Collaboration is the key to success for Nest Realty, named Chatham-Kent’s small business of the year.

2019 Business Excellence Award winners.

Meg Lyttle says the company of 16 agents and two full time employees works as a team.

“We’re collaborative, not competitive,” Lyttle says. “We truly do work together as a team, almost as a family, and the way we do things is different. We’re one of the only brokerages that consistently uses professional photography, videography, different methods of marketing.”

Other winners from last night’s awards include Brenda Leclair as Citizen of the Year, and Community Living Chatham-Kent as Corporate Citizen of the Year.

“The award really recognizes the Board of Directors, the people who receive support, and employees’ commitment to corporate citizenship,” says Executive Director Ron Corstine. “We believe strongly in giving back to the community.”

Community Living takes part in a number of events around the community, including fundraisers for other organizations and offering free movie nights for area residents.

The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce also honoured Elizabeth Suni as Entrepreneur of the Year, John Fry from JM Fry Furniture Design as Business Individual of the Year, Morena McDonald as Young Business Individual of the Year, and Hannah Beintema and Matthew Vanheule as the Youth and Young Entrepreneur.

This was the 131st year for the Business Excellence Awards.