The Bradford Board of Trade's Business Excellence Awards had guests sparkling from head to toe as they celebrated and recognized local business achievement, at Cardinal Golf Club on Friday night.
The Glitz & Glam Gala began with a VIP cocktail hour, where sponsors were welcomed to complimentary sparkling champagne and appetizers, and offered make-up and hair touch ups courtesy of Brittany Buck Beauty Boutique.
As guests made their way to the dining room, they were entertained by the sounds of local sisters, Alyssa and Ainsley DeMelo with songs "I Will Survive" and "Stronger."
“Kind of sounds like the theme song for Bradford business, doesn’t it?” said emcee Jennifer Harrison of the BBT. “Tonight we celebrate what a big deal it is to survive, and thrive in BWG.”
She added, “This community is getting stronger. We do appreciate all of the work all of the businesses do.”
Next to speak was BBT President, Tina Morrison who thanked the volunteer gala committee, chaired by Donna Katz of Genesis Gymnastics, for all of their efforts in organizing the night's festivities.
“It’s like planning a wedding every year," said Harrison just before the awards presentation."My hat goes off to you."
This year, there were 335 nominations for 117 businesses and “every year those numbers grow,” noted Morrison.
There were nine awards with 11 recipients at this year's awards.
"You're all winners in my eyes," said Morrison.
The big winners of the evening were:
People's Choice Award sponsored by: Bradford Board of Trade
Bradford Wellness Centre
Agricultural Excellence Award
Holland Marsh Growers' Association
Community Award - Sponsored by: Genesis Gymnastics
Ad-dictive Design & Promotion
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
Ben Simon's Guitar Lessons
Entrepreneur of the Year - Sponsored by: BradfordToday
BBBeauty Boutique
New Business Award - Sponsored by: Town of BWG
Experience Toys & Games
Home Based Business Award - Sponsored by: deWinter Masonry
Scaraoke Entertainment
Business Excellence Awards - Sponsored by: Tupling Insurance, Ad-dictive Design, and St. Louis Bar & Grill
- Holland Street Veterinary Service
- The Elden
- Genesis Gymnastics
Town of BWG Economic Development Award - Sponsored by: Town of BWG
Aurora Cannabis Inc. - MedReleaf
To close the ceremony, Mayor Rob Keffer congratulated all nominees and winners, and thanked the Board of Trade for their efforts in promoting local businesses, to "ensure that you can find everything you need right here in town."
So far, Keffer said, there have been 30 ribbon-cutting ceremonies this year, "with more to come."
He was proud to present the final award to MedReleaf, noting the indoor cannabis plant has created 300 jobs since it moved to Bradford in 2016.
“Thank you, everybody, for welcoming our brand new company to the community," said Vice President, Manufacturing, Dilek Dag, who accepted the award with General Manger, Chi-Hae Marcelo.
The evening was presented by Ad-dictive Design, with sound provided by Scaraoke Entertainment.
To learn more about the Bradford Board of Trade, how to become a member or and up-coming events, check out their website here.
