2018 Awards Gala Digital Program

21st Annual

Business
& Community
Excellence Awards

November 1st, 2018

The CBD Club

6pm – 10pm

Message from Our Chair

Karen Debergh

It is with great pleasure that
on behalf of the 2017/2018 Board of
Directors and the Business Excellence
Committee, that we welcome everyone to the
20th Annual Business and Community

Excellence Awards.

Tonight, is not only about the award recipients and nominees, but also about
the quality and commitment of business and volunteerism that exists within
our wonderful community. We have a strong history of coming together to
assist each other through good and bad times and it is only fitting that we

take the opportunity annually to recognize those outstanding members.

Preparing for this year’s event has been an exciting endeavour! Each year this
event grows, we see more exceptional qualities and nominees that are very
deserving of recognition. I am positive that it was not an easy job making a

selection.

Our judges were given the daunting task of reading all of the submissions
which included the many contributions and business commitments of the

nominees.

As you read through our program and watch this evening’s event unfold, I
am sure that you will also see the fine qualities of each nominee. Please take

the time to congratulate each of them.

On behalf of the Wallaceburg & District Chamber of Commerce,
congratulations to each of our nominees and recipients of the 21st Annual
Business and Community Excellence Awards. Have an enjoyable evening!

Message from Mayor

Randy Hope

As Mayor of the Municipality of
Chatham – Kent, it is my honour to
extend a warm welcome to you, honoured
guests and members of the Wallaceburg &
District Chamber of Commerce, to the 21st
Annual Business and Community Excellence Awards.

Each year this annual event recognises the professional excellence of local
businesses and citizens throughout the community of Wallaceburg. I would
like to express our sincere thanks to the Wallaceburg & District Chamber of

Commerce for organising this special evening; their dedication and
commitment to recognise the efforts of local citizens is sincerely appreciated.

Congratulations to each of the 2018 Annual Business and Excellence Award
winners!

On behalf of the Chatham-Kent Council:

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Message from Councillor

Carmen McGregor

It is with honour and pride that I
congratulate all the nominees this evening.

It is this annual gala event under the
leadership of the Wallaceburg & District
Chamber of Commerce that allows each of us
the opportunity to recognise the hard work of our
businesses, community members and volunteers.

All nominees demonstrate leadership in our community and play a major part
in what makes this a wonderful place to live, work and raise our families.
This evening marks the 21st Annual Business and Community Excellence
Awards. Over the past years, we have had the opportunity to see many of

our friends and neighbours recognised. Some of the nominees that are being
honoured tonight have received the same recognition in the past, this is due
to all of their long-term commitments in Wallaceburg and the surrounding

area.

Excellence in Business and Community means something different to each of
us. It is a challenging job for the judges to determine the award recipients
based on a brief biography. There are no winners or losers, only committed

community members. The fact that someone in the community has taken the
time to nominate speaks louder of the quality of the community more than

the individual award.

I would also like to congratulate the Chamber’s Business Excellence
Committee for their hard work in keeping this an annual night of
recognition as a focal point of the high quality that exists in Wallaceburg and
area and a special thanks to the sponsors that have made it all possible!

With Thanks…

Special Thanks to the Judges &
Nominee Committee Members

Judges are asked to provide objective decisions based
upon the criteria and the information provided. Each

submission is assessed independently, and a score is
determined.

The work of the judges is not easy and it is with
appreciation that we thank this year’s panel!

The Business and Community Excellence Awards
Committee is the be congratulated for their dedication
and collective expertise in the preparation for this special

evening.

Evening

Program Schedule

Emcee: Jay Smith

Greetings from Dignitaries

• Agricultural Achievement Award
• Environmental Award

• Business of the Year Award
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award

• Young Professional Award
• Technology Award

• Chip Gordon Community Builder Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Community Inclusion Award
Silent Auction will close

• Wallaceburg BIA Award
• Citizen of the Year Award
• Chamber Choice Award
Karen Debergh – Closing Remarks

Program Sponsors

Aarkel
Subway
pASHion
Wallaceburg Retirement Residence
Oaks Retirement
Canadian Tire
Russolo Therapy
St.Clair College Employment Centre

