Larry Bannerman named Bruce Power Citizen of the Year

Larry Bannerman (above, left, with Tina Taus of Bruce Power) has been named the Bruce Power Citizen of the Year.

The award was one of 15 presented at the Community Achievement Awards, hosted by the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, Thursday night, at Ainsdale Golf Course.

In presenting the award, Tina Taus of Bruce Power said that Bannerman has shown extraordinary commitment to leadership and philanthropy in the community. He established the Larry Bannerman Foundation which has donated substantial funds to various organizations, including $50,000 to the Kincardine Hospital redevelopment project.

He has served for more than 50 years with the Kincardine Lions Club, contributing to the club's playground beside the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, as well as the Splash Pad and the new All-Wheel Park.

Bannerman is a hardworking volunteer and is dedicated to the betterment of his community. And wherever the Lions Club is holding a charity barbecue, you'll find him flipping burgers with a smile on his face!

As he accepted the award, Bannerman thanked everyone for supporting the many community and recreational activities in Kincardine, particularly for those for young people.

Also nominated for Citizen of the Year, were Kathryn Freimanis and Jonathon Farrell.

The evening began with chamber president Jaye Boyer welcoming everyone to the event, followed by grace and dinner, with musical accompaniment by Koen Adams-Smith.

Koen Adams-Smith of Kincardine provides entertainment at the Kincardine Community Achievement Awards, Thursday night

Following the meal, Kincardine councillor Rory Cavanagh brought greetings on behalf of the mayor and council. "Congratulations to all the nominees and have a wonderful night."

MC Mike Brough then took over, and welcomed a representative from each award sponsor to introduce the nominees and announce the winners.

MC Mike Brough (right) takes over the microphone from chamber president Jaye Boyer to start the presentation of awards

 

The Jennifer Cook and Associates Co-operators Woman of Distinction award went to Taylor Candler.

Candler and her husband, Charles, operate Ainsdale Golf Course. She holds junior golf camps in the summer which draw about 150 youth per year to the greens. She and Charles also run the annual Ainsdale Golf Classic, raising thousands each year for youth sports and organizations in the Kincardine and Ripley area. She is an inspirational role model to many women in the community.

Also nominated, were Becky Fair and Ashley Woods.

Taylor Candler (centre) receives the Woman of Distinction award; with her, are fellow nominees, Ashley Woods (left) and Becky Fair

 

The Enbridge Quality of Life award went to the Community Living of Kincardine and District.

Community Living of Kincardine and District pursues inclusion and diversity for all of its supported individuals in the community. It has been serving the area for more than 60 years, providing programs and services for developmentally-handicapped youth and adults.

Also nominated, were Rosewood RVilla Senior Living, and Drop-in at The Bridge.

Usman Bhatti (left) of Enbridge presents the Quality of Life award to Aimee Kim of Community Living of Kincardine and District

 

The Linda Bowers Century 21 Millennium Education and Youth Programming award went to Michael Grant.

Michael Grant of Kincardine is a singer who has established a creative, meaningful musical experience for young people. He believes music can impact the lives of youth in the community.

Also nominated, were the Kippers Swim Team, and Jonathon Farrell.

Linda Bowers (left) of Century 21 Millennium Realty presents the Education and Youth Programming award to Michael Grant

 

The 7Gen Industrial Environmental award went to the Lake Huron Coastal Centre.

The Lake Huron Coastal Centre works to protect the Lake Huron shoreline, promoting a healthy local eco-system and decreasing pollution. It also organizes annual shoreline clean-ups in the Kincardine area.

Also nominated, were Kincardine Nature Stewards, and the Saugeen Habitat Collective.

The Nuclear Promise X (NPX) Good Neighbour award went to the Kincardine Good Food Box.

Wendy Cox is one of the co-ordinators of the Kincardine Good Food Box, with Shirley Steele. The program connects people in need with a box of produce each month, in Kincardine, Tiverton and Ripley. Wendy also co-ordinates clothing drives, including the current Winter Coat Drive, and promotes the United Way of Bruce Grey backpack program for students returning to school.

Also nominated, were Shane Watson and Pat Beaton.

