Service wins accolades from chamber
Stoney Creek awards for those who serve the community
A focus on community is a clear factor for each of the winners of The Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards.
Lori Raudnask, vice-president of the chamber and the chair of the nominating committee said it’s remarkable the effort to which the recipients have gone to contribute to build their businesses (for the business awards) and to their communities.
“Our community doesn’t just have great business stories, it’s also about how they give back to their community.”
For example, Sabrina and John Melo of Golfi Concrete and Drain who won the small business award, have raised more than $100,000 for McMaster Children’s Hospital.
“Sabrina told me that people often ask her if they have sick children, if that’s why they have fundraisers,” said Raudnask. “She just tells them, no we don’t have sick children but people in our commu- nity do.”
Paul Hubner, president of Baffin Inc., was recognized with the large business award for the three pillars of his business: environmental effort, philanthropic activities and for labour standards.
“He’s just done some amazing things with a big expansion of his business in Stoney Creek but has managed to find time to do these other activities,” she said.
Laurence Marshall owns Lucky Bear and he won the legacy award. Lucky Bear is an Arvin Avenue company servicing diesel trucks, as well as snowplow and tow truck services, is also a longtime member of the Stoney Creek Optimist Club and frequent supporter of many community events and parades.
Teresa DiFalco was honoured for her wide array of community activities, ranging from community advi- sory committees to education and volunteering at a myriad of charitable organizations.
The junior citizen of the year was divided by two recipients because of the incredible contributions both young people had made to their communities, said Raudnask.
The chamber will fete the recipients at a special event at Winona Vine Estates May 22.