Simple Elegance Gala

The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting Friday.

Master of Ceremonies Scott Clark greeted this year's 200 attendees to the event, which was called the Simple Elegance Gala. Anthony Rota, Vic Fedeli and nine past presidents of the Chamber were in attendance.

Special Events Chair Jenn Galan reviewed the successful events that the chamber had accomplished this past year. President Derek Shogren addressed the many issues that have been faced by local businesses and what the business community should be aware of for the upcoming year.
Chamber general manager Patti Carr thanked executives, directors and staff for all the hard work that has been accomplished this year.

She also told the meeting the Chamber will have a balanced budget and a small surplus for the second consecutive year, and that the 900 membership number is the largest in northern Ontario and reaching the strength of biggersouthern Ontario chambers.

Awards were presented after dinner, and this year’s prestigious awards went to Churchill's and For Your Convenience.

The Nugget Business of the Year Award was presented by Dave Kilgour to Jimmy Kolios, owner of Churchill's.

The Nipissing University/Canadore College Small Business of the Year Award was presented by Al Carfagnini and Barry Bousfield to Tammie Allair-L'ami and For Your Convenience.

This year's Betty Alcorn Memorial Award was presented by Derek Shogren & Patti Carr to Bill Elliot, of Bell Canada, and Angela Johnston, of the Best Western.

The Mary Horner Memorial Award was presented by Bernie Horner & Bill Elliot to Jeff McCarthy, of the TD Bank.

The evening was filled with laughter from the live local entertainment to the Yuk Yuk's on Tour comedy show, followed by dancing into the late hours.

Photos supplied.