Timmins Businesses Celebrated At 2015 Nova Awards

April 17, 2015

Timmins, ON—The best of Timmins business was on full display at the McIntyre Arena as more than 600 people came out to celebrate the 2015 Nova Business Excellence Awards on April 16.

Hosted by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce for its 13th consecutive year, the sold-out gala event saw 15 awards handed out across a range of categories. The ceremony was again emceed by the Chamber’s Past President Art Pultz, of Rogers Communications Inc., who has overseen the awards portion of the event since its inception.

The slate of more than 40 nominees that were honoured throughout the evening was representative of the passion and ingenuity that local businesses are known for around the world, according to Chamber President Al Thorne.

“If you look at all the business achievements highlighted by tonight’s awards, it’s easy to be impressed by the talent we have right here in Timmins,” said Thorne.

“Our entrepreneurs really are in a class all their own, and the Nova Awards are an important showcase for all that they do.”

The recipients of the 2015 Nova Awards were carefully selected from a record-breaking 140 nominations by a committee of six independent community judges. As every year, the judges determine the award recipients without any input, influence or oversight from the Chamber Board of Directors or staff, thereby ensuring the validity of the process and the results.

“Even 13 years in, the Nova Awards continue to grow, which speaks to local pride in Timmins’ many success stories,” said Thorne. “Our businesses are at the heart of our community, and tonight featured many great examples of how they provide jobs, sponsor sports teams, and fund community projects. The Chamber has always believed in promoting the incredible work they do, and we’re proud to continue celebrating them every year.”

To help celebrate Timmins businesses in style, the Chamber transformed the McIntyre Arena with a “cirque” theme: much like the Big Top, the Nova Awards shine a spotlight on Timmins’ best and brightest, said Thorne.

“Every year, the Nova Awards have a specific theme that affects everything from the décor to the lighting to the appetizers. The Cirque theme made sense for 2015: both are classy events, not to mention that Timmins businesses juggle tasks, tame the competition, and walk the high-wire of daily operations.”

A photo gallery of the 2015 Nova Awards, spanning the finalists’ reception to the awards ceremony and post-event celebration, will be available at the Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TimminsChamber

The recipients of the 2015 Nova Awards, and those who accepted on their behalf:

Northern College Service Excellence AwardSponsored by Northern Colleg	Holiday Inn Express & Suites TimminsJohn Crescenzi, general manager
RBC Marketing InnovationAchievement AwardSponsored by RBC Royal Bank	Porcupine Canvas Inc.Brenda Hagerty, general manager
NorthernTel Productivity, Innovation & Diversification AwardSponsored by NorthernTel	Millson Forestry ServiceMonique Koski and Jenny Millson,co-presidents / foresters
De Beers Canada AboriginalPartnership AwardSponsored by De Beers Canada	Ontario Power Generation andMoose Cree First NationMike Martelli, senior vice-president,  Hydro Thermal Operations andChief Norm Hardisty Jr.
City of Timmins Non-ProfitOrganization AwardSponsored by City of Timmins	Science Timmins Inc.Antoine Garwah, president
Collège Boréal Young Entrepreneur(Under 35) AwardSponsored by Collège Boréal	Alicia Pirie, ownerChic Baby Boulevard
Caisse Populaire de Timmins New Business (Under 2 Years) AwardSponsored byCaisse Populaire de Timmins	Urban Windows & DoorsPatrick Delisle, co-owner
BMT Insurance & Financial ServicesBusiness Contribution to the Community(1-30 Employees) AwardSponsored by BMT Insurance &Financial Services	Christopher’s Coffee HouseMary Ellen Pauli, owner
Porcupine Gold Mines – GoldcorpCanada Ltd. Business Contribution to the Community(31+ Employees) AwardSponsored by Porcupine Gold Mines – Goldcorp Canada Inc.	Tim HortonsRob Knox, franchise owner
FNETB Best Place to Work AwardSponsored byFar Northeast Training Board	Holiday Inn Express & SuitesBrigitte Vanderloo, sales manager
TD Bank Group Business of the Year(1-5 Employees) AwardSponsored by TD Bank Group	The Mermaid GalleryDenis Gelinas, president
Scotiabank Business of the Year(6-30 Employees) AwardSponsored by Scotiabank	Discover Fitness with Kate DurstKate Durst and Eduardo Suarez,owners
Northern Credit Union Business of the Year (31+ Employees) AwardSponsored by Northern Credit Union Limited	Giant TigerGreg Kelso, franchise owner
National Bank Lifetime Achievement AwardSponsored by National Bank	Steinberg & MahnDarren Taylor and Don Taylor,owners
President’s AwardSponsored byTimmins Chamber of Commerce	Northern Ontario Appraisals Ltd.Luc Cloutier, president/owner

For more information contact:

Nick Stewart

Manager of Policy, Research and Communications

Timmins Chamber of Commerce

policy@timminschamber.on.ca | (705) 360-1900

NT5