Current COVID restrictions have forced the cancellation of the in-person 2021 Outstanding Businesses Achievement Awards (OBAAs).
Despite that, members of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce recently went to each winning business to present them with a trophy.
President Allan Calvert said Sarnia Produce Owner Dean Troiani was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
"There were risks that he and his group took in expanding their business during a pandemic," said Calvert. "The welcoming hospitality that not only he extended to myself while at his place of business but to those customers that were walking in during the presentation, it just speaks to the success of his business."
Bluewater Power was crowned Business of the Year, based partly on a high number of nominations.
"They truly go out of their way to support this community," said Calvert. "Not only in providing consistent and reliable service, but their reaction to situations when there is a bit of a power outage in this community, in terms of how they communicate, how they make information available and how quickly they respond is truly incredible. We also received some testimonials from some of the staff that work in that organization. The evident sense of pride in that organization is off the charts."
Calvert said the Chamber continues to aggressively promote shopping local.
He encourages residents to take some time and speak to local business owners because he believes there are some great stories that will make you proud of where we live and do business.
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Other 2021 OBAA winners included:
- Agri-Business Category - Forest Glen Herb Farm and B & B - Customer Service - Business Category - The Shoebox - Tech-novation Category - GFL Environmental - Cool Place to Work Category - Johnny G's Premium Pizza - Customer Service - Individual Category - Rina Barker, Imperial City Brew House - Inclusivity Category - Beth Kolthoff, The Eye Guy - Non-Profit Organization of the Year - Life's Seasons Care & Support Inc.