Best in Business, Best in Community

Wednesday, 7 November 2012 at 10:26

Woodstock's Business Awards were handed out to a dozen deserving recipients Wednesday night. The annual Chamber of Commerce awards once again put the awards in the hands of those in attendance with audience voting for the awards. Taking home the Commercial Award this year was Allen Lumber and Owner Jamie Adams. "It's unbelievable. We're so proud. It's a crowning achievement for us and we're just honoured to be mentioned with everybody else that's up there tonight." VuTeq Canada, as this year's top manufacturer. The award comes as they are about to celebrate 25-years in the city, and accepting the award was HR Manager Darlene Robblee. (Pictured right receiving the award from Mayor Pat Sobeski) The Food Service Award went to the Owners of Charles Dickens Restaurant & Pub. Owner/Operators Joan Hodder and Ian Culley say they're proud of their 16-year tenure in downtown Woodstock. Culley says, "It's a fun place to come. People enjoy coming, sitting down, having a drink, having a good meal and just talking." Hodder interjects, "It's a little bit like Cheers, everybody knows your name, and everybody knows what you drink." Winning this year's Community Service Award is Bob McFarland. The former Director of Community Services says he may actually more busy working on different committees in retirement than he did working full-time. "I didn't really think consciously of how much time I was putting in...but it is nice that it is recognized. Hopefully I am doing some good for a variety of organizations in the community." Top of mind, McFarland says is sitting out Southgate Centre's board as they work through a strategic plan, and the Oxford Master Aging Plan. But the biggest honour of the night was reserved for Simon and Janet Amicucci (photo below). The longtime restaurateurs have given back to the community countless times, in countless ways. Simon says, "I'm absolutely shocked. I'm shocked that my kids are here, and I guess they knew it all along." Janet says, "We are going to have to work harder in the community to live up to the prestigious award we just received." But as many of tonight's winners pointed out, the success extends far beyond the owners. Simon stated, "We have a lot of hard working staff, a lot of people who have been with us for a longtime that make the whole business successful. Our kids are involved and they are totally committed. And we love the community, and love being here." Award Winners: Community Service Award - Bob McFarland Entrepreneur - Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese Young Professional/New Business - Lawn Lions Property Maintenance Commercial Award - Allen Lumber Manufacturing Award - Vuteq Canada Professional Services - Wellington Animal Hospital Franchisee Award - 4 Cats Art Studio Retailer Award - Schaus Decorating Centre Food Service Award - Charles Dickens Restaurant & Pub Trades Person of the Year - Stone Hedge Landscaping Energy Conservation & Innovation - Arntjen North America