The Peterborough and area business community was in the spotlight Wednesday for the 14th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards,
More than 50 businesses and individuals were profiled as awards were handed out in 20 categories in the gala at Showplace Performance Centre.
The night’s biggest award went to Peter Blodgett who was named the Business Citizen of the Year. Blodgett is the owner and operator of Darling Insurance, a company that’s been serving Peterborough for more than 85 years. He is also a longtime volunteer including as a member of the Three Loonies who annually raise thousands of dollars for Kawartha Food Share.
“I’m just so blessed to be a part of this great community,” said Blodgett. “I’m glad to see that my organization has been recognized. I’d like to thank Peterborough for what it has given my family over the years.”
Among the winners and finalists
BUSINESS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Peter Blodgett
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
Havelock Metal Co. (winner)
Farm Life Financial Planning Group
Publican House Brewery
SKILLED TRADES
R and M Smith Contracting Ltd. (winner)
Fransky Mechanical
Kawartha Lakes Construction
TOURISM
4th Line Theatre (winner)
Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area
HOSPITALITY
Publican House Brewery (winner)
Pita Pit (Lansdowne)
The Venue
MICRO BUSINESS – (Fewer than 5 employees)
Celtic Connection (winner)
The Mane Intent Inc.
Sofie Andreou and Associates
RETAIL – CHAIN/FRANCHISE
Lakefield Foodland (winner)
Delta Bingo and Gaming
Leon’s Furniture Peterborough
RETAIL – NON-CHAIN/NON-FRANCHISE
Grady’s Feet Essentials (winner)
Celtic Connection
Whelan’s Flooring Centre
NEWCOMER ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Andress Lacerda (Noblegen) — winner
Nigina Azimova (Ariyana Middle Eastern Food)
Catia Skinner (Mega Experience)
CUSTOMER FIRST
Avant-Garden Shop (winner)
Brant Basics
Locks Salon and Spa
LOCAL FOCUS
Lang Pioneer Village Museum (winner)
BE Catering
RMS Events
INNOVATION/RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT
Chimp Treats (winner)
Canuck Play
Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OR RENOVATION
Lett Architects (winner)
Euphoria Wellness Spa
Lakeshore Designs
MARKETING and PROMOTION
Oldies 96.7 Radio/My Broadcasting Corp. (winner)
Lakeshore Designs
Mega Experience
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Lansdowne Place (winner)
Home Suite Home Transitions
Rainmaker Worldwide Inc.
HEALTH and WELLNESS
The Mane Intent Inc. (winner)
Pulse Physiotherapy
Salti Yoga
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
New Canadians Centre Peterborough (winner)
Community Care Peterborough
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Kawartha Lakes Construction (winner)
Business Development Bank of Canada
Cambium
4-UNDER-40 PROFILES
Jason Chessar
Yvonne Lai
Craig Mortlock
Catia Skinner
STUDENT BUSINESS LEADERSHIP BURSARIES
Samantha Rivers – Fleming College
Patricia Hoyt – Trent University