A well-known business man was recognized for his accomplishments Thursday night at the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.
John Smylie, the owner of Smylie’s Independent Grocer in Trenton was awarded the chamber’s highest recognition – Honourary Life Time Membership.
“It is our honour this year to recognize businessman John Smylie with an Honourary Lifetime Membership,” said Quinte West Chamber president Cindy Dow. “Since coming to Quinte West 12 years ago he has made an indelible impact on our community through his leadership, his volunteerism and his ongoing support for community events and organizations especially the Canadian Military and our local hospital.”
Smylie has become personally involved at the Executive level in such organizations as the Rotary Club of Trenton, Quinte West Chamber of Commerce (President), Trenton Military Family Resource Centre (Chair), the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation (Chair), St. George’s Church and the advocacy group, “our TMH”, the community voice for our local hospital.
Smylie was appointed as the Honorary Colonel for 436(t) squadron in November of 2010.
As the owner of Smylie’s Your Independent Grocer, the chamber has commended him for leading by example and continuously encouraging his staff to become involved in community events and to volunteer their time to local charities such as the Salvation Army, MFRC Invisible Ribbon Gala, Relay for Life, the Quinte West Fire Truck Pull for Special Olympics, Trenton Santa Claus Parade, Lions Club, Rotary Club of Trenton, Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation, RCAF Museum, Quinte West Soccer, Quinte West Minor Hockey, Ride For Sight, and many more, helping these organizations in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“John has had a huge impact on Quinte West and the business community here,” said chamber manager Suzanne Andrews. “He has been awarded numerous awards because of the excellence he has shown in the running of his business, the time and dedication he has given to community causes and the leadership he has shared while on the board of numerous organizations. He has been an active and supportive member of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, helping to ensure the organization remained relevant and vital to local businesses.”
The Honourary Life Time Membership is awarded to local business people that have given freely of their time and expertise over the years to contribute to the growth of our community. Past recipients of this award are: Lt. General Howard Graham; Dr. W.A.L. McDonald; Wilf Wilkinson; Ian Darling; Doug Whitley; Eben James Sr.; Phil Panelas; Paul Tripp; Peter Davis; Rob Brown; Hugh O’Neil; Tom Kotsovos and John Williams.
