The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce is 90 years old this year, and on Wednesday night, it celebrated the very best of local businesses.
While award recipients took home awards, the chamber said the evening was really about celebrating all of this year's finalists and the businesses in the community that make a difference in the community.
"Being named a finalist is an accomplishment in itself," declared the chamber's general manager, Wendy Parsons. "We have so many incredible businesses and individuals doing great things across our region. Whether they went home with an award or not, every finalist deserves to be recognized and celebrated."
This year's winners for Business Excellence were HP Plumbing, Wrobel Massage Therapy, and Koppert Canada Ltd.
Nature Fresh Farms picked up the award for Grow South Essex, Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House won the Excellence in Food Services Award, while Abraham Orthodontics was named in the Customer Service category.
The evening also included an award for Positive Professionals, which was won by Jay and Tori of Mix Mornings on Mix 96.7.
"We're totally honoured," said the pair. "It's really cool to be recognized in this community for not only being positive, but also somehow professional."
One of a Kind Pelee Experiences was named the winner of the Hospitality and Tourism award. The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers was recognized for Innovation, and the Migrant Worker Community Program received the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award.
In the Collaboration is Key category, the winner was Kingsville BIA. Del Fresco Pure received the Environmental, Social and Governance Impact award. Marissa Abraham at Lavender Spa and Boutique was named the winner of the Innovate HER award.
Eric Filion of Leamington Food Outlet was named this year's Young Professional.
During the evening, Erie Shores Hospice was awarded the Libro Directors Choice Award, and Colasantis Tropical Gardens was honoured with a one-time 90th Anniversary Legacy Award. Mark Ribble won the 32nd Alf Bennie Award.
