, and flexible while providing a cost-effective integrated system.” Their “hands-on” approach is consistently applied to everything they touch – whether they are volunteering with sport teams, supporting youth in the community or facilitating strategic moves for Fortune 500 retailers.
Manufacturing & Agribusiness Award: One component of a large building supply company, Kott Cobourg manufactures pre-fabricated wood roof trusses. In response to reduced regional demand, the company chose to make the investment and significantly expand its market area in 2019. As a direct result, there were no reductions to staff at the Cobourg facility, and an additional AZ driver was hired to service the expanded service area.
The Award was sponsored by Northumberland County.
New Start-Up of the Year Award: A community-based café, The Rustic Bean has made a significant investment in the downtown business district, partnering with many other businesses and organizations and actively participating in local events. They have added to their business with the introduction of a bespoke catering service, invested in a portable mobile coffee shop and, most recently, opened a complimentary sister business – the King Street Deli & Bar. The Award was sponsored by Century 21 All-Pro Realty (1993) Ltd.
Retail Trade Award: Recognizing that online shopping poses an increasingly significant threat to traditional retail businesses, Friendly Fires decided to be proactive and introduce their own online store. As a direct result, they have already shipped thousands of items worldwide and have customers in every Canadian province and territory as well as throughout the United States. Interestingly, the online store has helped with local sales as well, combining online convenience with local service. The Award was sponsored by TD.
Skilled Trades Award: In 2019, Stadtke Plumbing & Heating relocated to a larger facility and expanded their team by an astounding 90%, including the addition of licensed in-house ductwork services, licensed Heating and Air Conditioning technicians, a new plumbing apprentice, full time office staff and local students. The investment paid off with improved service response times, the creation of local jobs and businesses is even better than forecast! The Award was sponsored by eagle.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
