2014 Business of the Year – Track21 Graphix
Track21 Graphix was selected as Business of the Year for their overall track record of continued growth, expansion of products and service, increased sales in Canada and the United States, quality employment opportunities and consistent support of community events and causes. Owned and operated by Mark and Deborah Darling, Track21 was born from an increasing printing need from the Darling’s first business – County Corners Rent-All (still in operation). Track21 Graphix employs six print and design specialists and recently their increased clients, client demands and growing business needs had the Darlings searching for an adequate Management Information system. Ultimately, the Darlings created their own and a third business was born – called DOCKETMANAGER, a job management system designed by a printer for printers. What started as self-employment for the Darlings has evolved into full-time employment for 26 people.
In addition, local groups can attest to Track21’s generous contribution in terms of in-kind product or sponsorship for events such as Canada Day, Aquafest, Autumn Indulgence, Drive N Jive, the Derik Whiting Foundation, OHA North Middlesex Stars and many other local charities, sports teams and good causes.
2014 Entrepreneur of the Year – Jesse Kadlecik
Jesse Kadlecik was selected as Entrepreneur of the Year for a number of reasons, including the growth of employment opportunities provided by Tri-County Tree Service, the professionalism exhibited of Kadlecik and his staff, reinvestment in the business’ growth through training, safety awareness and equipment, and contribution to the community through the donation of time and money. Tri-County Tree Service’s continued success and growth over the last five years now provides full-time employment for four people. Kadlecik’s staff are covered by WSIB, trained in CPR & First Aid, WHMIS certified as well as certificate holders in Fall Protection, Aerial Work Device, Chainsaw Operation, Traffic Control and certified Arborists. Tri-County carries millions of dollars of Liability Insurance Coverage and staff are differentiated by their professional team attire, with logo’d company uniforms – jackets, pants and sweat pants – and safety-tagged clothing, so clients are reassured they’re opening their door to a professional.
Community support is important to Kadlecik, who annually volunteers for F.I.N.E. A Restaurant’s cancer fundraiser and contributes time and money to Grand Bend’s Canada Day Celebrations, Autumn Indulgence, the local hockey association, Catholic Women’s League of Grand Bend and the MS Bike Tour.
2014 David Scatcherd Community Spirit Award – Glen Baillie
The 2014 recipient of the David Scatcherd Community Spirit Award was presented to Glen Baillie for his years of contribution to the community’s cultural and business life. This award recognizes an individual who goes beyond their usual role, who is community minded and known for their support, commitment and dedication to making the Grand Bend Area a more vibrant, prosperous and welcoming community. Nominations in support of Baillie outlined his tireless hours of planning, implementation and fundraising efforts that brought the Arts, Eats & Beats Studio Tour, Buskerfest and Summer Sunset Concert Series to the community with the goals of providing opportunity for local musicians, artists and performers, enhancing the area’s cultural life, providing economic opportunity for local business and contributing to a positive experience of the Grand Bend Area for residents and visitors. In addition to these community-based cultural efforts, Baillie’s years of volunteering with service groups and local events formed the basis of the Committee’s decision.
2014 Phyllis Statchuk Customer Service Excellence Award – Fadhil Askar
New for 2014, the Phyllis Statchuk Customer Service Excellence Award was presented to Fadhil Askar, owner of Grand Bend’s Mac’s Milk. This award is given to an individual working or volunteering for a business or organization known for their dedicated service over a period of years. The recipient’s customer service is characterized not only as friendly, genuine and personable, but as going above and beyond the typical or expected. This award recognizes the citizen who connects with people as a foundation for delivering excellent service. Fadhil Askar was selected for his exceptional level of customer service spanning many years, the accounts of service to clients and others in need that go well beyond the role of front line customer service, and for his service to community through 22-years of coaching children’s soccer. The nominations received expressed the community’s desire to recognize and celebrate Askar’s contribution.