For the fifth year in a row, the theme of the evening was Celebrate! After the pandemic forced the event to a virtual cruise getaway in 2021, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce returned to the Ramada by Wyndham Windows Ballroom to commemorate the swearing in of the new President Anthony Callaghan, McDougall Insurance & Financial and the presentations of the Cornerstone and Lifetime Achievement Awards. In the spirit of fun of the theme, and knowing how difficult it has been to travel, attendees embraced the cruise theme in person this year, adorned in outfits for “dinner with the Captain” or “a day on deck”. Co-presenting sponsors Meta Employment Services and OLG also offered their support and congratulations to the event.
Anthony Callaghan of McDougall Insurance and Financial was named new 2022 president of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
Capturing the traditional swearing in ceremony of the President of the Chamber and recognition of the service of retiring members, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their annual recognition awards and the fifth edition of the Cornerstone Awards, featuring the people behind the businesses in our community.
Jill Raycroft, CEO of Belleville Chamber of Commerce kicks off the 2022 Cornerstone Awards.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
Recognition for their contributions to the Board were retiring members Kevin McCaughen (Sigma Stretch Film) and Jessica Klein (formerly with the Canadian Cancer Society). Greg Sudds was recognized for his six-year tenure on the Board and finishing off as Past President in 2021.
Greg Sudds of West City Honda, on right, receiving award from 2021 Belleville Chamber of Commerce president, Peter Kempenaar.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
The President’s Recognition Award is presented by the outgoing President to someone they believe has gone above and beyond for the Chamber. This year’s recipient is Lisa Grills, Membership Development Coordinator for the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Peter Kempenaar acknowledged that her role was transformed during the pandemic, and her ability to pivot and support membership in an unprecedented way, was very important to recognize during his presidential year.
Lisa Grills, Membership Development Coordinator for The Belleville Chamber of Commerce, on left, is presented President’s Recognition Award byPeter Kempenaar of Taskforce Engineering.
Peter Kempenaar, Taskforce Engineering, receives recognition for his service as the 157th President in 2021, presented by incoming President Anthony Callaghan, McDougall Insurance & Financial. Mayor Mitch Panciuk also presented Peter with a Key to the City, a tradition started by him in 2018 to recognize the value the Chamber offers the community and the significance of the role the President serves. Mitch Panciuk, Boston Pizza served as the President of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce in 2013.
Peter Kempenaar, the 2021 President of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, on left, is awarded a key to the city by Mayor Mitch Panciuk, on right.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
Following acknowledgements of service of the Board members, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce turns their attention to celebrating the contributions of their members through a variety of awards and the stories behind the people acknowledged.
The COMMUNITY PARTNER award is presented to a person or organization that has been a valued partner with Chamber initiatives and they receive the honorary “Key to the Cabin”. Connie Carson has been involved in multiple ways – she has helped grow our community through a career in real estate, she has helped sustain our community through her support of multiple social causes and she has memorialized our community in latest venture of “Sharing Belleville Memories”.
Connie Carson of Royal LePage was awarded with the Community Partner Award. Photo from Twitter
The Legacy Award, new in 2022, was created to commemorate a person or family whose impact on the economic development and growth of business in Belleville supersedes a single lifetime of achievement and reflects a combination of founding, vision, mentorship and citizenship. As a community, we have inherited something that continues to grow and without acknowledgement, the roots of this gift might fade into forgotten history. Roland Belanger is recognized for his continuation of the business his parents, Jack & Irene built, the multiple businesses he was involved in that have continued to support a third generation in the varied branches of industry and economic development he initiated.
Roland Belanger, not present, was honoured with the Legacy Award at the 2022 Cornerstone Awards for his families business, Emsco Ltd.) Photo by Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
The Cornerstone awards are meant to distinguish and recognize members who have exemplified citizenship, founding, mentoring and vision and helped our community prosper.
The CITIZENSHIP award is presented to a Chamber member who has embraced the spirit of the community by their selfless acts and support to causes that improve the lives of Belleville’s citizens. Sheri Meeks of the Belleville Police Service will be recognized as the designated recipient of this award for 2022.
Sheri Meeks of the Belleville Police Service, was honoured with the Citizenship award. Photo by Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
The FOUNDER award is presented to a Chamber member who has built a business from its beginning or expanded an existing business that enhances the reputation of Belleville as a place where business can come to grow. The award was presented to Jim Parkinson of Master Bedroom and Layered Living.
Jim Parkinson of Master Bedroom and Layered Living was honoured with the Founder award.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
The MENTOR award will be presented to a Chamber member who, through their daily work, intentionally or not, helps develop others with their leadership and guidance. This year’s award is presented to Marilyn Lawrie, who has served in roles in multiple organizations within the community.
Marilyn Lawrie, Executive Director at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward was honoured with the Mentor award.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
The VISIONARY award is presented to a Chamber member who has seen an opportunity to revive or create something unique or unprecedented. Their dedication to this vision has resulted in raising the profile of Belleville and has contributed to the overall prosperity of the community. This year, we recognize Richard Courneyea, a champion of all things Belleville and past-president of the Chamber, long-time business owner and most recently, the development of Signal Brewing Company.
Shawna and Davis Courneyea of Signal Brewing Company are honoured with the Visionary Award for their late husband and father, Richard Courneyea.) Photo by: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News
Ultimately, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award could receive each of these awards individually. This year, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce recognized Bob Doyle, owner/operator of McDonald’s through Doyle Foods Services Ltd. In Belleville and Madoc. Mr. Doyle joins past recipients Maurice Rollins, Gerry Bongard, Alvin Parkhurst, Ed Lehtinen and Armin Quickert as a most deserving representative and we thank him for choosing Belleville.
Bob Doyle, owner/operator of McDonald’s Restaurants in Belleville and Madoc through Doyle Food Services Ltd., on right, was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The night’s theme resumed with a silent disco, presented by Expedia Cruises and Celebrity.
For all the detail on the prize winners and more, click here.
