Rogers Radio wins business of the year (Updated)

Eyes are going to be rolling in the Rogers Radio chain nationwide Monday, and Peter McKeown loves it.

Rogers' three local stations, EZROCK, CKAT and FOX, won the Nugget Business of the Year award at the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Gala, held Friday night at the Clarion Resort-Pinewood Park.

The award covers companies with 16 or more employees.

Tranter Office Products and Services won the Nipissing University/Canadore College Small Business of the Year award, which covers businesses with less than 16 employees.

Chamber first vice-president Derek Shogren won the Betty Alcorn Memorial Award for director of the year, and Bill Elliott picked up the Mary Ellen Horner Memorial Award for volunteer of the year.

Standing ovation
Outgoing North Bay Mayor Jack Burrows was honoured at the event as was newly elected city councillor Dave Mendicino, who has just completed two terms as chamber president.

Burrows was given a notebook containing farewell comments to the outgoing mayor from city residents.

He also received a standing ovation.

McKeown, general manager of Rogers Radio in North Bay credited the company's employees, some of whom are pictured above, for the award.

"Our people put in more than their average 35-hours a week, because they’ve made a real commitment to our company and to the community and that’s what makes this award so special," McKeown said.

All the eyes roll
Rogers, McKeown added, has also given $1.5 million in free advertising to community organizations and service groups over the last year.

Then there's the local company's standing within the Rogers national heirarchy.

Corporate management regularly point to North Bay as a model radio operation, McKeown added, particularly at corporate functions.

"When we go to company seminars, well, let's just say a lot of people hate us, especially when our president, Gary Miles, regales us all with another North Bay story," McKeown said.

"So we're going to send the baytoday story out and I wish I could see all the eyes roll across the country Monday morning."

Nice to get the recognition
Joe Tranter said he was "quite surprised" his company was chosen for the Nipissing University-Canadore College award.

"There are lots of businesses in this community that are deserving of this, but at the same time it's nice to get the recognition," Tranter said.

Nominees for the two awards are judged on financial performance, demonstrated innovation, employment growth, market development and community enhancement.