Small Business Week gala honours local entrepreneurs

Two Tantramar area businessmen were among four individuals who were the recipients of entrepreneurial awards awarded last week as part of Small Business Week celebrations in New Brunswick.

More than 175 entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of several levels of government, were on hand last Thursday, Oct. 22 as Enterprise South East and the Community Business Development Bank (CBDC) Westmorland Albert held its seventh annual entrepreneurship gala at the Memramcook Learning and Vacation Resort.

Rob Miller, president of Atlantic Windows in Port Elgin, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award - the Raymond LeBlanc Excellence Award.

Atlantic Windows was originally founded in 1983 by Gunther Marks and the late Alain Anctil, as a small vinyl window manufacturer. The company, which has grown to include more than 250 employees, now manufactures one of the widest product lines available and is the largest exterior door manufacturer in Atlantic Canada.

From a wide range of window and door types, the company continues to be innovative, now distributing its products extensively in Bermuda. A fine example of corporate citizenship, the business and its employees continues to donate thousands of dollars to worthy causes within the local community each year.

"The fact that we can achieve world-class recognition goes to show that this area has the skills, technology and attributes to compete in this highly-competitive global economy," Miller, who is a member of the New Brunswick Chartered Accountants Association, said in accepting the award.

"The work ethic and commitment of our local work force is a testament to the growth and success of Atlantic Windows."

The Greater Sackville Chamber of Commerce presented its Business of the Year Award for 2009 to Malcolm Fisher of Compact Appliances Limited.

The company began actively soliciting business in 1983 and, identifying opportunities, the Fisher family then pushed ahead to develop a market for their hearth products within the four Atlantic provinces.

The oil crisis of the early 1980s helped create opportunities for the company through the demand for alternative heating appliances. Through the years of continually increasing energy and utility costs, the public looked for dependable ways to keep their families warm without the financial burden of high fuel costs. The influence of these factors over the past 25 years has, in part, helped Compact Appliances Limited become the premier distributor and supplier of alternate heating products for Atlantic Canada and the New England States.

"No matter where I travel on this continent, I'm continually made aware that we live in the most wonderful place on earth. This is truly the best community. And I have to give much of the credit for this award to the people who work for us, on both sides of the border. They provide the means and ideas; it's great to have this kind of people working with you and for you," Fisher said.

Honoured as Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2009 was Luke Hickey, owner of Luko Construction in Scoudouc.

"My background and expertise in excavating, construction and farming, along with a passion for helping others to realize their dreams, has provided me with a solid foundation on which to build this business. I owe a lot to my father who has always been and continues to be my mentor and my friend," Hickey said.

The Cap PelÉ/Beaubassin-East Chamber of Commerce presented a special tribute to commemorate a committed individual from that region; the award going to prominent businesswoman Louisa (Cormier) Niles, founder of Restaurant Bel Air in Cap PelÉ.

Guest speaker for the evening was entrepreneur, author, composer, and performer Roland Gauvin, who encouraged entrepreneurs to always be proud of who they are, what they do and where they come from.

"I encourage you to always contribute to the well-being of your community and to support your local artists. Artists often see outside of the box; not just in black and white. You have to invest in the talents you were given and always keep going toward your goals," he said.