(Credit: Elizabeth MacLeod)
The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce has launched InSpirit 2020, an online-only version of their annual Outstanding Business Awards.
The event will be broadcast online on December 16 and will consist of greetings from regional mayors, celebratory videos, and the recipients of the awards.
InSpirit 2020 also includes new award categories beyond what is usually given out at the Outstanding Business Awards in order to reflect the unique year businesses have faced due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Change comes whether we’re ready or not, and this year has certainly been an example of that,” says David Duplisea, CEO of The Saint John Region Chamber in a release.
“Despite this, our local businesses have been incredible when it came to adapting quickly. They have been nimble and creatively figured out how to ride the waves of uncertainty. They have done everything they can to stay open, now it is our turn to recognize that and lift those businesses. To let them know their efforts are not only noticed but immeasurably appreciated.”
The Chair’s Award will be given to all frontline, essential workers, and charities and non-profits in recognition of their contributions to the community. In celebration of this recognition, the Chamber has partnered with the Bare Necessities ‘Big Pivot’ campaign and invite online donations.
The Community Hero award will be given to Jeanette Arsenault, the Office Manager to MP Wayne Long. The award is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond to improve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Outstanding Initiatives and Efforts awards recognize individuals and businesses who have evolved or created community initiatives to create an environment that safely adheres to protocols. These awards will be granted to Andre and Liam Freill (Queen Square Farmers Market); Nancy Tissington (Uptown Saint John); and Victoria Clarke (Discover Saint John).
The Community Champion award is given to individuals who have shown leadership and corporate responsibility through their responses and actions in their specific communities. This award will be given to John Jarvis (Grand Bay Home Hardware), Tim Cochran (Cochran’s Country Market), and Sean Fillmore (On the Vine).
The Chamber will also give special recognition to Trinity Galleries in commemoration of its 25th anniversary.
Recipients of each award will be given a sculpture from Quispamsis artist Izabelle Fagan that depicts fiddlehead ferns.
The award ceremony will take place on December 16 at 12PM on The Chamber’s website.
Liam Floyd is a reporter for Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
