Stefani Block (left) and Brent Fitzpatrick (right) were the co-hosts for the Facebook Live Event. (Facebook/Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce)

By Mat Barrett

Mark of Excellence Awards

Humboldt Chamber holds Mark of Excellence Awards over Facebook Live

Jun 19, 2020 | 1:00 PM

The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce held its annual Mark of Excellence Awards on Thursday, June 18.

Things were a bit different than usual, however as the awards were held on Facebook Live as Executive Director Brent Fitzpatrick and Board Member Stefani Block co-hosted the online event. The original event was set to take place on March 18, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitzpatrick said they had everything prepared for the in-person event in March, but they had to adjust to the world around them.

“Nothing will beat live and the feel of people in a room,” he said. “But given all the situations we’re facing, particularly with the restrictions with large crowd gatherings, I think that it went very well.”

Fitzpatrick said having the awards online still allowed them to recognize their local businesses.

“Every year is important, but this year, given the situation that we faced, just as the awards were going on, and all of the pressures the businesses in our area faced immediately thereafter,” he said. “This year was unprecedented in its value to be able to showcase and show businesses that are excelling at what they do.”

Committed

Meunier commits to Nebraska-Omaha following WHL eligibility

19h ago

COMMUNITY HERO

Joan Sperle named Unity's Citizen of the Year following decades of dedication

19h ago

accomplishment

Mirasty to receive honourary degree from the U of R

22h ago

While numerous business excellence awards were handed out, so were the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year awards. The Business Hall of Fame Inductees were also honoured. They were also given some recognition on social media prior to the event. Nestor Trach is the Citizen of the Year, while Tianna Zimmerman is the Junior Citizen of the Year. Donald and Murray Brockman have been inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.

Nestor Trach (Right) is awarded Citizen of the Year. (Facebook/Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce)

Tianna Zimmerman (Right) is awarded Junior Citizen of the Year. (Facebook/Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce)

Donald Brockman (right) is handed his plaque for being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. (Facebook/Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce)

Murray Brockman (left) is handed his plaque for being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. (Facebook/Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce)

Normally those winners would get an opportunity for a speech at the in-person event, but that was unable to happen this year. Fitzpatrick said next year they plan to bring those individuals back to make sure they get the recognition that is deserved.

“I’m hopeful that next year we’ll be able to have a live event,” Fitzpatrick told northeastNOW. “Although there is some question about any large events, on our scale of about 350 people, until much later in the year.”

He said they’ll start planning for a live event and make more decisions later in 2020.

Mark of Excellence Award Winners:

Inclusion Award: Mallard Diversified Services

Community Merit Award: The Watson Community Club

Safety Leadership Award: Hundseth Power Line Construction

Marketing Award: Humboldt Co-op

Growth and Expansion: 1Stop Playgrounds

Entrepreneurial Award: Auto Ethics

Service Award: Dzinehaus Computers

Community Involvement Award: Conexus Credit Union

New Business Venture: Auto Ethics

Youth Involvement Award: A-List Dance and Acrobatics

Business of the Year Award: Auto Ethics

–

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6