Citizen of the Year Heather Slattery was lost for words, as she stood in front of 220 attendees at the 2009 Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year awards and banquet last Thursday at Galileo’s Garden Banquet Centre.
“I am both humbled and very honoured to have been designated ‘Stoney Creek Citizen of the Year,’” she said, as she started to get choked up. “This is the ultimate tribute.”
Slattery has been a member of the Stoney Creek Seniors Club’s board of directors and also served as president.
Over the years, she decorated the club for special events, ran games, sold tickets and organized yearly activities. Slattery also helped design the club’s logo and vests for its choir.
She has also volunteered with Battlefield House Museum and Park, the Canadian Cancer Society, Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice and Stoney Creek United Church.
In addition, Slattery has been a member of the New Horizon Seniors Club’s board of directors and has served as president for two-and-a-half-years.
“Volunteering is a very rewarding exercise, you not only feel useful, but can gain a satisfaction of accomplishment, meet a lot of wonderful people and make many new friends. It seems no matter how much you give of yourself, you receive even more,” she said. “I have had the happy honour of being surrounded with capable and willing individuals. I thank all of them for making my job easier. I love you all.”
Junior Citizen of the Year and Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School Grade 12 student Aurelie Dimandja also took some time to thank those who have played a large part in shaping the person she has become, including her mother, family, teachers and friends.
“I can not express how much this award means to me. I’m quite humbled because everything I do, I don’t expect to get anything back because I do it from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “This award helps recognize the work I’ve done so far, but most importantly, it has inspired me to look forward. I know that anything is possible. Truly, this award is an honour.”
Corporate Citizen of the Year Chestnut Tree Foot Care and Orthotics’ Ann Paul thanked her parents for their example of unconditional kindness and generosity.
“I feel extremely privileged to be Canadian, educated, healthy, happily married with three great kids, to have a job I love and patients that seem to love me. I also must say that to have a successful business, you need to have awesome staff – thank you to my staff,” she said. “This award is the proverbial icing on an already awesome cake. It is because of these privileges that I feel empowered to give back. I feel that the award winners tonight are a wonderful example of people with a global, social conscience.”
The chamber also honoured family-owned and operated Stoney Creek Tailors with the Legacy Award.
“My parents are the cornerstone of Stoney Creek Tailors. Their many sacrifices, long hours and commitment to providing the best possible customer service and superior quality in the Stoney Creek community has paid off and I’m reaping all the rewards of their labours and will make a superior effort to follow in their footsteps,” said owner Herman Demirci. “We would like to express great appreciation to our many loyal customers. Their many referrals and repeat business has enabled Stoney Creek Tailors to grow as a business and maintain our high standard of quality, custom tailoring. It has been an honour serving first generation to the next.”
Superior Boiler Works and Welding Ltd., one of the areas largest general mechanical, electrical contractors and boiler pressure vessel manufacturers, received the Outstanding Business Achievement Award.
“In this very challenging economic climate, we stride for innovative ways to keep us competitive and pass savings onto our customers. However, it goes without saying that the No. 1 reason we are here tonight is because of our employees – their dedication, hard work and loyalty are evident in the quality products and services we provide,” said vice-president Loris Gazzola. “Also, we could not stand here tonight without thanking our families and parents who have instilled in us the value of a strong work ethic.”
The chamber also presented Mohawk College, Stoney Creek campus with the first Community Recognition Award.
“Today, Mohawk College, Stoney Creek campus is the largest trainer of apprentices in the province of Ontario,” said faculty of skilled trades and apprenticeship dean Piero Cherubini, noting the campus’ $27-million transformation would not have been possible without the generous support of its partners. “At Mohawk, we’re also in the business of teaching 11,500 full-time students…that’s a lot of talent and it’s talent that keeps companies and communities competitive, sustainable and prosperous.”
Photo by Laura Lennie
more...DJB & Company Chartered Accountants sponsored a very informative and simple overview on the upcoming harmonized sales tax which will become Provincial Law on July 1st, 2010 for Stoney Creek Chamber Members at Michelangelo's, February 25th.
Theresa Beninger, B. Math, C.A., is the specialist in HST at DJB & Company and her slide presentation educated her large audience on the advantages and disadvantages of HST for both business and consumer.
Ms. Beninger used serveral examples to explain the anticipated savings that companies can expect when receiving rebates of HST. These savings should eventually be passed on to the end buyer.
The administration of monthly reports was explained and as pointed out, one remittance will cover all taxes.
We thank DJB & Company for their assistance in explaining the new HST and the administration of reports.
more...
