The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce recognized the best in business Thursday night at its annual Business Achievement Awards ceremony at the Geneva Event Centre.

The event also served as the chamber’s annual general meeting.

Mayor Steve Clarke told the packed house it’s a good time to be in business in Orillia, noting the city has issued a record number of building permits in the past two years. He also acknowledged the successes of those in attendance.

You’ve made a difference in your business, you’ve made a difference in your employees and you’ve made a difference in your communities,” he said.


The award winners are as follows:

Entrepreneurial Initiative: Up and Out; The Crank and Sprocket Bicycle Co.; Orillia Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Leadership in Training: Robert Yorke of Metalworks CNC; Lakehead University/YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka

Company Expansion: Miller Health Centre and Movement Physiotherapy; Orillia Trim and Door; TNT Fine Lingerie and Bra Boutique

Site Enhancement — New Construction: Dr. Aaron Barnett; Lake Country Physiotherapy

Technological Advancement: EcoPoly Solutions Inc.

Site Enhancement — Reno and Upgrade: Century 21 BJ Roth Realty Ltd., Brokerage; Champlain Waterfront Hotel/Fionn MacCool’s Orillia Waterfront; Carson Funeral Homes (L. Doolittle Chapel), Robert J. Carson Funeral Directors Ltd.

Green Award: Novanni Stainless Inc.

Longevity Award: Housser’s Paint and Wallpaper (33 years); HGR Graham Partners LLP (Bruce Waite, 50 years; Greg Evans, 42 years)

Strengthening Our Communities: Dr. Kevin Young; The Bird House Nature Company

Regional Economic Development: Costco Wholesale; JessEm Tool Company

Customer Service: Sunshine Superwash

Rebuilding Orillia: Geneva Event Centre

Marketing and Promotion: The Faris Team

Hats Off: Camp Winston; Community Development Corporation

Source: Orillia Matters