PORT AUX BASQUES, NL – The Port Aux Basques and Area Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual awards at a gala dinner held at St. Christopher’s Hotel on Oct. 19.
Fourteen businesses were nominated in one of four categories, and for the first time, voting was opened to chamber members instead of winners being chosen by the chamber committee.
Natashua Osmond, managing co-coordinator for the chamber, reported that almost 50 per cent of eligible businesses registered a vote and overall, voting was close in every category.
New Business Award – Body Releaf Holistic Massage Therapy
Body Releaf is owned and operated by massage therapist Kathy Carew, who trained in Ontario before launching her own therapy studio. Body Releaf offers a variety of personal care services and products related to massage and aromatherapy to promote emotional and physical well-being.
New Business Award (1-5 years) – OrganicTan & SunnaSmile Teeth Whitening
Cheryl Dingwell launched OrganicTan in May 2016 was so successful, she was recognized by the company as having the most production across Canada (100 locations) that year. This year she added a teeth-whitening service, which is proving to be just as popular. Making customers feel great about themselves is the reason Cheryl loves doing what she does.
Business Award (5-15 years) – Woodward Motors Ltd.
In 2010 Woodward Auto Group purchased Jeans Garage Ltd, a Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC dealership. Currently the group employs a staff of 20, and is a strong financial and participating supporter of socially responsible events within the region.
Lifetime Achievement Award (15+ years) – Rowe Brothers Flooring
Rowe Brothers Flooring was founded by David, Allan and Ken Rowe in 1979. David and Ken would move on to set up shop as Rowe Brothers in Corner Brook, while Allan stayed in Port aux Basques and operated as Custom Carpet Sales. When Allan was ready to retire, the location was once again in operation as Rowe Brothers Flooring.
The event opened with a three-course dinner and soft musical accompaniment by Barry Musseau on acoustic guitar. Guest speaker Keith Cormier, who is a Dale Carnegie Coach, drew plenty of laughs when he put chamber president Margie MacDonald through a memory test, and then shared a few solid business tips with the audience.
MacDonald later gave special thanks and a nod of recognition to Natashua Osmond for her tireless work on behalf of the chamber and small business community.
The Gulf News extends its congratulations to all of the winners and nominees.
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