Award Sponsors

Mares Insurance
CKSY

Community Living
Gateway Casino

Community Futures Development
North Kent Mutual Insurance
Rotary Club of Wallaceburg
United Way
UCB
CKxs 99.1fm
Wallaceburg BIA
Rulmeca Canada

Auction Sponsors

Tom & Al's
Westbrooks
Glasses & Grapes

pASion
Wallaceburg Retirement Residence

Wallaceburg Wellness Centre
UCB Canada

The Clubhouse at Baldoon
Progressive Ford

Riverview Automobile
Canadian Tire

Countryview Golf Course
Duchene Paints
Goldoast Fashions
Karyon Travel
The Stubby Goat
McDonalds
NoFrills

DS Walker Jewellers
Pita Pit

Agricultural

Sponsored by Award

CRITERIA

❖ Business achievements demonstrate a relationship of cooperation and dependability
❖ Promotes business and service excellence

❖ Contributes to the development of new markets
❖ Environmentally responsible while enhancing community commitment with business growth

❖ Innovative and redefines the industry

AWARD NOMINEES

McBrayne Feed and Supply

In 1954 McBrayne Feed and Supply was born and began selling Shur Gain line of feeds and
fertilizers, and the new mill offered grinding, rolling and mixing to their list of services.

In 1960 a second warehouse was added, containing 1600 square feet of floor space and storage
space for more than 50 tons of feed.

In 1962, expanding business necessitated the need for a separate office building.

Shur Gain had a line of fertilizers. As more customers learned of the advantages gained through the
use of commercial fertilizer volumes increased until in 1963 a large fertilizer warehouse was built It
was capable of holding 400 tons of bagged fertilizer and 150 tons of bulk fertilizer. By the next
year a second warehouse was built and designed for the storage of bulk fertilizer with a total
storage capacity, now, of 900 tons.

In 1972 Hawken Milling Company was purchased by Gordon McBrayne as part of McBrayne
Feed and Supply Limited. The business in Wallaceburg continued to operate as Hawken Milling.
Later the business closed in Wallaceburg with customer service coming from McBrayne's in
Dresden. The Hawken Milling plant and buildings where demolished in 1987 closing a chapter of
history.

During the 80's McBrayne's customer base continued to grow and new shop facilities were built.

In 1994, a new pet food warehouse was built. As well, McBrayne's produces its own bird seed,
using a special blend of products. Pool Chemicals are also part of McBrayne's
product and service list.

In September of 1994 McBrayne's Feed and Supply celebrated their 40th Anniversary.

As is the case with all business change was inevitable and constant and there
was no exception for McBrayne's Feed and Supply. The management team at McBrayne's

remained alert to trends in product and service and responded accordingly.

In a blink of an eye ten years passed. Growth remained constant and focused. The customer base
was continually loyal and the McBrayne staff could always be depended to go the extra mile for

the customer. It was now 2004 and time for another celebration.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration at McBrayne Feed and Supply was indeed a glorious occasion.
With founder Gordon McBrayne on hand to relive the birth and growth of his company from
1954 to the half century mark in 2004.

Today, McBrayne's Feeds 'N' Needs has seen the torch of ownership and management passed to
the second generation of McBrayne's...Allen and Bill. The two brothers who have worked around

the business since their early teens

continue to honour the tradition of excellence always in customer service as well innovation and a
business strategy that will allow the company to prosper and grow towards the future.

Rulmeca Canada

Rulmeca Canada Limited is a world class OEM whose locally produced products are shipped to
markets around the world.

Since relocating our Canadian head office and manufacturing operations to Wallaceburg in 2010
we have worked hard to establish our community roots. Our mandate to hire/source locally, and
support organizations like the CCE and Community Living have helped to secure our place in the
community.

Outside of our work initiatives Rulmeca actively supports WAMBO, Santa Claus Parade, W.D.S.S
donations, partnership and coop opportunities, to name a few.

It is an honor to be recognized for our efforts in the community and be considered for the
“Agricultural/Industrial Award”.

