Many within the business community in Quinte West gathered at Occasions by the Bay to take part in the President’s Dinner and the Annual General Meeting held by the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
The event was notable for the recognition of Mike and Nickey Eden of Homestead Marketplace as they received Honourary Lifetime Memberships from the chamber.
“So many times when we want to recognize the people that are doing amazing things in our community, they almost don’t want it,” CEO for Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Andrews, tells Quinte News.
“This is not the reason why they’re doing the things they do. They do it because they love Quinte West. They love it because they believe in our community and Mike and Nickey Eden are the same.”
That sentiment can be felt when Quinte News spoke with Mike and Nickey about receiving the award.
“We’re not awards people, but we appreciate the nostalgia and thinking about others that have received the award,” Mike Eden said when asked about learning they would be receiving the Honorary Lifetime Membership.
“It’s quite exciting and, you know, we’re thrilled to have received it.”
Andrews says while the Edens were humble in receiving the award, she says it’s a way for the community to show their appreciation.
“I said to them, you don’t need it, but the community needs to thank you and celebrate all that you have done for our community,” Andrews tells Quinte News.
“It was really time to say to them, you know, thank you so much. Thank you for not only running your own business, creating jobs, making investments in Quinte West, but going beyond that, and making this community.”
This dinner is also notable as it will be the last in Andrews’ role as CEO, after she recently announced that she will be retiring at the end of June.
“I’ve been a proud steward of this organization. I feel like I’m leaving it better than when I started 20 years ago, and I know that whoever comes next is going to do the same thing. They’re going to take this organization and they’re going to be ready to embrace all of the change that’s happening,” Andrews said.
