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SAINT JOHN, NB – Today finalists were announced for the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Awards (OBAs) being held at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre on Thursday, October 10th.
The annual awards gala honours the Saint John region’s most dynamic and significantcontributors in seven categories: Business Excellence, Entrepreneurial Achievement, Emerging Enterprise, Young Entrepreneur, Big Heart, Chair’s Award and the Passion for Change award.
“The OBAs celebrate, support, and encourage businesses in our community that are motivated to succeed,” said Deirdre Wade, Chair of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce. “Our region is a great place to both do business, and to be in business. The OBAs showcases that fact and we’re thrilled to highlight and honour some of the many passionate and successful businesses in our community.”
This year’s award ceremony will again include an award in collaboration with the City of Saint John and Develop Saint John, showcasing and celebrating development. “We are delighted to partner with The Chamber to offer an award from the City of Saint John and Develop Saint John recognizing developers who have had a positive impact on our city.” said Don Darling, Mayor of the City of Saint John.
“Now in its 35th year, the OBA’s has evolved to become the most inclusive and dynamic awards event in our region. Open to all businesses, members and non-members alike, the gala truly represents business excellence in our entire area.” Says David Duplisea CEO of The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce.
The Finalists (winners to be announced at the OBA gala event)
Business Excellence: On the Vine Meat & Produce, Thandi Inc, and Italian by Night.
The Business Excellence award category is open to larger, well-established companies of all sizes. Finalists and recipients are chosen for having demonstrated excellence in sales & marketing, corporate responsibility and innovation among other areas.
Entrepreneurial Achievement: The Chapman Group, Natasha’s Wedding & Events Ltdand Duke Creative Collective. This award is given to a company or individual based on performance or achievement in starting or substantially changing, a business venture. Finalists and recipients exhibit an extra measure of entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and creative responses to changing or new situations.
Emerging Enterprise: The Saint John Tool Library, Huddle Today Inc and The Zesty Lemon. The Emerging Enterprise award category recognizes new businesses in the Saint John Region. Finalists and recipients are in operation for 1-5 years and demonstrate substantial promise for the future.
The following winners will be celebrated at the OBA gala event
The Passion for Change award recognizes individuals who are risk-takers, following their passion and demonstrating leadership as being innovative, enthusiastic, highly motivated, growth-oriented, creative and original.
Recipients of this year’s Passion for Change Award are Derek & Terri Riedle. Their numerous accomplishments include: The Moonlight Bazar and The World Cannabis Congress, as well as establishing multiple businesses, Revolution Strategy and Civilized.
The Chair’s Award is presented annually to a company, organization or individual that has demonstrated a substantial long-term contribution to the economic progress of our community. In addition, this award is presented to an organization or individual that merits special recognition for their contributions that better the community. This year’s recipient is Area 506 Festival. This festival has helped transform the Saint John brand as a music and cultural hub bringing thousands to the region.
The Young Entrepreneur Award is given each year to an individual who has shown great vision, creativity and innovation in creating a business. This years’ Young Entrepreneur Award recipient is Joe Mckay, owner of Yip Ciders.
The Big Heart Award recognizes those who are working to make our community a better place through their philanthropic efforts. This years’ award will be given to Canaport LNG. Canaport LNG has demonstrated continued corporate citizenship and individual volunteerism that is having a positive impact on our community.
Some past OBA recipients include: Blacks Transfer, Commercial Properties, Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada, Hemmings House Pictures, Innovatia, and MCL Construction. A complete list of past recipients can be found at www.TheChamberSJ.com
For additional information or to purchase tickets to the Outstanding Business Awards please call The Chamber at (506) 634-8111.
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