In conjunction with Small Business Week in New Brunswick, two Sackville businessmen were honoured recently for their entrepreneurial spirit.
Enterprise South East in conjunction with CBDC (Community Business Development Corporation), the Greater Sackville Chamber of Commerce and the Cap-Pelé Beaubassin East Chamber of Commerce held their annual Entrepreneurship Gala on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Memramcook Resort to celebrate the success of small businesses in the region.
Chris Harborne was honoured as Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Sackville Chamber of Commerce. The owner of Downtown Digital in Sackville, he is also one of three partners operating two computer sales and service retail outlets in Halifax. Harborne launched his local business in 2007, supplying computer products for both businesses and individuals. The business also offers consultation and repair services both in-store and onsite and has recently expanded to include home theatre products and professional sound equipment.
In accepting the award, Harborne said he has been fortunate to have had tremendous support from the local community, his family and his business partners.
"This has been my dream and I look forward to being part of a chain of stores just like mine, providing clients with exceptional service and up-to-date technologies," he said.
The Greater Sackville chamber of Commerce also presented a Recognition Award to Wayne Harper, a long-time businessman in the community. The award was presented to a community leader who has shown dedication and commitment to the community, and recognizing his contributions and impact on the town of Sackville.
Harper told those gathered that he was very appreciative of the award but added that it wasn't really necessary.
"It's not hard to go to work each day, to do the business that you do, when you love what you're doing. Even when you get older I believe it's still very important to have a purpose in life, to have something that makes you want to get out bed in the morning. I've been involved in a number of businesses and public service organizations over the years and have enjoyed being part of every one of them," he said.
Maurice Hebert, owner of Shoreline Fuels in Grand-Barachois was the recipient of the Raymond LeBlanc Excellence Award while a special tribute from the Cap-Pelé/Beaubassin-East Chamber of Commerce was presented posthumously to Mrs. Marie-Corrine Bourque, a well-known educator, for her many contributions to the South-East region.
