Timmins businesses put in the Nova spotlight at popular awards event

For the first time since May 2019, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce hosted its Nova Business Excellence Awards event on May 12.

Sixteen winners were given the coveted Nova plaques to hang in their workplaces.

Dr. Kim Landers said one of her core values as a business owner is to make her workplace a happy one. She was presented with the 'Best Place to Work' award.

“We go to conferences together, I also have really great equipment for them to use so they’re exhilarated about what they do -- I hope," Landers said.

"There’s just such a great team effort here. I think that also helps with coping with our work life.”

More than 40 finalists were featured during the showcase and as one chamber board member said, there are many new things to learn about the local business community at the event.

“You’re going to hear about 28 different businesses (and) you may not have heard of half of them or what they do and what they bring to the community or what they’ve done for the community or how they’re helping people," said Benjie Potivin.

Other businesses were recognized for their contributions to the community and their partnerships with Indigenous groups. Young leaders were also highlighted.

Sylvie Lamothe, owner of Rebel Soul, was recognized as the most innovative business. Lamothe organizes such events as Snowga and stand-up paddling. She said there are many new adventures waiting in Timmins.

“My passion is really to bring people together and build community and I try to find a variety of ways to do that," she said.

"I’m always there to kind of nudge people to the edges of their comfort zone.”

Organizers said nearly 800 people attended the Nova Awards event, making it the biggest business awards ceremony north of Toronto. That's a reminder of how important the business community is to building a stronger and more viable city.