For the third year in a row, the theme of the evening was Celebrate! Following the traditional swearing in ceremony of the President of the Chamber, Greg Sudds and recognition of the service of retiring members, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their annual recognition awards and the third edition of the Cornerstone Awards, featuring the people behind the businesses in our community.
Recognition for their contributions to the Board were retiring members Don Udall (Vision Transportation), Sarah Hannah (Rushnell Family Services) and Jim Whiteway (Loyalist College). Also recognized was Suzanne Hunt after contributing 5 terms and finishing off this year as Past President.
The President’s Recognition Award is presented by the outgoing President to someone they believe has gone above and beyond for the Chamber. This year’s recipient is Susan Walsh – Special Events Coordinator with the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Jon Tuer reflected her steadfast and solid approach to business as usual during a year of transition at the Chamber was the support of the most value during his presidential year.
Jon Tuer, Wilkinson & Company LLP receives recognition for his service as the 155th President in 2019, presented by incoming President Greg Sudds, West City Honda.
In 2019, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Alvin Parkhurst of Parkhurst Transportation – who celebrated his 93rd birthday last year and continues to go in every day to greet his family of employees.
The Cornerstone awards are meant to distinguish and recognize members who have exemplified citizenship, founding, mentoring and vision and helped our community prosper.
The citizenship award is presented to a Chamber member who has embraced the spirit of the community by their selfless acts and support to causes that improve the lives of Belleville’s citizens.
Peter Smith of Peter Smith Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GM will be recognized as the designated recipient of this award for 2020.
Chamber President Greg Sudds (left) presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Ed Lehtinen (Impacto) (Photo: Ashleigh Harvey/Quinte News)
Wilf Wilkinson (Wilkinson and Company LLP) on the right receives the Founder Award. Founder Awards also went to Peter Sorensen and Brian Stafford, posthumously (EMS Tech)(Photo: Ashleigh Harvey/Quinte News)
At right is Audra Anderson who received the Mentor Award. She is with Mode Elle and CMTC Incorporated. (Photo: Ashleigh Harvey/Quinte News)
Paul Dinkel (Dinkel’s and Paulo’s restaurants) was presented a Visionary Award. Brian Magee (Black Bear Ridge Golf) will receive award at a future date. (Photo: Ashleigh Harvey/Quinte News
The President’s Recognition Award went to the chamber’s Special Events Coordinator Susan Walsh.
Belleville Chamber of Commerce Past-President Jon Tuer (right) receives the Key to the City from Mayor Mitch Panciuk. (Photo: Ashleigh Harvey/Quinte News)
