EXETER — The 2016 South Huron Business and Community Excellence Awards Gala was held on Oct. 20 at The Barn, Exeter Golf Club, with a sold-out crowd of nearly 200 people in attendance.
“It was an incredibly successful event,” said Fred Gobolt Chair of the Exeter Business Improvement Area (BIA). “We are thrilled to have sold-out a larger venue for this second-time event – it really shows the level of interest and support from the local business community.”
The second annual event, co-hosted by the Exeter BIA and the South Huron Chamber of Commerce, saw awards presented in seven categories.
“Judges had a very tough decision in all the award categories,” said Steve Boles president of the South Huron Chamber of Commerce. “All nominees are deserving of recognition.”
Nominations in the seven categories were accepted from businesses and the general public for all award categories. To be eligible, nominees had to be located within the Municipality of South Huron or be members of the Exeter BIA or South Huron Chamber of Commerce. Judges were provided with packages on each nominee, and met as a group to discuss and finalize the winners.
Business of the year (under 15 employees)
Winner: LUVU Naturally. (Absent during awards night)
Business of the year (over 15 employees)
Winner: Huron Tractor Ltd.
Entrepreneur of the year
Winner: Matt Den Hollander, Realty Executives Platinum Brokerage.
Agriculture/Manufacturing excellence
Winner: Syfilco Ltd.
Customer experience award
Winner: Partner’s Paint and Paper.
Citizen of the year
Winner: George Finch.
Lifetime Business Achievement award
Winner: Jerry Maclean.