Kim O’Neil

Environmental

Sponsored by Award

CRITERIA

❖ Enhances or protects the environment while meeting commercial standards
❖ Better use of energy, water, minimizes waste through reduction and recycling

❖ Outcomes can include cost savings and increased operational efficiency
❖ Commitment by staff, innovation, evidence of benefits on environment and ability for future

development

AWARD NOMINEES

Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak Club

Leaders: Dawne Mudford & Marc Jacques

The Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak was first launched in May of 2003, having just celebrated 16
paddling seasons leading a 4-H Canoe & Kayak Club. More than 500 youth, ages 9 to 19, have
taken part in the program since its inception.

The Club features weekly paddles from May through September on local and area waterways,
celebrating the beautiful Sydenham River that flows through our town.

Canoes and kayaks, purchased through the generosity of many donors, are provided by the Club to
enable kids to enjoy the sport without having the expense of purchasing the equipment.

In addition to Club activities, the Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak Club makes the boats available to
the local high school (WDSS) for use in their Phys Ed program, and various other community
events.

We also offer advice to those who wish to invest in their own boats, including paddling lessons at no
charge, as well as providing information to many individuals and groups, local and those from out of
town that wish to paddle along the Wallaceburg Water Trails. Weekly paddles always involve river
clean-ups, retrieving anything that doesn’t belong in our waterways.

Environmental Aspects of the Club (Our Story):
There are few things in life that are more enjoyable than paddling a canoe
or kayak and being in tune with nature, enjoying the sights and sounds of
jumping fish, croaking frogs, and basking turtles. Imagine sitting quietly upon
the water to enjoy a doe and fawn along the shore, or a buck swim across in front
of you, or looking up into the limbs of a huge, old growth tree to spot a massive
nest occupied by a pair of bald eagles and their young. Great blue herons often act as tour
guides, showing off what nature has to offer. Without environmental protection, we would never be
able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beauty that surrounds us.

But what would any of these things have to do with the Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak Club and the
“environment”? First and foremost, we do not burn fossil fuel while being at “one with nature”.
Outings are always an educational experience, and while the participants are clearly having fun, they
are also learning about the significance of keeping our waterways clean and clear of debris, picking
up and removing bottles, cans, balloons etc. Members enjoy the flora as well as the fauna, and learn
the importance of keeping nature in balance, and free of pollutants. And it’s an extremely important
task, protecting the 82 species of fish and 34 species of freshwater mussels, many of which are
endangered in our beloved Sydenham River. But thanks to the efforts of many, species such as the
bald eagle that we never saw 16 years ago, are relatively common sights. We are very proud to be a
part of this.

When it comes to protecting and improving our environment, education of our youth is key. We
can talk to them at length about saving our environment, but when we take them out and show
them what they are supposed to be preserving, it suddenly has an impact on them – forever!

The Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak Club has been educating enthusiastic youth for nearly two
decades, teaching paddling, safety and the importance of environmental protection, making the
world a better place for present and future generations – one paddle stroke at a time.

The Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak Club is honoured to have been nominated for The Wallaceburg
Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Environmental Award.

Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns

Advocating for people, landscapes and wildlife.

Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns is a group of local residents who came together out of concern
for ourselves, our neighbours and our community. Boralex, a Power Producer had proposed to build
The Otter Creek Wind Farm project, featuring 12 Enercon E-141 turbines, along the northern edge

of Wallaceburg and our group was concerned about the significant impact it would have on
Wallaceburg and the surrounding area, especially in light of the water well issues that were already
apparent in our neighboring communities. If this project received approval to proceed, it would
change Wallaceburg’s rural community forever.

Several water wells in the area of the North Kent project had become clogged with sediments,
which the grassroots citizen group Water Wells First believed to be caused by vibrations during
construction and operation of the wind farm, stirring up the Kettle Point black shale in the aquifer.
Our group believed that with our similar geology in the Wallaceburg area, we would share the same
fate if the Otter Creek Wind Farm was constructed. We were concerned with the additional issues
of the significantly larger turbines proposed for Otter Creek including concerns with noise levels and
protection of flora and fauna. In order to deal with the next stages of this process, our group needed
to develop a separate identity to move forward with our unique concerns and our own proponent
and we formed Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns (WAWC).

