Business of the Year - Retail
(Large Enterprise)

Picton Home Hardware

This is one business that shouldn't be surprised if they take home some awards hardware tonight! Having grown, adapted and changed with this times, this enduring Prince Edward County business has grown it's business every year for the past 32 years - 2009 has seen a 40% increase in business over 2008. With a new store but the same old commitment to customer service and community support this business really is all about homeowners helping homeowners.

Sponsored by: Corporation of the
County of Prince Edward
Presented by: Mayor Leo Finnegan

Business of the Year - Manufacturing

The Carriage House Cooperage

This is one award winner that barrelled us over with their submission! Having perfected an old world trade, this company is selling their product all over and getting tons of recognition. Never ones to wine about their situation, this innovative company has tripled their sales growth in recent years and has garnered some high level attention in the industry they serve. Specialty woods are the secret to their success and that success can be tasted by those with a worthy palate.

This company is the only Canadian company of it's kind this side of British Columbia and they have a tremendous impact on the beverage many of you are enjoying at this very moment!

Sponsored by: Quinte Economic
Development Commission
Presented by: Mitch Panciuk

Business of the Year - Manufacturing
(Large Enterprise)

Sigma Stretch Film

It certainly isn't a stretch to understand why this progressive company is this year's winner. They regularly get all wrapped up in their business and manage to out perform their competitors and stretch their reach into new territories and countries across the world. Their commitment to producing a high quality product, customer service and efficient, no waste production, has allowed this company to gain a 33% market share in their business after less than 10 years in Belleville.

With exciting new investments now being made in the local operation, this company is ensuring they will continue to grow and support this community for many years.

Sponsored by: City of Belleville
Presented by: Mayor Neil Ellis

Business of the Year - Tourism / Hospitality

Milford Bistro

With a focus on serving mostly local food and wine, this local business has made menu development an art and has managed to increase their business by 30% each year since it's inception. Located in a historic 19th century building, this Prince Edward County culinary tourism attraction has worked hard to support other local business as it builds on its' own. Most customers have a chance to meet the chef and staff are always actively promoting the entire region to their customers.

Sponsored by: Municipality of Brighton
Presented by: Mayor Christine Herrington

Business of the Year - Tourism / Hospitality
(Large Enterprise)

PDR Associates Inc./ Papa John's Pizza

With aggressive plans for growth and an unparalleled commitment to finding and including the best, and freshest ingredients, this restaurant regularly exceeds the expectations of their new and existing customers. With convenient home delivery, this establishment looks after every detail including the cleanliness and presentation of the vehicles and drivers that bring their tasty creations to your door. Carefully hiring the right people to join their customer team is just one of the many ways this company ensures their customer satisfaction and continued growth

Sponsored by: Business Development Bank
Presented by: Derrick Morgan

Business of the Year - Community Spirit

Quinte Arts & Custom Frame

Always eager to use their artistic touch to highlight and enhance the work of others, this community spirit award winner has been hanging around the Quinte Community for quite some time. Not only a valued business in the community, but a business that can always be counted on to support worthy local causes such as the Children's Wish Foundation, the Trenton Memorial Hospital, Quinte Wildlife Federation and the Trenton Memorial Hospital, to name just a few. The generous spirit of this business has helped frame special events in the best possible light for many different organizations. With a gallery dedicated to helping local artists and display their work, this community minded business touches many in the community and helps make Quinte a better, more beautiful place.

Sponsored by: City of Quinte West
Presented by: Mayor John Williams

Business of the Year - Community Spirit
(Large Enterprise)

Boston Pizza

This years winner of the community spirit award for a large enterprise has a list of contributions to the community that is just too long to mention. From public schools, police services, Hospice Quinte, Quinte Symphony, local sports clubs, families in need, to the local hospital and the college - these are just some of the organizations they have supported!! You're among friends is their slogan, but we think their slogan should be - we are a friend - a great friend to the community!

They are one of the 50 best managed companies in Canada and their enviable corporate culture has also received awards. They are local champions for many causes and they never hesitate to help when there is a need. Their casual dining concept has led them to success on the business side of their organization, but their commitment to their home communities is what sets this year's winner apart from many others.

Sponsored by: RBC
Presented by: Carrie Lagasse

Business of the Year - Not For Profit

Volunteer & Information Quinte

This years winner in the Not-for-Profit category is one that has faced many challenges over the years but has survived and adapted to become an even more relevant and meaningful organization than ever. They have become an integral part of the Quinte community and they have helped many organizations meet their mandates and provide necessary services in our area. They support more than 150 different agencies and are a vital link to resources for many in the community.

This organization has grown and evolved by developing flexible services, unique fundraising events and effective partnerships with like-minded organizations. It is obvious that those running this organization must have a very high IQ in order to turn this unique initiative into a success.

Sponsored by: Union Gas
Presented by: Phil Langlois

Business of the Year - Not For Profit
(Large Enterprise)

Loyalist Training and Development Centre

This year's winner of the large enterprise not-for-profit organization award is one of the few not-for-profit organizations that must compete in a free market system. This team has developed a product that has become more relevant and more needed over time and they have trained themselves to respond faster and better than their competition.

A vital partner in the economic success of the region, this organization has leveraged partnerships and provincial and federal funding to bring value to local employers, including the manufacturing sector. They have helped bring more than $6 million in training funding to local manufacturers alone! Helping ensure the Quinte Community is well trained, is what they do

Sponsored by: QuintEssential Credit Union
Presented by: Bob Berry

Business Person of the Year

John Smylie

This Brighton resident is never without a Smyle - some would even call him an angel of hope, which by the way is just one of many awards he has received. This independent business person has held many different positions in his career including that of manager, mentor, teacher, night clerk, auditor - you name it and he has probably done it! A true leader in the Quinte community this award winner never hesitates to help with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, the Salvation Army, the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation and many others.

The community hopes that this award will bring a smyle to his face, just as he has done for so many in our region.

Sponsored by: Wilkinson & Co. LLP
Presented by: Kurt Gregoir

Business Excellence

Meyers Transport Limited

This $50 million dollar company has survived the great depression, the second world war, 9/11, NAFTA and many other business altering events to become the "Shippers Choice" and the Mastio Quality award winner! They have managed to Transport themselves from a small family owned business to a 4th generation business force to be reckoned with!

They claim to be on the road to green and it is clear from their submission that they are on the road to more than green success - they are also on the road to keeping this local employer solidly operating in our community.

Sponsored by: Trenval Business Development Corporation
Presented by: David Valcamp