The Carman business community is truly remarkable. The community including business owners, employees and friends came together in an amazing gathering last Thursday to celebrate the Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce annual awards.
Executive director Jodi Winkler extended her sincere gratitude to the evening sponsors, MMJS Law Office, Walinga Manufacturing and Bring N’Lock Storage, for their generous contributions towards both the event and the Chamber.
She also thanked Barb and her team at the Beautiful Bell Aura for hosting the evening.
“We had a packed house and the food and beverages were top notch,” said Winkler.
Winkler extends her gratitude to everyone who joined her in recognizing the nominees and winners.
Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg, brought greetings and words of encouragement to those attending.
Beukema Pneumatics were nominated and selected the 2023 New Business of the Year nominated and selected as this year’s award recipient.
The Beukemas, father and son entrepreneurs, are the proud owners of a small, yet thriving start-up company. Leveraging their expertise and knack for troubleshooting pneumatic systems, they have become the go-to manufacturer of Agricultural Pneumatic Equipment in the local area – with a special focus on top-quality pneumatic grain valves. They pride themselves on building custom products and also retrofitting products to help users in the field, and ensuring that local businesses and community members have a local option for their metal fabrication needs.
Nominees in this category included:
Gardiner Naturopathic Wellness Center and Carman Tim Hortons.
Carman Home Hardware was nominated and selected as Outstanding Member of the Year.
Carman Home Hardware’s commitment to outstanding customer service and their dedication to serving our community as a comprehensive hardware store have truly set them apart. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have made in our community.
“We applaud their exemplary service and the positive influence they’ve had on our community,” said Winkler.
Carman Home Hardware’s success is not only a win for their team but also a win for our entire community. The Chamber looks forward to seeing their continued growth and impact in the years to come.
Nominees in this category included:
Seahawk, Carman Blue Crescent Hotel, Kozak Plumbing and Heating, Lite Stop Foods, McGee’s, Ed’s Tire, Knockabouts, Peace Lily Therapeutics, Crazy Lady’s Cafeteria, Evensong Shoppe, O’Brien Built and TRS Truck Shop.
Congratulations to Edwin Pritchard who was selected as this year’s award recipient of the Community Builder Award.
“Edwin’s outstanding contributions to our community through his involvement with the Boyne River Keepers and Boy Scouts, along with his dedicated service as a board member of the Carman Dufferin Municipal Heritage Committee and the Dufferin Historical Museum, truly make him a remarkable individual” said Win kler. Pritchard has been responsible for maintaining the dock launch by the Tressel Bridge, installing the duck boxes along the river bank, and has constructed the kilometre markers along the Boyne River.
His passion for preserving our local heritage, nurturing our youth, and enhancing our natural environment is commendable. “Edwin’s unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant community is an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for his tireless efforts,” said Winkler. This well-deserved recognition reflects Pritchard’s dedication and the positive impact he has made in our community.
Nominations in this category included:
Troy O’Brien, Lou Labossiere, Carman Ford, Melissa Emerson-Froebe, Nicole Spencer, Edwin Pritchard, Trish Aubin and Chris Dick.
The Executive Board of Directors would like to recognize Marni Harrison of CIBC, as the 2023 Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce, Chamber member of the year.
Harrison is a commercial lender with CIBC and has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors for the past nine years.
Harrison joined as a director in 2014, took on the executive role of treasurer in 2018 and is now in her second term as president of our Chamber.
She has shown us the essence of leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm. Her passion for our organization is truly inspiring. She doesn’t just lead; she sets an example for us all.
“Marni is indeed the force behind our Chamber. Her vision and innovative ideas have redefined what it means to be a Chamber member,” said Winkler.
One of her visions became a reality last fall, as we hosted the EPIC Car-Wo-Man in Business Event at Ryall Park.
She has initiated an annual Career Fair at the Carman Collegiate, bridging gaps between our students and community. The growth she has cultivated within the Membership Committee is evident, as the Chamber continues to expand and flourish.
Winkler extended congratulations and thanked her on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.
“Thank you for your outstanding service and dedication to our Chamber. We are truly fortunate to have you as our Chamber President as we work to Build our Business Community. “
Standard Photos By Jodi Winkler
