Chamber honours businesses at awards gala

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This article was published 04/05/2024 (510 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thursday evening witnessed a gathering of about 530 community members and business leaders in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre. The occasion was the Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business Achievement Awards Gala, an event that celebrated the contributions of individuals and businesses to Brandon’s economic and social landscape.

The evening featured an emotional tribute to the late Ben Hernandez, the recipient of the Lifetime Business Award.

Ben’s daughter, Elizabeth, said the Benny’s Restaurant and Catering Services founder left an indelible mark on the community before his passing on Sept. 29, 2023 at age 61. As his name resonated through the hall, attendees rose in unison, honouring a man whose warmth, generosity and unwavering support for his community were exemplary.

“It is a great privilege to honour Ben with this award. He was a contributor to business in Brandon, one person who could always be there for anyone in need,” Elizabeth said. “To know Ben was to love him, as his generosity left a deep-rooted mark on the hearts of all who crossed his path.”

Ben’s legacy is rooted in his kindness, and his passion for giving back to the community illustrated his generous spirit and compassionate nature, she said, noting her father’s actions spoke to his commitment to making a positive impact.

“The legacy serves as a beacon for other business owners, reminding them of the essential balance between thriving and enduring, and the profound growth that arises from navigating both,” she said.

Following the heartfelt tribute, the spotlight was also on Carla Milne, who was recognized as the Business Person of the Year.

Milne, a partner at the accounting firm MNP, humbly accepted the award, acknowledging the support of her colleagues and expressing her enduring commitment to community engagement and mentorship.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Ever since I was a young farm girl, I have loved the business. Engaging in actions to create, build and improve is ingrained in me.”

Altruism, she said, has remained a constant through her experiences as a professional, a business owner and mentor. She said her strong desire to help others — whether through business relationships, volunteering on boards or associations, or mentoring the team — has given her the opportunities to connect people, networks and groups so that they could achieve more than they had in the past.

The gala also honoured Brandon’s deputy mayor, Glen Parker, with the Community Impact Award — Individual.

The award cited Parker’s dedication to community service, rooted in his upbringing and personal experiences, which has left a lasting imprint on the city.

“My parents were heavily involved in community initiatives, and I was on the receiving end of several acts of kindness by the community, so I feel this is one way I can repay that debt,” Parker told the Sun. “My wife is a great volunteer, and she never seems short of things I can get involved with.”

The one project that stands out most for Parker is overhauling the entire outside area at the East End Community Centre.

He and his team raised $160,000 to do the major renovation with the support of some community-minded organizations and individuals.

“I would encourage people to get involved in something they are passionate about, be it coaching your favourite sport or helping a charity that you are some way connected to,” he said. “And I would say stay in your lane — offer the skill set you have. There will always be a need for what you bring to the table.”

The evening was further adorned with the recognition of exemplary businesses.

Kuipers Family Bakery, owned by Curtis Fedorowich, clinched the Community Impact Award — Business.

Circle B Fitness, under the leadership of Angie Ball, received the award for Outstanding New Business.

Resurrection Tint & Auto-Detailing, owned by Darren Darvill, won the award for Business Excellence — Small Business, while The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre, guided by Frank and Joanne Nichols, secured the honour of Business Excellence — Large Business.

Individuals recognized in Westman’s Top 4 Under 40 category included Megan Foster, owner of Mosaic Engagement; Kim Magalhaes, Westman Communications chief financial officer; West-Fit physiotherapist Mayur Nankar; and Katie Peters, general manager of Alair Homes Brandon.

Lastly, Pinnacle Event Rentals and Limitless Events, led by Ty Worthington, was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Chamber president Lois Ruston said these businesses were lauded for their excellence and innovation.

“Winners are chosen based on their dedication to service and commitment to the community,” Ruston told the Sun. “Each category has its own selection matrix, focusing on individuals who demonstrate creativity, entrepreneurship and a commitment to their business and community growth.”

Looking ahead, Ruston expressed optimism for the future, citing the entrepreneurial spirit and active involvement of young professionals as key drivers of economic prosperity in Brandon.

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