Our committee of eight people--Diana Cornelis, Mike deBakker, Dan Donkers, Diana Donkers,
Mary Rosseel, Denise Shephard, Earl Towell, and Violet Towell--were the original founding
members of WAWC. We reached out to our community in a well-attended information session at
the UAW hall in Wallaceburg in October 26th, 2017 and launched our provincial petition, public
awareness campaign and fund-raising initiative on behalf of the area. Many additional members of
our community became involved in our campaign at that time and have assisted in various capacities
from door to door information sharing to fund raising.

We joined three other citizen action groups, Dutton/Dunwich Opponents of Wind Turbines,
Concerned Citizens of North Stormont and Save the Nation concerned with wind turbine projects
in Ontario to file legal action against the Ontario government for not requiring the projects to
adhere to new government regulations regarding noise levels. A Notice of Application for Judicial
Review was filed January 25, 2018 by DDOWT in the Divisional Court in Toronto against the
MOECC. Despite the provincial government’s recognition that new noise regulations were
required, they were allowing power developers to utilized older less stringent guidelines and we
were challenging them in court.

In addition to this legal initiative, our group approached the Ministry’s local Source Water
Protection Committee to seek their assistance in protecting our wells and those in our surrounding
communities. Subsequently we presented information and received support from two local
municipal governments, both St. Clair Township and Chatham-Kent to support our request for
protection of water wells through the Source Protection Committee.

We have worked on an ongoing basis with our local member of provincial parliament, Monte
McNaughton who has been a strong opponent to the turbine projects. Prior to the change of
government, we have been very active in a letter-writing campaign advocating for the citizens of our
area and outlining the various concerns for the wind project in our area including: noise issues, water
well concerns, particular environmental issues and procedural concerns and lack of public
information sessions from the developers when plans for the project changed.

We feel that the actions of our group contributed to a greater awareness of the issues in our area and
to a delay in the approval of the Otter Creek Wind Farm. On Friday, July 13, 2018 the news that
hundreds of renewable energy projects across Ontario, including the Otter Creek Wind Farm, were
announced. The Otter Creek Wind Farm project was not in the best interests of the people in this
community and our group has reached its primary goal based on the concerns with the project
because of its possible impact on the local environment and local residents’ health.

Ck-Tree Care

CK Tree Care was founded on the love for trees. We have built and nurtured this professional
business on hard work, learning and integrity.
We enjoy inspiring those around us with our positive attitude and leadership. Our strengths are
safety, training, careful job setup and attention to detail to provide excellent services for our clients.
It is our belief that we can obtain complete customer satisfaction through competitive rates,
respecting the properties we are on and safe quality work.
CK Tree Care is continuously focused on keeping up to date with the Ontario Health and Safety
Act, the Arborist Safe Work Practices and industry standards. We are on a relentless pursuit to
provide training through government programs, apprenticeships and other arboriculture courses for
our employees.
Our goal is to continue to improve our business and community through learning, leadership and
giving. CK Tree Care is committed to reducing our carbon foot print, educating those around us
and being good stewards of our community.

Business of the
Year Award

Sponsored by

CRITERIA

❖ Honours small and large businesses
❖ Demonstrates innovation and unique concepts in product marketing
❖ Directly involved in the stability and improvement of the community
❖ Contributes to a community destination point for value, service and hospitality

AWARD NOMINEES

Tom & Al’s Furniture

Tom & Al’s has offered friendly personal service to Wallaceburg and area for over 50 years. They
credit their success to many loyal customers who have supported them since 1968. Their dedicated
staff will continue to supply the professional service these customers deserve.” Customer satisfaction
is the number one priority.” Says Tom & Al’s owners Jack Moore and Brian Shaw who have been
the staff for 50 years.
With a large selection of appliances and televisions, there are a lot of brands, makes and models to
choose from, LG Electronics, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, Frigidaire, Panasonic to name a few with
impressive furniture selection, available in custom colours and fabrics, you’re sure to find what you
are looking for in any room of your home.
At Tom & Al’s Furniture, you will find many products for your home from accents, paintings,
bedroom sets, dining, electric fireplaces, gifts, lamps living room, mattresses, office and mattress
protectors and bedsheets. The Focus for a lot of the upholstery& furniture is on Canadian and
domestic North American made products.

