Interim CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Marie Nash kicks off the 2022 ‘Outstanding Business Achievement Awards’ ceremony Wednesday, May 11. Photo credit: Twitter/Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce hosted its 38th annual ‘Outstanding Business Achievement Awards’ at Carmen’s Banquet Centre last Wednesday.
Held in-person for the first time since pandemic restrictions were put in place back in March 2020, the event recognized some of the city’s top organizations “for their achievements, business growth, and overall impact on the community.”
As previously profiled in The Hamilton Independent, the Chamber’s 2022 Royal Bank Hamilton Citizen of the Year recipient was local business leader and philanthropist Blair McKeil.
Described as an “industry icon” in the world of marine transportation, McKeil – who sat at the helm of his family’s Burlington business McKeil Marine Limited for the better part of three decades up until 2016 – is the CEO of Breakwater Financial and currently heads up the McKeil Family Foundation, which has donated millions to local community initiatives and organizations throughout the years.
According to interim CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Marie Nash, McKeil was selected as the 2022 Citizen of the Year not only for “providing jobs and prosperity for Hamilton”, but also for his “countless charitable actions”.
CN Rail and the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington were both named Century Award winners “for their contributions to the community for over 100 years”, while Arts for All (Hamilton Conservatory For The Arts) was honoured as the top 2022 not-for-profit organization.
YWCA Hamilton was honoured with the year’s Accessibility Award “for building Hamilton’s first affordable housing residence for women and their children – a safe space that not only provides support but fosters community and promotes wellness.”
Founder and owner of the Monarch Tea Co. Katie Cyr was named the Young Entrepreneur, Under 40 of the Year for 2022.
Monarch Tea saw explosive growth during the pandemic after Cyr decided to dedicate her full attention to the business and expanded into virtual tea education classes.
In a Facebook post after the event, Cyr said it was an “honour” to be recognized.
“So incredibly thankful to be a part of the Hamilton community and witness the amazing support there is for small business,” said Cyr. “Keep supporting and shopping locally.”
Soups from Me to You won Small Business of the Year (1-10 employees).
Berkeley North won Mid-Sized Business of the Year (11-50 employees).
While Cogeco was named the 2022 Large Business of the Year (50+ employees).
“Wow, we are honoured to receive the Large Business Award from the (Hamilton Chamber of Commerce)”, tweeted Cogeco after receiving the honour, “this means a lot to our entire team! #HamOnt we are proud to be your local connection.”
The ceremony was co-hosted by Cable 14’s Mike Fortune and the Chambers’ Marie Nash. Mayor Fred Eisenberger and City of Hamilton Director of Economic Development Norm Schleenhahn were among the many notable presenters to provide remarks at the event.
