CHAMBER HONOURS BUSINESS LEADERS
Inglis Jewellers, L & R Construction recognized
Paul Clark attributes much of his success to mentors who have helped guide his business decisions over the year.
“We’re humbled and proud that we’re receiving this award tonight,” the owner of Inglis Jewellers said Thursday, after being presented with the Credit Union Community Business Excellence Award at the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce annual gala.
“I’ve had many mentors in my life, starting with my dad. He always told me to work harder and smarter,” Clark said.
He also credited Greg Johnstone, his former business partner and founder of Inglis Jewellers with being a primary mentor while learning the ropes of running a successful chain of jewelry stores.
“My friends, family, staff and business colleagues have all mentored me throughout the years,” Clark continued. “Most of them don’t know it but I’ve learned something from each and every one of them. It’s been tremendous.”
The Credit Union award recognizes a business that has exhibited visionary leadership, while achieving growth through new products or ideas, expansion or exportation of goods or services and by valuing employees and safety in the workplace.
Introducing the award winner to the gala audience, Darrell Kuhn, president and CEO of Community Credit Union of Cumberland Colchester Ltd., described the Truro business as an exemplary example of those values.
“Inglis Jewellers is a sparkling example of success, celebrating 27 years in business this year in Truro,” Kuhn said.
In addition to its flagship store on Inglis Place, which has expanded three times and was completely renovated in 2017, Inglis Jewellers has stores in New Glasgow and Riverview, N.B.
Inglis Jewellers was also recognized for giving back to the community, from sponsoring sports teams to contributing to various fundraisers and charitable donations.
For two consecutive years, Clark and Johnstone served as chairs of the United Way Workplace campaign, during which they helped raise more than $200,000.
The gala also recognized Leo Rovers, of L & R Construction in Stewiacke with the BDC Business Person of the Year Award.
That award acknowledges a founder, owner, CEO, president or manager who has achieved significant success in his or her business by showing strong leadership skills and business acumen that has contributed to the growth of the business.
Rovers was not at the event due to health reasons. The award was accepted by his son, Chris.
“It makes us extremely proud of everything he has worked for,” Rovers said, following the presentation by BDC senior account manager Michelle Bursey.
Rovers was described as having been at the helm of his construction business for 43 years, while employing more than 20 full-time staff as well as hiring numerous local contractors to complete projects.
“L & R Construction, under Rovers’s leadership, is known for skillfully renovating his- toric properties, and along with undertaking many large-scale infrastructure projects, he has literally built community,” Bursey said.
In addition to building several hotels for a major chain in Nova Scotia and P.E.I., vehicle dealerships and more than 30 waste water or water treatment plants in several Nova Scotian communities, L & R also spearheaded such projects in Truro as the conversion of Farmers’ Market from the former fire station on Young Street, the former post office on Prince Street and the former Normal College, which now serves as the home of the Colchester East Hants Regional Library.
Leo Rovers has also been involved with various non-profit boards and is a member of a local mission group that raises funds in support of a stove construction project for those in need in Guatemala.
“As for the rest of the family it makes us extremely proud of him and the award that he received and it makes us happy that we get to share in this moment with him during this time,” Chris Rovers said.