A highlight of the customer service is the post -purchase experience. All delivery and set-up are free
with Tom & Al’s. The remove the old appliances and furniture that you’re replacing, they take all
the wrappings and packing with them when they leave. They believe in service after the sale. Stop
by for your appliance, television and furniture needs. They will treat you right.
www.tomandalsfurniture.com

Wallaceburg Retirement Residence

Wallaceburg Retirement Residence (formerly known as Sydenham Residence) was built in April
1990.

We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Assisted Living Plus, Respite & Convalescent Care.
Care & Services

• Home cooked meals & snacks
• Variety of activities & outings
• 3x/week VON exercises

Rooms & Suites
• Spacious private room with 3 pc bathroom
• Spacious semi-private room each have own 2 pc bathroom

Building Amenities
• Onsite hairdresser
• Bi-weekly foot care clinic
• House doctor
• Van for outings

Community Amenities
• Close to shopping
• Restaurants
• Senior Center
• Churches

The Stubby Goat

First of all, thank you for the nomination it is an honour. My name is Jason Debuck, I’m a Chef,
bartender and father from Wallaceburg.
I’m the owner/operator of The Stubby Goat. The Stubby Goat provides a local food and beverage
spot to Wallaceburg, so they can go out, share time with their families and have a place to make
memories over a nice meal.

I opened The Stubby Goat in 2016. My favorite part of having a restaurant business is because it
allows me to become involved directly with our local sporting associations and gives me a chance
help out kids in the community by sponsoring local teams and to being part of the solution.

Also, working closely with the people and community of Wallaceburg can be a lot of fun!
When I’m not working at the restaurant, I like to play baseball, hockey, and curling. I also love
spending time with my family, boating, and fishing.

I’ve been a Chef for 16 years, and I really love it. I hope to continue serving the people of
Wallaceburg for many years to come.
Thank you

Entrepreneur of
the Year Award

Sponsored by

CRITERIA

❖ Honours an individual who is self-employed or employed by a firm
❖ Demonstrates excellence in their field of expertise

❖ Makes a positive contribution to their profession and community

AWARD NOMINEES

Tyler & Bria Atkinson

In August 31, 2016 we incorporated our company and purchased the historical commercial property
in Dresden formerly known for the last 100 years as "Clark's Hardware". We purchased the property
from the third-generation owner Bill Clark who remembers when his grandfather was dealing coal
and building supplies when a railroad used to run directly in front of the store.
Before becoming entrepreneurs, we both worked in other professions, Tyler as a Journeyman
Ironworker, and Bria as a Program Manager at the VON and an occasional teacher for the LKDSB.
The work/life balance was a struggle and the driving force behind taking this step was to keep our
family closer together and to teach our children skills that will help them succeed in their own future
endeavors.
We purchased with the intention to create "The Crappie Store - Hunting & Fishing Outfitters", and
luckily for us due to the large size of the property we were able to also expand our hobby
beekeeping business as well. The Crappie Store is ideally located on Highway 21 along the
Sydenham River directly adjacent to the public boat launch in the heart of Dresden, Ontario.

We have live bait, tackle, guns & ammunition, and hunting supplies.

BLB Honey & Beekeeping Supplies is our sister store providing all things beekeeping from live bees
to equipment, to education and more! We are proud to offer the purest local honey and beeswax
products in Chatham-Kent.

Along with introducing the new businesses and offering these new products and services to our
community of Chatham-Kent, we are also working very hard to transform the property into a
tourist destination and hub of Dresden, hopefully attracting new people and business to all of our
fellow business owners in town. We have had an extremely busy summer down on the Sydenham
River with our Canoe/Kayak/SUP Board Rentals, and we are excited to introduce Sydenham
Fishing Charters/Nature Tours in the summer of 2019.

We have just completed our 2nd year and are in the very beginning of year 3. We are so proud to
have more than doubled in the 2nd year and we are constantly striving to improve our business and
serve our customers for many, many years to come!

Melissa Gaylard-Siddall

I was born and raised in Wallaceburg and am married to Jeremy Siddall whom is also my business
partner. We have 5 children between the two of us ranging in age from 5 to 17.

