GANDER, NL — The business community packed an event room at the Quality Hotel and Suites for the 17th annual Joe and Clarice Goodyear Business Achievement Awards Gala, hosted by the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Six businesses/organizations were acknowledged as award recipients out of 48 nominations put forward this year.
“Each year there are six awards presented; however, we view all 48 nominees as winners through being recognized as reputable businesses within our area,” said chamber chair Debby Yannakidis.
This year’s winners were: Steele Hotels, Joe and Clarice Goodyear Business Achievement Award; Comfort Inn Gander, Business of the Year; CARSTAR Gander, Customer Service Award; Easton Hillier Lawrence Innes, Helping Hands Award; DMG Consulting Ltd., Environmental Award; and Washed Ashore Antiques & Coffee Bar, Small Business Award.
The chamber also presented $500-scholarships to Mary Murphy of Gander Collegiate and Carrie Lee West of Phoenix Academy in Carmanville.
Rex Avery, general manager of Steele Hotels, accepted the Joe and Clarice Goodyear Business Award on the company’s behalf. He credits the company’s employees for its success.
“These awards are not acceptable without the employees — you’ve got to have good people in the company.
“We’ve been at it for a long time, with a lot of long-term employees. I am sure (owner Harry) Steele would like to thank them for it.”
