Chamber president Glen Hall is looking for a few good people – specifically those who have spent their lives making Minto a better place to live.
On March 22, Hall told councillors “the Minto Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the creation of a new award as part of its business achievement awards.”
He said a new award will be presented on May 12, at Pike Lake Golf Course Restaurant.”
The Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the Minto community.
“This award will be given out as warranted annually by the Minto Chamber of Commerce. Unlike the other awards … this event will not be open to public nominations, although suggestions are always welcome.”
A committee of directors of the chamber will select the winner.
The event features awards for the following categories:
– outstanding organization;
– employer excellence;
– business community involvement; and,
– business innovation.
The nomination deadline is April 22 and forms are available at www.mintochamber.on.ca.
Tickets are $35 and available by the chamber office at 1-519-327-9619 or via the chamber’s website. Doors open with a reception at 6pm, with dinner at 6:30pm.
Mayor George Bridge noted that Hall always comes with plans.
“And hopefully impeccable implementation,” quipped Hall.
He said the board of directors is now comprised of 15 to 16 people representing more than 135 members. The chamber is also open to non-profit groups as well within Minto.
“We believe non-profits working with for-profit businesses really makes a complete business community and a community as a whole.”
Including the non-profit contingent, Hall estimated the Minto chamber membership tops 200, “and growing. We’re doing a lot of important things, in our own minds anyway. We’re getting the word out with all the programs we’re running. The latest program we have going is related to our business achievement awards.
He said, “We’re looking for suggestion,” but the committee has already has discussions feels it probably has enough for the next 10 to 15 years.
“But any suggestion is always welcome,” Hall added.
He said if the board decides there is no individual who meets the criteria in a given year, there is no obligation to made a presentation.
“It may not happen every single year. It doesn’t have to be a business; it could be an organization or and individual.”
He extended invitation for people to attend the awards event on May 12. “It’s always a fantastic evening.”
He said the event started a few years ago as a result of the organization’s 10th anniversary, where it gave out its first outstanding organization award to the three local food banks.
He said that last year the additional awards were added.
“We’re looking forward to the chance to recognize the business community as a whole,” he added.
Bridge said the awards themselves are rather amazing.
Hall said the awards were created by Mike Shannon a local blacksmith and artist, Bevelled Edge, near Drew.
“Last year, he created amazing awards for us. He’s warming up the forge to create a new for the lifetime achievement award.”