Haydon Armstrong (right) of NPX presents the Good Neighbour award to Shirley Steele (left), Janice Gibson and Wendy Cox of the Kincardine Good Food Box

 

The Bruce Telecom Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Olivia Hinchberger.

Olivia Hinchberger operates Word Squirrel Books in downtown Kincardine, providing meaningful events for the community.

Also nominated, were Jessica Rivett, and Sierra, Cole and Olivia Griffin.

Jessica Towriss (left) of Bruce Telecom presents the Young Entrepreneur award to Olivia Hinchberger

 

The Miller Insurance Agricultural Business award went to Rozendaal Farms.

Rozendaal Farms is a family-owned and -operated chicken, hog and cash crop farm, located on the 7th Concession of the Municipality of Kincardine, that also offers used equipment sales. Its goal is to satisfy the customers and increase their bottom line.

Also nominated, were Farhope Farms and Snobelen Farms.

 

The Andrea Clarke Law Offices Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award went to the Dr. Chandra S. Tripathi.

Chandra Tripathi is passionate about diversity, inclusion and acceptance. For more than 20 years, he has promoted meaningful conversation in the community through the annual Multicultural Celebration and the Hindu Culture Open House.

Also nominated, were Beth Blackwell and Mike Hinchberger.

Andrea Clarke (left) presents the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award to Dr. Chandra S. Tripathi

 

The MNP Customer Service Excellence award went to Naz Sani of The Enchanted Beautician.

At her business, Naz Sani creates a warm and uplifting space where every visit feels a little special. Her approach is centred on thoughtful care, attention to detail, and helping clients feel confident in their natural beauty. The experience is designed to be relaxing, personal, and leave you feeling refreshed, radiant, and truly valued.

Also nominated, were HOM Wellness Collective, and barker Outdoor Services.

Susan Cruickshank (left) of MNP presents the Customer Service Excellence award to Naz Sani of The Enchanted Beautician

 

The Kincardine BIA Lakeside Downtown Kincardine Ambassador award went to the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band.

The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band is best known for its Saturday Night Parades every summer - a uniquely Kincardine tradition. The band is in charge of the Phantom Piper which pipes down the sun every night, except Saturday, in the summer, as well as the Massed Band event in August, and the Robbie Burns Supper in January.

Also nominated, were Nicole Ireland, and the Paddy Walker Heritage Society.

Accepting the Downtown Ambassador award, are John McManus (left), Nancy Fletcher, Jennifer Farrell and Dale Shewfelt of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band

 

The Councillors Blackwell and Hinchberger Youth Citizenship award went to Ryo Winchester.

Ryo Winchester, 13, of Kincardine has advocated for safer cycling in Kincardine, and brought a proposal to Kincardine council for more bike lanes which brought about tangible results.

Also nominated, were Calin Maciejko and Lenin Zandwyk.

 

The Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Tourism award went to the Lighthouse Blues Festival.

The Lighthouse Blues Festival is held in July in downtown Kincardine. It is a premier tourism event, attracting thousands to the downtown, and contributing substantially to the community.

Dan McFadden (left) of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce presents the tourism award to Marilyn and Rick Clarke

 

The Superheat FGH Business Person of the Year award went to Bharath Nangia of NPX.

Bharath Nangia continues to base his business in downtown Kincardine and Bruce County even as it expands to larger centres, offering consulting services to the nuclear industry, and learning opportunities for youth.

Also nominated, were Nadine VandenHeuvel, and Craig and Kelly Kirkconnell.

 

The Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award went to Superheat.

Superheat is a remarkable example of a home-grown business with global growth. Founded by Norm MacArthur in 2000, it now has 26 locations across Canada, in the United Kingdom and the Middle East, providing global heat treatment solutions.

In accepting the award, Dylan Sayle said this award reflects the leadership of the business' founder, Norm MacArthur.

MacArthur's wife, Betty-Ann, added that Norm would have enjoyed receiving this award for the company he built and loved.

Also nominated, were Bright Beginnings Child Care, and Littles By the Lake.

Accepting the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award, are Becky Fair (left), Betty-Ann MacArthur and Dylan Sayle of Superheat