The 2023 Chair’s Award recipient is the Roberts-Anderson Family at Fogorig Brewing, from left, Liz and Wade Roberts. This award is presented to a business from amongst all of the nominees that has demonstrated an outstanding achievement relating to this year’s award theme - Create - Grow-Thrive. Congratulations Heather, Derek, Liz and Wade for the incredible success you have seen in just a short time. The award is sponsored by the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Fogorig Brewing Wins 2023 Chair’s Award

Sharpe’s Food Market Wins the 2023 Inclusive Employer Award

Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce Hosts the Event Annually

Article & Images by Sue Dickens

Campbellford – Trent Hills Celebration of Business Excellence 2023 paid tribute to the businesses of the area and the owners and their support network that keep them going.

Past Chair Adrianne Towns presented the Chair’s Award at the end of the night. This award is sponsored by the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.

It went to the Roberts-Andrson Family at Fogorig Brewing. This award is presented to a business from amongst all of the nominees that has demonstrated an outstanding achievement relating to this year’s award theme - Create - Grow-Thrive. Congratulations to Heather, Derek, Liz and Wade for the incredible success they have seen in just a short time.

“This business exemplifies all three of these necessary characteristics for business an entrepreneur. It is with great pleasure that we recognize this business for their outstanding achievements. They have proven themselves through their exceptional partnerships, their ability to forge strong relationships with other businesses and organizations has been instrumental in their success,” said Towns while making the presentation.

“In addition to their outstanding partnerships, they have demonstrated unparalleled creativity and growth. Their willingness to take risks and explore new ideas has set them apart. They strive to reduce their overall impact on the environment, testing and implementing many unique processes and techniques. In just seven months of operation they are already very busy and anticipate tremendous growth in the coming year,” she added.

In conclusion she noted, “They have created new jobs and are committed to hiring local … We are proud to honour them for their remarkable achievements in such a short time. We can’t wait to see how they continue to create grow and thrive.”

2023 Inclusive Employer Award

2023 Inclusive Employer Award, Steve, Mike and John Sharpe, Sharpe’s Food Market. On the left is Lisa Searle of Community Living who presented the award to John Sharpe.

Many other awards were presented including the 2023 Inclusive Employer Award to Steve, Mike and John Sharpe of Sharpe’s Food Market.

This award is sponsored by Community Living Campbellford/Brighton and was presented by Lisa Searle, director of quality enhancement and community development.

She said that, “Inclusiveness is about creating a workplace where everyone is treated with respect and valued for their contributions regardless of their disability, a place where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and equality and are held to the same standards.”

Searle added, “Inclusive employers focus on outcomes, not on how those outcomes are achieved, but that they are achieved. This means that they understand and support the different ways that people think and process information, interact with others and attain their goals and inclusive workplaces develop processes that welcome differences and remove barriers to participation, offering training to all employees on disability awareness and etiquette to help build knowledge and culture of support.”

She talked about how employers need to create a climate where employees,” Inclusive employers focus on outcomes, not on how those outcomes achieved, but that they are achieved. This means that they understand and support the different ways that people think and process information, interact with others and attain their goals and inclusive workplaces develops processes that welcome differences and remove barriers to participation, offering training to all employees on disability awareness and etiquette to help build knowledge and culture of support.”

Searle also said, “Tonight’s recipient exemplifies all of these statements and more. The changes that we have seen within the community and the success rate of hires for people with disabilities is largely due to the foundation that has been built by this long standing family business.”

Searle spoke of Sharpe’s Food Market being seen as a leader in the community for offering opportunities and pushing for businesses to become inclusive in our hiring processes.

“Their innovative and open approach to creating a fully inclusive, competitive and valued workplace make some one of our longest standing inclusive hiring businesses. In fact, one person that we support at Community Living Campbellford has been employed there for a number of years and continues to learn, grow and be successful.

“As a result of these opportunities we are proud to consider them a strategic stakeholder for our organization, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and furthering the conversations around creating inclusive communities and inclusive work environments.”

Other award winners are:

2023 Digital Transformation Award recipient, Cathy and Bill Ma, Grand Maple Event Centre.

2023 Emerging Entrepreneur Award recipient, Eric Contreras, Spiritleaf Campbellford.

2023 Community Impact Award recipient is Konstantine and Stephanie Papaioannou, Be My Guest Family Restaurant .

2023 Excellence in Business - Retail Industry Award recipient is Nikki Fotheringham, Greenmoxie Store

2023 Excellence in Business - Service Industry is Sarah and Sandy Sanyal, The Dockside Bistro.

2023 Customer Experience - Retail Industry Award recipient Melissa Condotta, Sunday’s Company.

2023 Customer Experience - Service Industry Award recipient, Stephanie Richards, A Step Above - FootCare.

2023 Non-Profit Organization Award that exemplifies excellence in service to the community, recipient , The Bridge Hospice

2023 Excellence in Tourism Award recipient Ravi and Divina Anandappa, Antonia’s Bistro & Cating Co., (no photo as recipients not at the gala)

2023 Excellence in Workplace Wellness and Culture Award recipient, Keri Gray of Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats Co., Gray is chair of the chamber’s 2023 board of directors. (no photo as recipient not at the gala)

2023 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award recipient, Joanne Hansen and Trish Stenson of The General on Millpond. (no photo as recipients not at the gala)

Photos of the award winners in attendance below: