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Fernie Chamber honours annual achievers
By Mary Giuliano
This past Thursday, October 25, the Fernie Chamber of Commerce held its annual Community and Business Excellence Awards. Nearly 200 people crowded the Fernie Golf and Country Club Restaurant to enjoy a champagne and strawberry and chocolate fountain reception and dinner catered by CP Catering.
Awards began with New Business of the Year sponsored by GPI Accountants. Nominees were Country Animal Hospital, Happy Cow Ice Cream and Desserts, and Spa 901 with Country Animal Hospital taking home the trophy.
Fernie Business of the Year, sponsored by GPI Accountants had Fernie Brewing Company, Fernie Fix-Claris Media and Yama 2 Go nominated with Fernie Brewing Company getting the trophy.
Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Fernie Alpine Resort, saw Freshies, Gearhub and Mow and Snow competing and Freshies handed the trophy.
Chamber Business Excellence, sponsored by the chamber, went to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. This award recognizes a chamber member business that excels in their sector and has demonstrated continuing business excellence through positive growth, superior customer service and a strong commitment to the chamber.
Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Community Futures East Kootenay, had Judith Johannsson and Sonya Erzinger of Ghostrider Trading, Krista Turcasso and Vanessa Croome of Claris Media, and Phil Gadd of the Loaf Baker with the trophy awarded to Krista Turcasso and Vanessa Croome.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by TECK Coal, had Chantel Belanger of Trillium Day Spa, Luke Nelson and Henry Barrett of Backcountry Trail Experts and Naomi Lentz of Heaven Boutique with Naomi Lentz winner.
Community Impact Award, sponsored by Finning, saw the Arts Station, Goldstar Cleaning- Cleaning for a Reason and The Trails Alliance competing with the Arts Station awarded the trophy.
As mayor I had the privilege of announcing the city-sponsored Youth Achievement Award, which had been presented to Jessica Teeple at the High School graduation ceremonies this past June. Jessica was singled out for her involvement in all aspects of high school. Congratulations Jessica.
Before reading the city-sponsored Citizen of the Year award nominees, I extended compliments to all of the nominees because they are the leaders and champions of successful enterprise in the City of Fernie for 2012.
It is their effort that keeps our town a real community drawing people here to live and enjoy all recreational opportunities. It is their willingness to take chances, to take the necessary risks to create something new and wonderful that will continue to keep Fernie the great place it is.
Personally, and as Mayor, I wanted to congratulate and thank each one for believing in Fernie and for daring to create the innovative businesses, services and amenities that each was being acknowledged for and honored that evening.
The Citizen of the Year recognizes individuals who live and continuously volunteer in the community.
This year nominees were: Mario Rocca, Mario has been a strong yet humble advocate for youth. As a 40 year member of the Rod and Gun Club and a 35 year member of the Elks Lodge he has been instrumental in organizing projects and taking a leadership role while working tirelessly in supporting and raising funds for youth in need and in sport.
Judith Johannsson, Friendly, intelligent and contributes in a myriad of ways, a long-time Women’s Centre board member instrumental in helping to relocate to new premises, a founding member of Options for Sexual Health Clinic, member of the Forever Fernie committee, Official Community Plan and Quality of Life Committees, Ghostrider Camp, donates to many causes and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Stephanie Rogers, described as a “pocket dynamo,” Stephanie singlehandedly organized the Breast Buddy ski-a-thon to raise funds for the Clear View Mammography Unit. She helped organize a women’s golf tournament and a number of art auctions donating her own work; she has a long involvement with Hospice and Ducks Unlimited Charity.
These three nominees are all exemplary citizens, Sincere congratulations to each one and to Stephanie Rogers for receiving the award.
The evening ended with guest speaker Bruce Kirkby, award winning explorer, writer and photographer. Bruce is an excellent speaker with the ability to use words that provide visual images in one’s mind as he tells of places he’s been and the experiences he’s had.
Sincere thanks go to Sarah Parry and Rachel Bone for organizing a truly classy and enjoyable event.
Photos courtesy Mary Giuliano
