A power couple of local business owners are being recognized for giving back to the community.
Ken and Cynthya Schmidt were recognized by the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce as honorary lifetime members during an award ceremony on Thursday night.
The pair was recognized by the chamber for their numerous contributions to the community over the past 19 years. Some of their contributions include fundraising and donating to the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Military Family Resource Centre, the Alzheimer’s Society, John Williams YMCA and other charities in the region. They also sponsored playgrounds and children’s activities throughout the town.
The Schmidts own and operate several McDonald restaurants in Quinte West and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Cynthya Schmidt said that being made an honorary member of the Chamber of Commerce is a great honour.
“To receive this award is special. We love everything that this community has given us so to be able to give back to the community and win an award is extremely special to us,” said Cynthya Schmidt.
Ken Schmidt was also honoured to join the ranks of other local figures who have received the honorary membership in the past.
“I feel really honoured to be in such an illustrious group of individuals who have won this award in the past, many of them here tonight, leaders of their businesses and really proud to be part of that,” said Ken Schmidt
This was the first time that the honorary membership was awarded to a couple, instead of an individual.
The Schmidts weren’t the only people being recognized, as the outgoing president of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce Rick Davies was also recognized for his service to the chamber. Matt Doty was sworn in earlier in the evening as the new president.
Three former members of the chamber were also recognized for their contributions. Quinte West council member Zach Card was recognized for his seven years in the Chamber of Commerce before he resigned to run for office. Carrie Gregoire and Lisa McMurter were also recognized for their contributions during their time with the chamber.
