A spark of a man honoured by Quinte West Chamber

Mark Phillips of Mystical Distributing received an honorary lifetime membership award from the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce at their President’s Dinner and AGM. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

A man known for not only making a spark, but being a spark himself was honoured last night (Thursday).

The Quinte West Chamber of Commerce honoured Mark Phillips with an honorary lifetime membership at Occasions by the Bay during their President’s Dinner and Annual General Meeting.

The president of Mystical Distributing, which sells fireworks and other entertainment products, says he was humbled to receive this award.

Chamber president Amber Darling called Phillips a true ambassador for the business community and says she hopes all those sparks continue to fly.

MPP Todd Smith with Mark Phillips at the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce President’s Dinner and AGM where Phillips was honoured with a lifetime membership award. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

Phillips is best known for his fireworks display on Canada Day, “the largest and most spectacular fireworks show in the Quinte region” during the Trenton DBIA Festival on the Bay as well as his memorial displays for Remembrance Day; which last year saw 2,600 Canada flags on his property on Sidney Street.

He has invested in other Quinte West businesses such as Property Guys, Trenton Self Storage, Wooler Homes, Ltd. and RUSH, as well as having purchased and built numerous commercial and industrial properties in the community.

Phillips also supports 8 Wing Trenton and the YMCA Strong Kids campaign.

He says all the recognition makes him want to continue to build the community.

Phillips told Quinte News it was a fluke he and his wife ended up in Quinte West as they were headed to the Mississauga, Oakville area but for the last 17 years this has been home and he says he’s very fortunate to be here.

MP Neil Ellis with Mark Phillips at the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce President’s Dinner and AGM where Phillips was honoured with a lifetime membership award. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)

Phillips also thanked his 93-year-old father who was in attendance.

He says his father stands out from the rest of the great men in his life and his career because he taught him about interacting with staff, and all his dealings with customers and suppliers, as well as integrity and honesty, and the desire to give back were witnessed first hand from watching him while growing up.