Nova Awards highlight resilient, inspiring Timmins businesses
It's not necessarily a joyous time for businesses in Timmins — which is precisely why the Timmins Chamber felt it important to hold its 19th annual Nova Awards.
A virtual event this year, the chamber's president, Melanie Verreault, said businesses deserve positive recognition for both their resilience and successes despite this difficult situation.
"It just made us realize that our businesses need that support and celebration," said Verreault. "It is giving them and our business community a reminder of the many ways that our businesses work together."
The independently-judged awards included:
- Business of the Year (1-5 employees)
Winner: Porcupine Advance Printers
- Business of the Year (6-10 employees)
Winner: The Urban Farm
- Business of the Year (1-10 employees)
Winner: J&B Cycle and Marine
- Lifetime Business Achievement
Winner: Wyatt Image Solutions
- New Business Award
Winner: All About You Medical Spa
- Best Place to Work
Winner: Bright Spot Therapy Services
Full Beard Brewing took home the "Business Contribution to the Community" award for operations with 6 to 10 employees.
Co-owner Benjie Potvin said just like there are many hairs in a beard, there are many businesses making an effort to support the community and that it's an inspiration for his brewery as well.
"We're born and bred in this town, we grew up in this town, we want to see our families stay in this town," Potvin said.
"The more we do as Full Beard, the more we're encouraged and encourage people to do also."
The Bucket Shop accepted an award for successes with Indigenous partnerships.
The company's market development manager, Jamie Pouw, said as a mining supplier for companies that often have impact-benefit agreements with First Nations communities in which they operate, it is important to build solid relationships.
"We're honoured that we're acknowledged and recognized for the work we've done," Pouw said.
"We spent the last two years, in particular, building a dedicated Aboriginal women's training program, which has really helped strengthen our partnerships with the First Nations groups."
As well, local restaurant Radical Gardens received an award for innovation, which owner Brianna Humphrey said in her acceptance speech has been especially true while she pivoted her business during the pandemic.
"For the past seven to eight years, we have done nothing but push innovation," Humphrey said.
The "President's Award" saw Verreault personally choose a business worthy of special recognition.
Her pick: Newmont Porcupine. She said the company has been a major source of support for local businesses, especially during the pandemic. The most recent joint project with the chamber was the "Business Continuity Fund."
Verreault said she hopes to keep the positive energy from the award event going, including by hosting a talk with the Porcupine Health Unit looking ahead to a regional reopening plan — which she knows businesses have been anxious about.
"It just makes me appreciate how resilient our businesses are, despite the circumstances we find ourselves in," Verreault said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.