I have always had a strong passion for the hospitality industry, mainly staying in the kitchen which is
where my heart truly lies. I have always dreamed of working for myself but knowing what a tough
industry this is, I waited until I had enough experience in all areas of the business and until I was
completely ready to take the leap of faith.

I am happy when I can make my customers happy, we have had the business for 3 years now and
have expended in many areas, from frozen take home meals, to our own be hives to produce raw
honey to sell, growing sweet in the summer and growing pumpkins in the fall.

We do catering from Sarnia to Tilbury have a restaurant that is open 7 days a week from 8 till 3 and
have a reception room to host a great variety of event. My staff is very close in a family feeling
environment.
This helps us to be very personable to our customers and we get to know our regular customers on a

pDerasovnealMlevceCl ready Jr

After being laid off in late 2008, and searching for employment for many months, we were faced
with a difficult decision. Either we continued to look for employment, or we make our own. At the
time, Dave was spending a lot of time on his hobbies, and that was fishing and making his own soft
plastic fishing lures. Sleepless nights lead to countless hours of research and wondering if this could
turn into something. We had nothing to lose!

In April 2009 Anglers Choice became an official manufacturer and we sought out retailers. It started
off slowly, but we realized that there was a huge market and a real opportunity to make this
something big.

Then, in 2011, the opportunity to purchase Ed’s Bait from Jamie Rose came up. Being that both of
us grew up down the road and had been visiting the bait shop from the time we could walk, we
knew we had to do it. Ed’s Bait had been in business for over 60 years at that point, and it was
important to us (and to Jamie as well) that the business stay locally owned and operated. We
freshened the place up a bit but wanted to keep as much of the store as close to Jamie ran things as
possible.

We realized that the market for perch, walleye, and bass fishing was something our customers were
most interested in and have since strived to have the best and most up to date products for our
customers. While we took over the bait shop, we also made forward movements for the growth of
Anglers Choice. Since then our products have grown to include bass, walleye, and pan fish lines, in
several different shapes and sizes. Our retailers have also grown. We love having our products in
small local stores just like ours as we can relate to the passion and dedication to the industry. We also
have products available in big chain stores such as Canadian Tire, Sail, Tackle Warehouse, Field &
Stream, and, our latest contract, Gander Outdoors.

It’s not easy running a small business and a manufacturing company with just a husband and wife
team running the show. But, we feel that our love and dedication to the industry (as well as the
fisherman in our own community) carries us through to make things happen. Big changes are also
planned for the future and we hope to one day grow our production capabilities and hire employees
within the community.

Young
Professional Award

Sponsored by

CRITERIA

❖ 35 years of age or younger
❖ Is from, or resides in Wallaceburg
❖ Is well respected or has achieved something of note in their chosen field
❖ Is actively involved in promoting youth retention/young professional growth in the

community
❖ Engages in volunteer or community activities outside of the professional role

❖ Serves as a role model for other young professionals

AWARD NOMINEES

Rachelle Floin

Wallaceburg Native - Volunteer Committee Member, Wallaceburg Farmers' Market
Eastern Region Sales Manager - Overton Environmental Enterprises Inc.

Rachelle Floin is a Wallaceburg native who recently graduated from University of Guelph
Ridgetown campus, class of 2017, where she completed the Environmental Management Associate
Diploma, specializing in agriculture, ecology and conservation. Rachelle also has a general arts
degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, class of 2013, with majority of learning in Environmental
and Global Studies.

Rachelle grew up a proud Wallaceburger, and lived a very active life, playing competitive ladies
Sting hockey in Sarnia, for nearly a dozen years, and competitive Sting soccer in Wallaceburg for
over a decade. Rachelle has rural roots, growing up just on the outskirts of Wallaceburg. As a high
school student at WDSS, Rachelle achieved honours upon graduation and over her 4 years, worked
most of the time pumping your fuel at Sunoco (now Petro-Can), Ecarte Marina and casually worked
in the summer for her Uncle's, at SERKKA Farms. Rachelle has lived and worked in 2 major cities
in Canada, Kitchener-Waterloo, ON & Edmonton, AB.

