The 6^th Annual Bell Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards was a resounding success.  "The evening was spectacular with the community celebrating the excellence of the many deserving businesses," stated Tim Cantelon, Chamber President, commenting on the Awards Gala that took place at the Algonquin Theatre on Thursday, March 26th.  "I'm so impressed with the business community and the support that everyone gives each other.  The Chamber congratulates the award recipients and all nominees for the impact they have had on the Huntsville and Lake of Bays community."

Mr. Cantelon stated that the Business Excellence Awards is a program created to recognize business individuals and companies who have set standards and demonstrated achievements that have contributed to the prosperity and business development in Huntsville and Lake of Bays.

Guests at the Sixth Annual Business Excellence Awards were welcomed by the TVCogeco Red Carpet Reception, where interviews and photographs were taken while they entered the Algonquin Theatre.  Upon entering the theatre, guests were delighted to sample hors d'oeuvres created by 3 Guys and a Stove, while toasting the many deserving businesses nominated for the seven award categories. 

The awards presentation featured many unforgettable moments hosted by Grant Nickalls and James Carroll, as the recipients accepted their beautiful awards, created by Eric Lindgren of Lindgren Pottery and Yuill McGregor of Northonsixty, followed by some great laughs with ‘That Canadian Guy' comedian Glen Foster. To cap off the evening, guests were then invited to attend a Press Conference in Partners Hall to celebrate with the recipients.

Many thanks to Title Sponsor Bell, who is the driving force behind the Business Excellence Awards. Their continued support of the business community and this award's program has been unwavering for the past six years.

"This event is all about excellence," states Kelly Haywood, General Manager. "Everyone surpassed my expectations. The whole Chamber team pulled together to highlight and celebrate the business community."

Thank you to the Entertainment Sponsors: Aben Graphics, Digital Office Solutions/Xerox, Huntsville Festival of the Arts and RBC Royal Bank, for bringing Glen Foster to Huntsville!

Thank you to our Award Sponsors: 105.5 MOOSE FM Huntsville, Algonquin Animal Hospital, Assante Wealth Management, BDO Dunwoody LLP, Deerhurst Resort, Dreams Becoming Reality Marketing, Huntsville Forester, Muskoka Futures, Muskoka Magazine, Soapstones Handcrafted Soap and Skincare, TD Canada Trust, The Doughty Family and the Town of Huntsville Economic Development Committee.

Your 2009 Business Excellence Award Recipients are:

Company of the Year: Jason Armstrong's Huntsville Honda

New Business of the Year: The Springhill Fresh Water Co.

Tourism Business of the Year: Algonquin Outfitters

Business Leader of the Year: Joseph Klein, Deerhurst Resort

Community Organization of the Year: YWCA Muskoka

Accessibility Award: Muskoka Bear Wear

Best in Business: Fowler Construction

As you go about your business over the next year, think about keeping track of businesses that have provided excellent customer service, consistently given back to our community or have gone beyond for their customers. These businesses deserve to be nominated for a Business Excellence Award in 2010!

Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients in 2009!