The Morden Chamber of Commerce honoured a number of local individuals, businesses, and organizations at its annual awards gala last Thursday.
Pharmasave received the Business Excellence Award, beating out fellow nominees Krahn Friesen Neufeld CPAs and Eagleye Printing and Design.
“We are honoured and grateful,” said Charlene Friesen in accepting the award for Pharmasave. She praised all of their workers “for their energy and commitment in fostering a caring, respectful customer first environment, and I am proud to be part of this team.
“We are extremely fortunate to have two caring, passionate, and dedicated pharmacists,” Friesen added. “We are especially grateful and truly thank our customers for their commitment and unwavering support.”
Friesen concluded by congratulating the other nominees and award recipients as well.
“You all play a role in making this a great community.”
As was announced prior to the ceremony, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award went jointly to Bevan and Sandra Wiebe, while the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Morden Nurseries and Garden Centre. In addition, there were three Community Builder Awards. In the business category, the honour went to Gardenland Co-op, while the non-profit was Regional Connections and the individual recipient was Shannon Samatte-Folkett, executive director of the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation.
The Wiebes both said they were honoured to receive this recognition as entrepreneurs.
“For the past 40 years … we have been fortunate to call Morden our home. Throughout the years, we have worked to restore numerous century homes and business locations, preserving the rich heritage that makes Morden so special,” said Sandra.
“We continue to strive to make Morden a destination place for tourists, to provide housing, places for new businesses to get started,” she said, adding her appreciation for all of their clients and customers over the years, as well as thanking their family. “We are grateful to be part of such a vibrant community.”
“We’re so proud to be part of Morden and Morden residents for the last 40 years,” added Bevan.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of the love and support we have received from our community over the last 60 years,” said Leah Olson, who is the third generation of family involved in operating Morden Nurseries.
Her mom Monique Rampton recalled how it all started with her mom and dad “who had a vision and the courage to make it a reality. They laid the foundation for what would become not just a business but a family legacy rooted in our community.
“Their passion and determination taught us the value of hard work, integrity and the importance of treating everyone like family.”
Olson credited her mom and uncle Pat for continuing on with the same commitment.
“It is a privilege to work together, honouring the values instilled in us by my grandparents while navigating the challenges,” said Olson, who also praised their dedicated staff as the heart and soul of the business.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to our community. Your support, loyalty and trust have been the backbone of our success,” said Rampton, who also expressed appreciation for the chamber. “Your support and advocacy for local businesses is always appreciated, and we are proud to be part of this wonderful community.”
Regional Connections executive director Steve Reynolds commented on being “really passionate about supporting newcomers and welcoming them to the community and getting to take the journeys with them … the challenges, the successes, the tears and the joys of a new life in Canada.”
He also suggested it was “really vital to recognize and celebrate newcomers as well. When we think about business prosperity and development and the role they play in our communities.”
Gardenland Co-op general manager Evan Toews said they were truly humbled to receive the award and offered thanks to both their staff and members.
“At Gardenland Co-op, community is actually not just a word. It is truly the foundation of everything that we do,” he said. “Locally, here in Morden for the last 25 years, we’ve been serving this vibrant city.
He noted how it has continued to grow over the years and that “each of these steps represents more than just expanding our business. It really is about investing in the people and the future of Morden.
“Every dollar stays local, reinvested right here in our communities,” he added. “We’re proud to support local causes and projects to the tune of over $500,000 each and every year for the last number of years.”
Samatte-Folkett called the night “a wonderful celebration of our community and the people who make it special … it’s an honour to be part of it.
“When I first started this work, I had a lot to learn … but over the years, I’ve grown into this role thanks to the incredible support I’ve had along the way,” she said, offering praise for BTHC Foundation board members past and present as “their encouragement has been invaluable.
“I do not do this on my own,” she added. “It’s not just about me but about all of us working together to make a difference.”
Photos by Lorne Stelmach/Voice