Rachelle's first career in K/W & Edmonton, lasted over 4 years, with Public Outreach Canada,
where she provided face to face fundraising and non-profit monthly donation sales, for prestigious
non-political, non-religious charities such as Doctors Without Borders, Nature Conservancy of
Canada, OXFAM, Amnesty Intl. and many more. After some time, Rachelle found herself drawn
back home, to Wallaceburg and the surrounding area. Moving home in 2015 to further her
education at Ridgetown, Rachelle lived happily in downtown Wallaceburg with her partner of 5
years, Adam Warner.

At Ridgetown Campus, Rachelle held 4 volunteer positions, while earning 7 scholarship and bursary
awards over the 2 years, including The Chatham-Kent Community Scholarship, Progressive Waste
Solutions Inc. Scholarship, and the Francis & Anne Ouellette Scholarship, for academic proficiency.
Upon graduating last spring of 2017, Rachelle landed the job of a lifetime!

Rachelle is the Eastern Region Sales Manager, for Overton Environmental Enterprises Inc, a
manufacturing company with the vision to actively contribute to the development and establishment
of ecologically sustainable food production and increase environmentally responsible communities
and restoration of the environment. Rachelle has also played a major role in the startup and success
of the Wallaceburg Farmer's Market, going into its 3rd year, in 2019.

Rachelle's many accomplishments are not just the result of hard work and dedication, but of the
loving nature and nurture of family, as her success would not be possible without the support of her
wonderful parents, Rita & Steve Floin, sister Renee, and partner, Adam. Rachelle believes strongly
in the strength of rural communities and the resilience of places like Wallaceburg and its surrounding
areas.

Eleena Debakker

Eleena is 25 years old and was born and raised in Wallaceburg. She graduated from St. Clair College
with a business Diploma in 2014 and graduated from the Canadian Institute of Floral Design in
April, 2017. On January 1st 2018 she became the owner/operator of Westbrook’s Flower Shoppe
where she loves spending her days helping create floral designs for the community of Wallaceburg.

She is an avid believer that the community is only as strong as the people who live in it and feels that
her generation, really needs to step up in bringing Wallaceburg back to what it once was – a busy,
flourishing little town. That is why she always tries to push herself to make a difference in the
community. She is currently an acting board member of the Wallaceburg Business Improvement
Area (BIA); and loves to volunteer her time with many different organizations including the Dragon
Boat Races, Habitat for Humanity - Team Build and Catwalk for a Cure.

She loves this town – and can’t wait to see how she can keep giving back to it.

Lee O’Neil

I was born and raised in Wallaceburg starting in 1984. I graduated from WDSS in 2003. I received
an Honours B.A. and B.Ed from Western University. From there I worked at the Wallaceburg
Museum and helped create several exhibits, including a Community Memories On-Line exhibit on
the Wallaceburg Glass Factory. In addition, I also worked at the municipality of Chatham-Kent and
was the lead researcher for the initial Heritage Register update to protect significant buildings in the
community.

I am currently a grade 9-12 teacher at WDSS. I primarily teach English and History. I have been an
active participant within the school community. I started off helping out as a teenager when a group
of us co-founded the Tartan Alumni Fund. Several of us helped raise a significant amount of money
to give annual scholarships. We have been doing this for over a decade. I have coached dozens of
high school football and basketball teams. I also find myself getting involved as the Literacy Lead and
I am one of the teacher advisors for the Future Elders First Nations group. As a Literacy Lead we
have recently started a new initiative called SURF- Silent Uninterrupted Reading Fun. It is a
program that encourages everyone in the school to read for enjoyment at least once a week, at the
same time, as a school community. This role also has me prepare students for the annual OSSLT in
grade 10.

In the summer I manage a group of about 45 kids in a corn field. I work for a company entitled WR
out of Chatham. As a group of 15 buses we detassel more corn than any company in Ontario.
Usually 4500+ acres. I drive the bus and help kids ages 13+ learn how to detassel. I have been doing
this for about 10 years. We work in fields that span from Tilsonburg-Windsor, but do most of our
work locally.

I am a proud husband to Sandy O’Neil and the father of two wonderful young boys. Liam is 4 and
Lucas is 2. I have been coaching instructional soccer and baseball in Wallaceburg for Liam, and plan
on starting a new age division, 3-6 year old’s, for Basketball Wallaceburg this October.

