A dozen trophies have been handed out as the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce honours those who strive to make the community better.

Chamber Choice Award. Wallaceburg Concert Band. Photo credit: Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services.

Among the winners at last night’s Business and Community Excellence Awards, the Wallaceburg Concert Band was given the Chamber Choice Award. Dave Babbitt says it’s a validation.

“We’ve really become ingrained in the community, not just as a music organization, we’re involved in a lot of other things,” Babbitt says. “We’re going to become involved more, we hope to spread our wings musically, not just Wallaceburg but in Chatham-Kent. I want other people to hear what these amazing musicians do.”

Karen Moran was named as the Volunteer of the Year and says it’s a huge honour.

“I love being a part of Wallaceburg, I love being part of downtown Wallaceburg,” Moran says. “I’m involved in a lot of the events, the Farmers’ Market, the gardening club. It feels great to be part of the group in this room tonight who are all so supportive of this community.”

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance was presented with the annual Chip Gordon Community Builder Award.

“We’ve worked really hard, all of the staff, the physicians, the volunteers, the board, everyone has worked so hard over the last few years in particular to really make sure the community of Wallaceburg knows we’re here for them, both currently and in the future,” CEO Lori Marshall says.

The full list of winners:

Agricultural Award/Industrial
Rulmeca Canada

Technology Award
Lambton Conveyor

Environmental Award
Sydenham Field Naturalists

Business of the Year
Anderson Law Group

Entrepreneur of the Year
Union Block Bakery

Chip Gordon Community Builder Award
Chatham Kent Health Alliance

Community Inclusion Award
Oaks Retirement Village

Young Professional Award
Chris & Kyle Wesley

Volunteer of the Year
Karen Moran

Citizen of the Year
Kim O’Neil

Wallaceburg BIA Award
Sherri Wills

Chamber Choice Award
Wallaceburg Concert Band