The Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business achievement and community service Thursday evening at its annual Business Achievement Awards Gala.
Held November 12 at the Delhi German Home, the event recognized excellence in entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, inclusion and volunteerism.
Chamber president Renee VanKooten said the awards celebrate the hard work, creativity and resilience behind local success stories, along with the people helping strengthen Norfolk’s economy.
“Each winner represents dedication not only to business excellence, but also to community leadership, service, and growth,” she said.
This year’s award recipients were:
The Belching Barista — Toyotetsu Outstanding Business Award
The Waterford specialty coffee business grew from roasting beans in a basement and sharing them as wedding favours into a roastery and tasting bar. The Chamber highlighted its on-site roasting, use of green energy and commitment to quality and community.
The Chip Ship — Norfolk County Tourism & Economic Development Award
The Long Point business gained wider attention through a travel influencer’s Instagram feature and has expanded with a mobile operation. The Chamber recognized its creativity and ability to bring local favourites, including dill pickle fries, to more customers.
Blue Star Ford — Norfolk Association for Community Living IDEA Award
The dealership was honoured for supporting inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility through its involvement with NACL. The Chamber highlighted its efforts to connect people with developmental disabilities with opportunities for greater participation in the community.
Nick and Hilary VanderHeide of Creekside Growers — Millards Outstanding Business Award in Agriculture
Their operation began with flowers on a small acreage in 2009 and has expanded into wholesale production, greenhouse growing, dahlia tubers and agritourism. The Chamber recognized the farm’s growth, diversification and pick-your-own dahlia fields.
Nicholas Fearon of My Sweet Treats — Fanshawe College Career Employment Services Young Entrepreneur Award
Inspired by snow cones he enjoyed while visiting family in Barbados, Fearon started his business at 11. He reinvested his earnings, repaid his brother for helping buy his first machine and expanded into cotton candy and popcorn.
Simcoe Strong — GRK Outstanding Community Service Award
The grassroots group was recognized for bringing residents together through downtown cleanups, neighbourhood walkabouts and community partnerships, encouraging people to take an active role in improving Simcoe.
Strawberry Tyme — Stelco Legacy Award
The fourth-generation family operation began as an apple farm in 1939 and grew into a significant berry producer. The Chamber also recognized the family’s role in helping establish the FARMS program supporting a reliable seasonal agricultural workforce.
Catherine Wiebe — Edward Jones Women in Business Award
The Chamber celebrated her work creating an independent bookstore following the closure of Coles. It highlighted her support for readers, local culture and community connections, including personally delivering books by bicycle.
Melanie and Drew Berkel of Berkelbloem — JRL Wealth Management Entrepreneur of the Year
Drawing on three generations of Dutch horticultural tradition, the business has developed a tourism destination featuring more than a million tulips. The Chamber recognized its contribution to local agriculture, tourism and economic activity.
Iris Smith — Tatjana Burcul ARC Benefits Planning Citizen of the Year
Smith was honoured for more than 20 years of service to Norfolk General Hospital, including thousands of volunteer hours and fundraising efforts through Treasure Mart, gift wrapping and special events.
The Chamber also highlighted her climb up the CN Tower at age 80 to raise money for a new CT scanner, along with her recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Founded in 1888, the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce advocates for local businesses and supports economic prosperity in Simcoe and surrounding communities.