Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce announces 2016 gala award finalists
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2016 gala award finalists.
MBW Courier Inc., owned by Barry Mitchell and Phil Walters, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award and Eric MacKeen, General Manager of Tri County Ford, has been selected as the BDC Business Person of the Year.
“MBW Courier and Eric MacKeen join an accomplished list of businesses and leaders recognized by the Chamber since the awards were first introduced in 1989,” said Chamber President Andrew Lake. “Their recognition coincides with MBW’s 20th year in business and Tri County Ford’s achievement of Ford Canada’s President’s Diamond Club Sales and Service Award for the 15th time.
“These accomplishments demonstrate the strength and diversity of businesses operating in Colchester County.”
The awards will be presented on April 21 during the Chamber’s 126th annual gala dinner celebration at the Best Western Glengarry. Reserved seats are available by calling the Chamber at 902-895-6328, or by email [email protected].
The Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award recognizes leadership achieving demonstrated growth in sales, workforce investment, community involvement, support of the local business community, commitment to the environment, innovation and job creation.
“We are thrilled,” Mitchell said of being named the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award finalist. “The people of Greater Truro have been a big part of our success. We appreciate the support we receive locally.”
MBW Courier Inc. will celebrate 20 years in business in May and employs about 100 people with locations in Dartmouth, Moncton, Fredericton and St. John. With its head-office based in Truro Heights, the company recently expanded into new markets, which Mitchell attributes to growth predominantly in rural areas.
The BDC Business Person of the Year Award acknowledges a founder, owner, CEO, president or manager who has achieved significant success showing strong leadership skills contributing to the growth of the business.
MacKeen has worked at Tri County Ford for 26 years. The Tatamagouche dealership has been serving the community for more than 80 years building life-long relationships with customers achieving growth in sales, parts and service while contributing to countless community fundraising initiatives and supporting North Colchester High School’s Student of the Month recognition program.
Under MacKeen’s leadership the company has earned Ford Canada’s top honour in Atlantic Canada, the President’s Award, eight times in the past 10 years, most recently in 2015.
Nominations for the Chamber awards were open to all businesses in Truro and Colchester County.
The gala awards dinner will feature guest speaker John Peller, president and CEO of Andrew Peller Limited, the largest Canadian-owned winery.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the accomplishments of local business at the Chamber’s gala, which is open to members and future members. Tickets cost $45 plus tax for members and $55 plus tax for future members. The deadline to reserve seats is April 18 to be eligible to win the grand prize draw of a two-night stay at Irwin Lake Chalets.