19th Community Awards
2017 Winners!
ROTARY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to 2016 Citizen of The Year, Mary Solomon Presented By Sonja Glass of The Rotary Club in Meaford. Mary was described in her nomination as an individual who exhibits strong leadership through example and is an inspiration to many! Congratulations!
ROTARY YOUTH CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to 2016 Youth Citizen of the Year presented By Sonja Glass Of The Meaford Rotary Club to Aidan McDiarmid of Georgian Bay Community School.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
This award is presented to a business that consistently goes out of its way to provide superior service to its customers.
McGinty’s customers rave about the interesting menu, specialty drinks and how Donna, and her colleagues, create a “like Cheers” atmosphere where they know your name and greet you with a smile. Always helpful and accommodating, McGinty’s exemplifies great customer service, creating a friendly place to meet, relax and enjoy some great coffee and food.
It is with pleasure that Tyler Knight of Knight’s Home Building Centre and the Meaford Chamber of Commerce present the CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD To McGinty’s Cafe.
FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is being given to someone who exhibits the following characteristics: leadership, volunteerism, youth participation, community service and special achievements
The winners of the second annual Farmer of the Year Award embody all of the above-mentioned characteristics.
They donate crops from a portion of their farm to assist the Canadian Food Grains Bank, last year raising $30,000 which is matched four times over by the government.
They also hosted up to 500 visitors to the farm with a corn maze, petting zoo, farmers Olympics and other attractions and provide food for them.
It is with pleasure that Jeff Cook from Earth Power Tractors and Equipment And The Meaford Chamber of Commerce present Farmer Of The Year Award To Larry & Heather Parkin, accepting award on behalf Of Larry & Heather is Robin Lambe.
MOST IMPROVED BUSINESS AWARD
This award is presented to an existing business that has significantly expanded and/or improved or enhanced the business premises making the community more attractive.
The Leeky Canoe has been a staple in Meaford for many years.
But in 2016 The Leeky Canoe raised the bar to a whole new level.
With social media, The Leeky is informing and inviting its customers to events such as the Cocktails n Canvas and the St. Paddy’s Day Shenanigans, and let’s not forget the creative daily and weekly specials!
Sean and Michell Crooks are the proud owners of the Leeky who brought music to our town in the evenings so that we can enjoy and celebrate local entertainment through their upbeat Jam nights or just sit back and listen to the sound of a talented musician while enjoying good food and good friends.
Locals and visitors alike feel a warm welcome with the newly renovated Canadiana decore and the incredibly friendly staff when the stroll into The Leaky that has become a landmark of Meaford.
It is with pleasure that Nancy Sharma of BrokerLink and the Meaford Chamber of Commerce present the Most Improved Business Award To Valerie Lemming and Nicole Myslik of the Leeky Canoe.
THE PETER FRANCIS MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary volunteer leadership over many years and who has made a significant contribution to community development in the municipality of Meaford. This individual must exhibit strong leadership through example. This is a lifetime achievement award.
The recipient of this award is a life long Rotarian, contributing his talents as President of the club for 3 terms, during which time he supported many initiatives including the building of the Rotary Pavilion, Rotary Exchange Program, Cancer driver, fundraising activities.
Our winner represented Meaford at the National Rotary curling tournament winning two years in a row and the Rotary World Curling Championship on 12 occasions also the prestigious month-long tournament in Scotland.
“Service above Self” is a Rotary pledge that our winner exemplifies. As a long – standing member, he leads through example and provides mentorship to new members. He is truly a Rotary ambassador.
It is with pleasure that Meaford Chamber of Commerce present The Peter Francis Memorial Award To Wayne Kipp, Presented By Liz Harris.
BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR
This award is presented to a Business Owner who has made an outstanding contribution to the Municipality of Meaford. This person demonstrates:
• Leadership within a business.
• Dedication to the betterment of the whole community
• Good citizenship
• Care for the environment
• Sound employee relations
Third Line Homes is a innovative, eco- friendly quality builder created and operated by Meaford residents, Paul and Mary-Jo Osburn.
Terracewood ,on Gordon Avenue is Third Lines current project which is a “Healthy Home” subdivision that is drawing potential home buyers to discover and explore Meaford.
Mike Homes has endorsed Third Line Homes and is quoted “This team definitely builds it right”, not only endorsing their quality of building but the quality of their customer service.
Paul and Mary-Jo create apprecticeship opportunities with on- the -job –training and have developed a solid team of staff who’s mission is to continually innovate and find new ways to perfect the “art and science of building”
It is with pleasure that Brenda Tullio of the Meaford BIA and the Meaford Chamber of Commerce present the Business Owner of the Year To Paul Osburn of Third Line Homes.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD
This award is presented to a volunteer organization or service club for exceptional effort over the past year that has enhance the quality of life within our community.
If you were downtown, at a local restaurant or in the market square on a summer evening you probably were pleasantly surprised by hearing music. The winner of this award was a driving force for bringing in local and outside talents to brighten up our lives in multiple venues, both indoors and out.
In the words of a nominator ”It’s a win-win for musicians, music lovers and local restaurants/businesses that is also drawing people to our community because Meaford is alive with the sound of music”
It is with pleasure that The Municipality of Meaford and the Meaford Chamber of Commerce present the Special Merit Award To Chris Scerri, Presented By Mayor Barb Clumpus.
TOURISM AWARD
This award is presented to a business with a commitment to local tourism through a welcoming attitude, awareness and promotion of local attractions.
365 Sports, through their Urban Slide Ride, created a “experience of a lifetime” for many with an event that brought tourism to our town and left a very positive mark on many people’s minds. With their enthusiasm, and positive attitude, 365 Sports is committed to Meaford, our tourism and bringing people here to enjoy our town and its events.
It is with pleasure that Paige Osburn of Third Line Homes and the Meaford Chamber of Commerce present the Tourism Award To 365 Sports. Tony Smith, Jesse Fulton, and Mike Lambert.
AGRIBUSINESS AWARD
This award is presented to an existing agribusiness that has invested in sustainable farming practices and has successfully developed innovative products, processes and marketing channels.
The winner of this award has long standing presence in our community. Through thoughtful and progressive planning this business has succeeded for many generations meeting the challenges of changing times with their orchards and their retail stores.
Community spirit and pride dominate their business not only in agri business but customer service and tourism destination. They operate 2 locations within the Municipality of Meaford doing what they do best – apples.
Who doesn’t know Grandma Lambe’s infamous “Apple Pie”
TD Canada Trust And the Meaford Chamber of Commerce
were pleased to present the Agribusiness Award To Grandma Lambe’s with Grace Lambe Accepting the award.
Photo Credit for all images goes to Krystal Klear Photography.
To download a lettersize “winners Sheet” click the image above or this link > Award Winners 2017.pdf