By Mark Squibb/May 19, 2022
It was all glitz and glamour at the Reid Centre last Thursday night as the Mount Pearl – Paradise Chamber of Commerce literally rolled out the red carpet for their annual Best in Business awards.
Keith Power hosted the awards gala, which was attended by well over 200 folks representing the local businesses community, many dressed in their ballroom best.
Guests enjoyed a hot meal, live music, and a few adult beverages, before getting down to the meat of the occasion.
Well over 30 businesses representing both the Mount Pearl and Paradise business communities were nominated across 10 award categories.
First up was the Innovation Award, which recognized business operators who pressed forward despite obstacles (and, as any businessowner will tell you, there have been plenty in the last three years.) That award went to Golf Shotz Cocktail Bar/Indoor Golf, a Mount Pearl entertainment venue offering, as the name suggests, golf, cocktails, and more.
The Entrepreneur Award, which recognized business owners whose businesses have creatively grown and marketed their product line over the years, went to Mount Pearl chocolatier Darryl Pike of Jacobean Chocolate.
The Award for Best New Company to Watch went to Easy Safety Training and Services of Mount Pearl, who were awarded Best New Business in 2019 (as MGM National Safety and Training.)
The Community Impact for Mount Pearl Award went to Admiralty House Communications Museum (winners of the 2019 Communications and Marketing Award) while the Paradise Award went to Paradise Physiotherapy Ltd., which also won it in 2019.
The Customer Service Award went to Mount Pearl’s Image 4 Digital Printing and Design Inc.
Kelly Power of Reddy Kilowatt Credit Union was named Employee of the Year. That award goes to an individual who is recognized by their peers as going above and beyond.
“She provides our members with what they need for their financial success, not just what they think they need,” explained Brenda Holden, Manager, Operations & Compliance. “She really makes strides to provide our members with the best customer service.”
Power, upon accepting her award, in turn gave kudos to Holden.
“You lead by example,” said Power. “Everyone wants to do better when you’re in the room. I’ve learned so much from you, so thank you so much.”
The Resilience Award, which recognized a business’ ability to adapt and cope with challenges, went to Sophie’s Pet Boutique in Paradise.
The pet salon opened only months before the COVID-19 lockdown shuttered the business, but it rebounded quickly once public health orders were eased.
The second to last presentation was the Director’s Choice Award, which went to Coffee Matters owner Scott Hillier.
A special video prepared by Up Sky Down Films, which did short promos for each nominee throughout the night, featured interviews with Hillier’s family and chamber members, highlighting his community involvement.
Hillier, who received the 2019 award for Employee Equity, received a standing ovation as he went forward to accept his award.
“I don’t even know what to say,” said Hillier. “People who know me know I don’t do this for the thanks, but I really appreciate this tonight.”
Hillier helps organize the Mount Pearl Community Supper, a collection of volunteers working together bi-weekly to provide hot meals to people in need.
“The last three times we did our dinners, we’ve almost hit 300 people,” said Hillier. “It’s just a wonderful feeling when you can leave and know that you’ve fed so many people. And in Mount Pearl, as much as we hate to think it, there are people in need.”
The final award, the Outstanding Business of the Year Award, went to Mount Pearl O’Neill Auto Group. That business employs about 170 people.
Recipient Rick O’Neil turned the attention back to another award winner.
“I did not know that Scott had done this much for the community, so tomorrow morning, I’m going to reach out to Scott and help him with his endeavours.”