The Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce was all glitz and glamour Friday night.
The Travelodge held the annual chamber awards gala. The theme this year was Celebrate!
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Alvin Parkhurst of Parkhurst Transportation.
Retiring members of the Belleville Chamber Board Ashton Calnan of Right Fit, Kelly Henderson of Henderson Williams LLP, and Derrick Morgan of BDC were recognized.
Founder awards were handed out to Paul Stinson of Stinson Builders and Guenther Huettlin of GH Manufacturing.
The President Recognition Award was given to Sarah Hannah of Rushnell Funeral Services.
Rhonda Barriage of Beauty Works Day and Medi Wellness Spa took home the Visionary Award, and the Mentor Award went to CHMA’s Sandie Sidsworth.
The Windows Ballroom had nearly 300 guests in attendance Friday night
SEE PHOTOS AND AUDIO BELOW
Paul Stinson of Stinson Builders getting a Founder Award (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Sandi Sidsworth of the CMHA receivers her Mentor Award from Chamber Board Chair Jon Teur (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Former Lifetime Award Recipient Gerry Bongard, Board President Jon Teur, and Lifetime Award winner for 2019 Alvin Parkhurst (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Chamber Past-President Suzanne Hunt presents Sarah Hannah of Rushnell Funeral Services with the President Recognition Award (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Guenther Huettlin speaks after receiving the Founder Award (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Rhonda Burriage hears kind words from Chamber CEO Jill Raycroft, as Chamber President Jon Teur presents her with her Visionary Award (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Mayor Mitch Panciuk presents Chamber Past-President Suzanne Hunt with the Key To The City (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Hastings Lennox & Addington MP Mike Bossio supplies a toast to the gala audience (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
MPP Todd Smith (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Chamber CEO Jill Raycroft (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(l-r) Former Chamber President Jody Brooker, Past President Suzanne Hunt, Board President Jon Teur, and Mayor Mitch Panciuk (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
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The following was a release from the Belleville Chamber
BELLEVILLE, ON – For the second year in a row, the theme of the evening was Celebrate! Following the traditional swearing in ceremony of the President of the Chamber, Jon Tuer and recognition of the service of retiring members, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their annual recognition awards and the second series of Cornerstone Awards, featuring the people behind the businesses in our community.
Recognition for their contributions to the Board were retiring members Ashton Calnan, Right Fit & Kelly Henderson of Henderson Williams LLP (not present) and Derrick Morgan, BDC.
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 Sarah Hannah from Rushnell Family Services who is serving as a Director and also as Chair of the Membership committee. Past President Suzanne Hunt reflected that 2018 was the Year of the Member and finalizing the Accreditation process; Sarah’s efforts to further both were very much appreciated.
Suzanne Hunt, Templeman LLP receives recognition for her service as President in 2018, presented by incoming President Jon Tuer, Wilkinson & Company LLP.
In 2018, the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Gerry Bongard for his 62 years of dedication with Stephen Licence Ltd. That also celebrated its 100th year in business in 2018. Mr. Bongard presented the award to Alvin Parkhurst of Parkhurst Transportation who continues to go in every day to greet his family of employees.
Last year, the Board also realized there were opportunities to celebrate the cornerstones of that journey. As a result, four new awards were presented at the Annual President’s Dinner to honour our members who have exemplified founding, mentoring and vision and helped our community prosper.
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 two very different but deserving recipients:
GUENTHER HUETTLIN – GH Manufacturing
PAUL STINSON – Stinson Builders
The VISIONARY award will be 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.
RHONDA BARRIAGE – Beauty Works Day & Medi Wellness Spa who brought the concept of skin care to the community back in 1977.
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.
SANDIE SIDSWORTH – Canadian Mental Health Association
The CITIZENSHIP award will be 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.
This award will be presented at a later date.
Ultimately, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award could receive each of these awards individually – and as we begin the process of recognizing the pillars of our business community, there is no doubt some should win in multiple categories now.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – Alvin Parkhurst, Parkhurst Transportation
The awards presentation took place on Friday, February 8th at the Annual President’s Dinner held at the Travelodge in the Windows Ballroom. Nearly 300 guests were there to celebrate the achievements and contributions of members of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce.
