The Belleville Chamber of Commerce recognized the great accomplishments of its members over the last year at their annual Cornerstone Awards on Thursday.
This year’s ceremony was held at the Ramada Inn, with a birthday party theme in honour of the organization’s 160th year in operation. The event featured a buffet-style meal with a more formal dessert ahead of the main award show with over 150 guests packed into the event space.
During the evening celebration, five members of the chamber, along with one organization, were honoured for their contributions to the community.
The Belleville Lions Club as a whole was recognized with the Community Partner award, and the honorary Key to the Cabin. The Lions were selected for partnering with the chamber frequently, and contributing to many events while working to better the community.
Belleville Lions president Doug Lumley [left] accepts the Community Partner award on behalf of the Lions service club alongside Chamber President Chris Auger [right]. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
Patti MacDougall briefly addresses the crowd after receiving her Citizenship Award. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele
The Mentor Award was next, awarded to Brenda Snider from Volunteer and Information Centre of Hastings & Prince Edward. The award recognized her for leading by example and serving as a mentor figure to many people in the community through her work at the Volunteer and Information Centre, connecting volunteers with organizations and roles in need of help.
Brenda Snider [left] receives her Mentor Award from Chris Auger [right]. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
Craig Rushnell, after receiving the Founder Award. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
The Visionary Award, awarded to Karen Clayton-Babb, recognizes a member of the chamber who creates something unique or unprecidented. Clayton-Babb and her work with the Belleville Nurse Practicioner-Led Clinic was recognized with the award as she and her team worked with their new approach to providing better access to primary medical care.
Karen Clayton-Babb [left poses for a picture with Chris Auger [right] after being awarded the Visionary Award. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
Linda Tipper [left] and her husband Roli Tipper [right] thank the chamber for honouring them with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: Alan-Michael Steele, Quinte News
“It’s a real honour. When Jill called me a month ago at home, I cried. I was really overcome with the joy of being recognized for a lot of achievements over many years,” said Roli Tipper. “None of them were on my own, by myself, they involved my wife and our sons and a whole bunch of community support. This is a very nice summary to my career.”
The Cornerstone Awards weren’t the only honours being handed out as Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis took the opportunity to present outgoing Chamber of Commerce president Dale Hoard, who served in 2023, with a key to the city in recognition of his and the chamber’s contributions to the Belleville community.
