By Eric Bourque
THE VANGUARD
NovaNewsNow.com
The Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual business awards Thursday night.
The yearly dinner recognizes local business people for their efforts and accomplishments in various categories.
Mike Mercier, owner of the Canadian Tire associate store in Yarmouth, was presented with the award for business person of the year. The recipient of this award is recognized for having shown good growth in his or her business, having an impact on the local economy and supporting the local community.
Craig LeBlanc of Cassa Office Plus was presented with the customer service award.
Don Smith of Ellis Print Ltd. received the community service award.
Andrew Cameron of Ocean Breeze Estates Ltd. was presented with the award for entrepreneur of the year.
Simone Titus of Hidden Treasures Restaurant received the environmental service award.
Jillian Goodwin of Styles Unlimited was presented with the award for youth entrepreneur of the year.
Mark Jayne of Dayton Red & White was the winner of this year’s business marketing award.
Herb Thibodeau of Novatec Braids Ltd. received the export achievement award.
The business awards dinner is one of the major annual projects for the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce, a chance for the local business community to get together and celebrate the success of its members, whether they have made their mark locally or far from home or both.
This year’s guest speaker was Jean-Paul Deveau, president of Acadian Seaplants Limited.
Deveau, a native of Clare, talked a bit about his company, saying it began with four people in 1981 and today employs about 300 people in seven countries. He talked as well about the importance of community service, citing as an example his experience of chairing the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.
