Chamber celebrating area businesses: PHARA Wins Not-for-Profit of the Year

By Richard Coffin - Thursday, Oct. 24th, 2024

The North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the outstanding achievements of area businesses.

The annual Evening of Excellence awards were handed out Wednesday night.

Winners include:

Betty Alcorn Memorial Award: Jim Bruce
Young Professional of the Year: Makayla Schoonhoven, Scotiabank
New Business of the Year: Healing Connections Psychotherapy
Not-for-Profit of the Year: PHARA
Small Business of the Year (1 to 5 employees): SMRT Computer Solutions
Small Business of the Year (6 to 15 employees): Burrows Country Store & Laporte’s Nursery & Greenhouses (joint award)
Business of the Year (16+ employees): Cementation Canada Inc.

“The Evening of Excellence is a meaningful event where we celebrate businesses and individuals who have shown leadership, community involvement, and success,” says Donna Backer, President and CEO of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce. “It’s truly well-deserved recognition for the nominees, winners, and all businesses across our district.”

Backer also says Jim Bruce, who won the Betty Alcorn Memorial Award as Chamber Director of the Year has demonstrated outstanding dedication and diligence to the board as Chair of the Business Research and Policy Committee.

“Jim has been instrumental in leading efforts to strengthen our advocacy for businesses, particularly in addressing social issues,” says Backer. “His forward-thinking approach is helping to shape the Chamber’s growth, and we look forward to his continued contributions.”

The awards ceremony is one of the signature events of Business Week, which continues through Friday.