King businesses shine at Chamber’s awards night

January 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

Jacklyn Ducharme, sales representative of the King Weekly Sentinel, presented the People’s Choice Award to the Cardinal Golf Course, Canada’s largest golf facility (above). Receiving the award were Anne-Marie Million, director of hospitality, and chef David Pope.

By Mark Pavilons
Accolades were flowing Friday night as the King Chamber of Commerce recognized the efforts of local businesses. The Chamber held its AGM and Excellence in Business Awards night at Nobleton Lakes, capping off a great 2013.
Patty Fleetwood, who acted as MC, said King is growing so fast and new businesses are “flocking to King.” She handed out the sponsors appreciation awards. The King Weekly Sentinel honour was accepted by Bob Ince, sales representative.
King Automotive Repair Service earned the Excellence in Small Business Award, sponsored by Green Tractors. Fleetwood presented the award to James Monteath.
Jim Kassam and James Monteath opened their shop July 2, 2008. They have worked together for the past 13 years, starting out at Canadian Tire, where James began his career as Jim’s apprentice.
Nobleton has been a great location for KARS. Jim is a well known community member and has been a resident for 20 years. They are thrilled to be recognized with this award.
Robert B. Somerville Co. Ltd. took the title of Excellence in Large Business Award. Gord Butson received the award from Tina DiSimone of Seneca College.
Robert B. Somerville has been connecting Canada’s communities for more than 50 years. They design, install and maintain the infrastructure that makes energy flow. The company provides a comprehensive and fully integrated range of infrastructure services across Canada. They plan, design, build and maintain oil and gas pipelines, power and other utilities. Somerville clients include many of Canada’s major utilities and municipalities.
Claus Zander, of Zander Sod Co., accepted the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Foley Restoration.
Fred Zander started the company when sod was harvested, loaded and unloaded by hand. Over time, harvesters were used to cut and roll the sod and cranes were introduced onto the trucks. Today, the company has automated harvesters that cut, roll and pile the sod directly onto skids. Truck-mounted forklifts are able to efficiently unload and place the turf at the site.
From the beginning, Zander Sod has been dedicated to quality turf, exceptional service and great value. “As much as technology has changed our business, our core values have remained the same,” the company said.
The Sustainable King Award for environmental leadership was presented to Eek Farms. Bill Eek accepted the award from Mayor Steve Pellegrini.
Bill Eek is a third generation Holland Marsh farmer. His great-uncle William Valenteyn was one of the first pioneers breaking the Marsh in 1934. Bill has spent his entire life at the current home on Strawberry Lane, where he owns and operates a 65-acre carrot and onion operation.
For the past 20 years, Bill has served as president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Bradford Conference. He makes a few trips each year to the Minden Food Bank to provide them with fresh vegetables from his farm to the Bradford Helping Hand Food Bank. He’s always willing to provide fresh vegetables to those in need.
He also serves as vice-chair of the Holland Marsh Joint Services Board and sits as a director on the Bradford Co-operative Storage and Bradford and District Produce Board. He’s also a volunteer with York Regional Police at the Schomberg Policing Centre.
John’s No Frills, Nobleton earned the Excellence in a New Business Award, presented by sponsor Tom Allen of Sun Life Financial.
John Ciarallo opened the Nobleton grocery store Nov. 16, 2013 to serve local residents. He has been with Loblaw companies for more than 30 years and wrapped up his corporate career as store operations specialist, travelling throughout Ontario and Canada. He opened his first No Frills store in Thornhill in May 1998.
The People’s Choice Award went the Cardinal Golf Club. The award is sponsored by the King Weekly Sentinel and was presented by Jacklyn Ducharme, sales representative.
Over the past 25 years, Cardinal Golf Club earned the reputation as the most complete public golf club in the GTA. With the opening of RedCrest in 2009 – their newest premium 18-hole championship course – Cardinal is now Canada’s largest golf facility with 72 holes including three, 18-hold championship courses, an 18-hold executive course, driving range, 18-hole mini-putt, CPGA staffed golf academy and two unique clubhouses.
For the first time, the King Chamber presented the Special Recognition Award to Mark Pavilons, editor of the King Weekly Sentinel. He was chosen for his excellent coverage of new and existing businesses across King, giving the local business community a boost.
Pavilons was thrilled to be the first. He congratulated the winners, noting the awards are a “sign that your efforts are recognized by your peers. They are a thank-you for making the commitment and investment in King.”
Pavilons noted that while the award was about promoting business in King, “it’s really about people. I’ve met a lot of very interesting and dedicated business owners with some great stories to tell.
“Success is really about partnerships. We’re all working toward the same ultimate goals and I’m happy to be a media partner.”