Ingersoll Awards

Friday, 25 October 2013 06:00

Bob Shelton, Dale Hurley, Alon Gurman, Maggie Carter, Greg White

Five Honoured at 23rd Annual Ingersol Chamber Awards of Excellence

The cream of the crop was recognized in Ingersoll Thursday at the 23rd Annual Ingersoll Awards of Excellence.

The ceremony took place at the Elm Hurt Inn, which was also named Business of the Year.

General Manager Alon Gurman says the award came as a huge shock.

"We are working hard and we are part of the community but there are so many good businesses out there so we are very honoured and surprised and happy to receive this award."

The Industry of the Year award was handed out to Conestoga College's Ingersoll Skills Training Centre.

Chair of Trades and Apprenticeship Greg White says in their short time they have become a premiere training facility in the province.

"We're excited. We believe we made an excellent decision 5 years ago to move to Ingersoll. There's always 72 kids, young men, unfortunately not any young women yet but if you're a young woman out there, we would certainly love to have you in the Powerline, which is our main program."

Opening his first store in 1975 with just 8 staff members and growing to a much larger facility today with 185 employees, Dale Hurley won Business/Industry Person of the Year.

The Owner of Hurley's Independent Grocer won the award in 1991 and 2004 as well.

"We are retiring from the business in a week from now so this one does mean a little bit more but the other two are just as special, it's always special when you get recognized in your community. We are in some very elite company with Bob Shelton and the Elm Hurst, so yes it does mean a lot."

The Youth Citizen of the Year award went to a young woman who held an honours average at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, played several sports, was in several school bands and helped with several charity events.

Maggie Carter says when she was told she won the award she wasn't too sure what it was for.

"I was actually looking at the names of the previous recipients. It's amazing to be recognized next to those people. They are all people that I know or went to high school with who have done great things in the town and it's really nice to be recognized with them."

Bob Shelton of Shelton Ford was named Citizen of the Year.

Shelton says the award means a lot to him.

"I do a lot of supporting of organizations, hockey, baseball, you name it and I've worked darn hard for this so I really appreciate it."

He says Ingersoll is the only town in the world.

"I've supported Ingersoll all my life. Of course born and raised here. A lot of great people here and they appreciate what you do for them."