Cornwall, Ontario – The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce held it’s 29th Annual Business Excellence Awards Banquet and 45th Citizen of the Year yesterday, Saturday, February 25th at the NAV Centre.

The theme of this year’s event was “Phantom of the Opera” and the evening began with entertainment in that theme.

As always guests and winners were treated to a beautiful meal by the wonderful Chef and his team at NAV Centre.

MCs were Bill Hallman and Dan Allaire who entertained their audience as they always do.

The winners (seven business award categories along with the Ambassador, Breakthrough and Citizen of the Year awards) were announced as follows:

Entrepreneur of the Year Award (sponsored by the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre)  went to Kings and Little Ones: Josh Casselman, Owner
Team Cornwall Ambassador Award (sponsored by Team Cornwall) went to Lars Ove-Harraldson
Above and Beyond Award (sponsored by Re/max) went to  NAV Centre: Kim Coe-Turner, General Manager
Small Business of the Year Award (sponsored by TD Canada Trust) went to Rurban Brewery: Andy and Karen Rorabeck
Business of the Year Award (sponsored by McDougall Hunt Insurance) went to Laminacorr: Guy Robichaud, President
Tourism Excellence Award (sponsored by the City of Cornwall) went to Apples and Art Studio Tour
Economic Impact Award (sponsored by Cornwall Economic Development) went to Morbern Industries: Jacques St. Denis, President
Breakthrough Award (sponsored by the Cornwall Chamber) went to Shorty Jenkins Classic Curling Competition
Lifetime Business Achievement Award (sponsored by Desjardins) went to Tom and Bill Kaneb

and the Citizen of the Year – was presented to Dr. Rachel Navaneelan, a wonderful choice to a lady who gives so much both locally and internationally to children in need.

City Councillor Bernadette Clement, who was one of the many members from the City attending the event, had this to say about the evening. “I was indeed at the Business Excellence Awards night at the NAV Centre. It was, as always, a great night for our community. The celebration reminds us that the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and well in Cornwall! There are big companies that are thriving, even in the manufacturing sector, and there are small businesses that are fuelled by passion and devotion to the community. Almost every recipient thanked their families, their staff and the people of Cornwall and area. That part is always heartwarming! And the big and final award of the night served to remind us that success in business can lead to great support for social and community development causes, locally and globally: congratulations and thanks to Dr. Rachel Navaneelan!

The Seeker would like to congratulate all the winners and kudos to the Cornwall Chamber for putting on such a wonderful annual event!