Sponsored by Technology
Award

CRITERIA

❖ Integrates physical and online business
❖ Commitment to community

❖ Progressing in a direction above and beyond competitors
❖ Utilizes advancements in technology with positive results

AWARD NOMINEES

Wallaceburg Wellness Centre

In just over 5 years, the Wallaceburg Wellness Centre has grown from its modest beginning of 3
rooms and a handful of part-time practitioners, to a thriving collective of professionals offering
wellness, spa and fitness services.

Today, the centre has evolved into a health and wellness hub, where 13 full and part-time
practitioners offer a wide range of services to the community. Massage therapy, counselling,
aesthetics, osteopathy, energy work, yoga, fitness classes, personal training are among the services we
offer. Many of our Wellness providers travel to Wallaceburg from out of town to bring their
services.

Our presence on the Internet is one of the keys to our success. Our best digital tool is our online
booking service that allows providers to manage their service schedules from wherever they may be -
even if they are out of the country! Our clients know they can count on our amazing support staff,
digital marketing team, and online booking to make the trip to Wallaceburg something they will
continue to do year after year.

While many may not see the spa and fitness industry as “high tech,” our goal is to use technology to
make every step of our client’s self-care efficient and effortless. Digital marketing has become a
mainstay for most businesses and the Wallaceburg Wellness Centre is no exception. Our business
strives to integrate online strategies like a social media, a colourful and informative website,
automated emails, a digital inventory system, a purchasing reward system, as well as personalized
education videos sent via email to clients from our staff. This allows the Wellness Centre team to
manage the schedules of multiple practitioners 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also allows our
practitioners more time for their customers, spending less downtime managing booking and
accounts.

Embracing digital business practices in our online world has allowed us to expand our services in
many different ways. As we look to the future we hope to continue to build our business, shaping
Wallaceburg Wellness Centre into being a destination that draws people to our town.

Your TV

On YourTV, you can watch everything from local sports and politics to current events, and the
latest celebrations. Our programs range from health care and educational issues to development
concerns, youth interests and local heroes. It’s about who we are and what makes our communities
so special. Community is at the heart of all we do. We are the company that is focused on you. It is
not just the programming we create that defines us - it is the connections we build. Whether it's
staying in touch with relevant information or bringing you exclusive access to local events, YourTV
makes it all possible.

Watch YourTV Chatham-Kent for Municipal Council coverage, Rotary Club of Chatham TV
Bingo, interviews with community representatives on Chatham-Kent Perspective, and coverage of
events like the Kiwanis Music Festival Grand Concert, the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame, and the
Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. YourTV Chatham-
Kent proudly sponsors CK Cougars Football, the United Way of Chatham-Kent, the Chatham-Kent
Relay For Life, and many other local organizations and events.
YourTV, an exclusive service provided to Cogeco television subscribers, is available in HD on
channel 700.

Authier Print & Promotional

First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for having us in the running for this
award.

Lynn and I purchased the Instant Print Shoppe Wallaceburg Ltd. Seven years ago. The company had
gone through some hardship as Wallaceburg’s economics hit a very tough road. The Instant Print
Shoppe has been in Wallaceburg since the mid 80’s. As Lynn and I added equipment and grew our
company and relied less on the Instant Print Shoppe in Chatham. We were asked to change our
name, and that is how we came to have our new name Authier Print & Promotional Ltd.

During these seven years we were able to grow and now offer more items then I can count. We
offer traditional print form business cards to cheques and everything in between. If it is printed on
paper, we can probably supply it. As well we make signs and lettering for vehicles, and store
windows. We have also partnered with a company and we can have silkscreened or embroidered
shirts made for you at very reasonable prices. We offer over 100 000 different promotional products
as well.

Authier Print & Promotional tries to be very community minded, and we try to help with as many
charities and fund raisers as possible in the Wallaceburg area, as well as helping to try to fill the food
banks.

During the last seven year we have seen Wallaceburg bounce back and, we have been happy to be
part of it working with many of the companies that have come to town and call Wallaceburg their
home.

Thank you for considering us for this great honour.