It was a night for Wallaceburg’s best and brightest to shine.
The annual Wallaceburg Business and Community Excellence Award were handed out at the CBD Club.
Outgoing councillor Jeff Wesley was named the Citizen of the Year.
“It’s such a community effort,” Wesley says. “I’m accepting this on behalf of all the people of Wallaceburg and area. For everybody who took time out to support, whether it was a protest for the hospital, trying to save the pool, all the volunteers trying to save the waling bridge, it’s really an award for them.”
The ChamberChoice Award, voted on by the public for an individual or organization that makes a significant impact in the community, was given to Jamie Knight with the Wallaceburg Red Devils.
“It’s great to see all the people involved, like Chris Dawson,” Knight says. “He has no reason to be doing Trillium Grant stuff, but here he is, he’s fighting hard to get money so kids can get free camps, it’s just a continuous give back.”
Sandra and Eric Johnston were given the Volunteer of the Year nod.
“Our children grew up learning that you volunteer, you help your community,” Sandra Johnston says. “Find something to volunteer that you like and is in your heart, because you’ll never be sorry you volunteered to help your community.”
A full list of the night’s winners:
Agricultural Award/Industrial – McBrayne Feed & Supply
Technology Award – YourTV
Environmental Award – Wallaceburg & Area Wind Concerns
Business of the Year – Tom & Al’s Furniture
Entrepreneur(s) of the Year – Melissa Gaylord (Clubhouse at Baldoon)
Chip Gordon Community Builder Award – WAMBO
Community Inclusion Award – Badder Bus Lines
Young Professional Award – Eleena DeBakker (Westbrook’s Flower Shoppe)
Volunteer of the Year – Sandra & Eric Johnston
Citizen of the Year – Jeff Wesley
Wallaceburg BIA Award – Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival
ChamberChoice Award – Jamie Knight