President's Award goes to Ron Leger

The final presentation at the Business Excellence Awards was the President’s Award. This award is bestowed on a business or business leader who tirelessly supports and contributes to the development of Mission. Often unsung, these businesses and leaders do their work not for recognition but for the betterment of all. Unlike the other awards, the President’s Award is nominated by the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and does not go through a judging process.

This year’s recipient of the President’s Award was Ron Leger, RJ Leger CGA Ltd. Recognized for his tireless fundraising efforts for St. Joe’s Food Bank building, where he has raised over $535,000; Ron is a Rotarian that definitely lives service over self. He works tirelessly supporting and volunteering on many community organizations boards such as the Optimist Club, Historical Society, and Kinsmen Club. 

An accountant in Mission for 25 years, Ron often provides his services as a financial agent for those seeking to make a difference politically, at no cost. In 2012, Ron received the Queen’s Jubilee Award not only in recognition of work here but also for his work in constructing a hospital in Malawi.

A standing ovation met Ron Leger’s presentation with many in the audience having had the pleasure of working alongside him and acknowledging his selfless work.

Acknowledging Excellence in Mission

The Business Excellence Awards celebrated businesses and organizations that go above and beyond in Mission.  Presented by RDM Lawyers LLP, the awards were held at Silverdale Community Centre as a nostalgic nod to the Chamber of Commerce 120th celebrations. Those in attendance enjoyed the glance back at the growth of Mission and the strength of today’s business community.

Award Recipients

Local Focus Award
Save on Foods is a BC owned and operated grocery store.  For over 80 years they have played an integral part in the fabric of Mission, supporting local organizations and fund raising, with the emphasis on shop and buy local.  They now carry many local grocery products from within the Valley, which welcome you as you walk in.  They believe that a business relationship with the community is an important part of their value– “they support us, so we support them”.

Community Builder Award
Mission Arts Council  With a mandate to foster the development and appreciation of the arts and cultural through educational activities for the community and providing resources, the Mission Arts Council plays an important role.  Their extensive programs and festivals celebrate all art forms, enabling diverse groups to come together.  Their recent Youth Fest bought together to a new perspective of what art means to the community. Through programming they build and maintain strong community relationships.

Customer First Award
Cherry Lane Scrapbook Shoppe  Specializing in scrapbooking, card making and paper crafting supplies, Cherry Lane compliments their retail operation by offering hands on classes and instruction. The staff say, customer service is easy as the Shoppe is their “happy place” and clients always come first.  Offering a rewards program, an informative website and customer newsletter they highlight their passion for paper craft.  Cherry Lane’s focus is to enable clientele to have the confidence in their creative abilities while creating a scrapbooking community that also builds friendship.

Power of Small Award
Nutek Sign Creations is a client focused, creative gateway for businesses, organizations and individuals who wish to get noticed.  Their goal is for complete project success, as when the client looks good, they look good. Since purchasing the business they have seen revenue growth of more than 300%, have upgraded most manufacturing equipment and added a full time employee.  Marketing dollars are spent sponsoring and cooperating with community organizations and acts of volunteerism, including recognition through Adopt-A-Block, “The Rise” mural by Youth Unlimited and the 2014 BC Winter Games Countdown Clock.

Intrapreneurial Excellence Award
Mission Springs Brewing Company The local brewery pub aims to be at the center of great brewing and the beer culture in the Fraser Valley. A longstanding Mission fixture offering a unique setting the Springs continually evolves. Setting their sights further afield, they have just opened a craft pizza and beer restaurant in Seoul, Korea.  In the last few months they have added 300% to their fermentation capacity, to fuel their growth and distribution and hired a Brewmaster Consultant and Head Brewer.  To assist the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association’s trail building program they crafted a signature pilsner to raise awareness and funds.