Embracing every opportunity

Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes Valley businesses

“Never overlook an opportunity to take advantage of a crisis.”

That inspiration was given by Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce board president Jeremy Lutes in his closing remarks at the AVCC annual business awards. Lutes was referring to the Ivany Report.

“We are doing this in the Annapolis Valley every day, and I’m proud to be part of this business community.”

On the evening of Nov. 2, more than 200 people gathered at the Old Orchard Inn to celebrate outstanding businesses in the Annapolis Valley.

More than 30 businesses in the Valley were nominated in six categories including outstanding new business, micro business, small business, large business as well as outstanding innovator and exporter of the year.

A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections Annapolis Valley won the award for micro business of the year based on their significant sales growth, adaption of technology to their business, their forward thinking and customer service.

“I would like to thank the chamber along with the judges and my anonymous nominators,” wrote owner Alex Pay on the business’ Facebook page following the award ceremony. “Looking forward to growing my business within the Annapolis Valley.”

David Cudmore, president of NS Apple Sales, was awarded with the lifetime achievement award presented by Peter Nathanson of Nathanson, Seaman and Watts law firm. Cudmore has been instrumental over the years to the success the apple industry sees today, announced emcee Daniel Mackinnon, and faculty at the School of Business at the Nova Scotia Community College. Since leaving the position of CEO, Cudmore is now president, bringing the best apples to the world.

According to his biography, which was read to the audience, Cudmore volunteered with the NS Fruit Growers’ Association and many other industry-related organizations. He is also a past recipient of the Top 5 CEO award for Atlantic Canada.

In what he called his academy acceptance speech, Cudmore thanked his family, and especially his wife, for their years of support while he was building his career.

The AVCC business awards is an annual event, held each fall. As Mackinnon remarked, “people like to celebrate local businesses and they like to celebrate all the Valley has to offer. This event joins them both.”

And the winners are: Outstanding New Business: Nova Solar Capital Inc.

Outstanding Micro Business: A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections Annapolis Valley

Outstanding Small Business: Beleaf Salon & Spa

Outstanding Large Business: Lightfoot &Wolfville

Outstanding Innovator of the Year: Valley Flaxflour Limited

Outstanding Exporter of the Year:

Nova Scotia Fisherman Extreme Skin Care

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: David Cudmore