An array of ‘exotic’ greeters – including a cheetah – and an incredible meal by Classic Catering welcomed members and guests of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) to the Outstanding Business Achievement (OBA) awards gala at the African Lion Safari last Saturday evening.

Hosted annually by the FCC, the OBA gala “recognizes, honours and celebrates the very best in corporate excellence and community service.” In addition to this week’s Flamborough Review, the FCC will provide extensive coverage in the next issue of the Bottom Line. In thisMembers Only, we want to acknowledge this year’s “recipients” (only “recipients” – no “winners and losers”).

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Frank Spiridoulias (Lord Byron Steak and Seafood House)
• Community Service by an Individual Award – Glen Smith (Merit Insurance)
• Community Service by a Company Award – Staples
• Business Growth and Development Award – Dancemakerz (Christie McKay)
• FCC Service Award – Penny Gardiner (Economic Developers of Canada and Hamilton Technology Centre)
• Town of Flamborough Award – Wild on Waterdown (Community Church)
• FCC Bursary Award – Chelsea Gillespie (Waterdown District High School)

Graham Flint (FORCE – Friends of Rural Communities and the Environment) was recognized for his years of service on the FCC Board of Directors. The Flamborough Healthy Community-Healthy Youth (HC-HY) Initiative surprised FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten by naming him the recipient of its first “Asset Champion Award.” To complete the evening, Executive Director Wilf Arndt of the Waterdown Business Improvement Association (WBIA) presented awards to the winners of the Waterdown BLOOMS program. Wilf – passionately committed to Waterdown’s beautification program – is also the official – and volunteer – FCC photographer.

For the first time, the recipients were profiled in videos. And the entire program was taped for later broadcast by TV COGECO community television. The dignitaries who assisted in the presentations included MP David Sweet, MPP Ted McMeekin, Mayor Bob Bratina and Flamborough Councillors Judi Partridge and Robert Pasuta.

The annual OBA gala would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. They included Enbridge, OLG, the Hamilton Economic Development Department, Westjet, the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (owners of Flamboro Downs), and Maria Demkowich (the former owner of JDJ Trailers and widow of Frank Demkowich a recipient of the FCC’s Lifetime Achievement Award). A number of insurance companies – in support of Glen Smith of Merit Insurance – sponsored the wine. And a big THANK YOU to Max and Patty DiFelice of Waterdown Collision for providing the centrepieces.