Chamber honours businesses in style

Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce president Heather MacDonald addresses over 150 people during the organization's annual awards gala Friday. Over 60 Innisfil area businesses were represented at the gala. It was a time for celebrating the accomplishments of local businesses and organizations.

The Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards night gala at Georgian Downs Friday. Over 150 people representing about 60 businesses attended the gala, and were treated to musical entertainment, dinner, door prizes and eight community recognition awards, said chamber vice-president Heather Vandinten.

"We're recognizing local businesses, groups and individuals," she said. "We have everything from new business and entrepreneur awards to manufacturing and industrial. It covers all the things we're trying to do in Innisfil. A lot of people really work very hard to make a difference in the community and grow their businesses. It's nice to see that Innisfil is thriving, and business helps support that."

The chamber handed out awards to a variety of businesses and individuals. The inaugural GICC Presidents Award was given to Philip Shurety and Carolann Companion. The award acknowledges the efforts of groups and individuals who work towards the betterment of the GICC, said president Heather MacDonald.

Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce president Heather MacDonald, right, presents former president Carolann Companion with the inaugural GICC Presidents Award Friday. The award is given to groups and individuals who work towards the betterment of the chamber. "This is the bringing together of people, what a festive night," she said. "Our slogan is 'One voice for a prosperous Innisfil', and this is our way to bring that voice to everybody.

"The chamber is very fortunate to have the support of many volunteers, but there are also volunteers that go that extra mile. These people are important and do make a difference."

In other categories, Lefroy Harbour Resorts was named Business of the Year, Living Organized received the Entrepreneur of the Year, and Miller McGrath and Associates earned the New Business of the Year award.

Innisfil Denture earned the Retail Business Award, while Poraver North America received Manufacturing/Industrial Business honours.

Innisfil Denture Clinic owner Tarvo Puust was honoured his business was recognized. The clinic opened in 2005, and has since developed a large client base.

"I take great pride in our business," he said, looking across the gala stage at his wife Leila.

Cellar Wines earned the Service Business Award, while Pratt Homes earned Marketing and Promotions honours. Innisfil deputy mayor Gord Wauchope received the Community Award.

MacDonald says the evening is an opportunity to thank and recognize outstanding residents and businesses within the town.

"It's the perfect evening. Obviously, there's networking, but it's also a night to recognize businesses," she said. "You see people enjoying themselves and networking, that's what the chamber is all about; bringing businesses together. The nominations come from their peers, so they're very worthy nominations."