Chamber gala awards

TRURO — After a trying year for businesses during the pandemic, the 131st annual gala for the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce took time to celebrate its community businesses virtually.

“It was important during these turbulent times for business that we not only try and host a gala for members, but try and shine a light of hope for all those in attendance,” said Chamber president Matthew Mossman. “We also wanted to continue to set the example of how successful virtual events can be so members could join us safely from their homes or offices.”

Vonda Hazzard, co-owner of Noveltea Bookstore Cafe, was guest speaker for the event. The bookstore/cafe burned down last September, but quickly reopened in the Truro Farmers’ Market and will soon be opening in its new permanent spot just across the street from its former location. On top of dealing with the pandemic, Hazzard said despite the hardships of the fire, she realized something important.

“I remember just that realization, that the building of Noveltea was gone but the spirit and community of Noveltea was more alive and stronger than it had ever had been,” said Hazard. “We knew that we hadn’t just built a business but we built this community of support and love around us.”

She empathized with other small businesses facing hardships.

“I truly believe as we go forward into 2021, that not just Noveltea, but all of downtown Truro, all of the town of Truro, all of Colchester County, all of Nova Scotia, we are all going to rise like a phoenix out of these ashes,” she said. “We are going to be stronger and better than ever.”

Carter’s (Truro) Limited Paints received the Community Credit Union Business Excellence Award.

The award recognizes a business involved in the community that “exhibited visionary leadership; achieving growth by introducing new products or ideas, expansion or exportation of goods or services and valuing employees and safety in the workplace.”

Carter’s often donates to fundraisers, the Colchester East Hants Hospital Foundation and also gives paint to the food bank. It has also been a part of the Truro business community for 131 years.

Karen Baillie of Elegant Steps received the BDC Business Person of the Year. The award is for a founder, owner, CEO, president or manager that made contributions to the community and have had an impact on the region. They have “achieved significant success in his or her business showing strong leadership skills and business acumen contributing to the growth of the business.”

Elegant Steps has been under Baillie’s leadership for 30 years. Her business had to pivot like many others, downsizing from a staff of 11 to six and creating an online marketplace.

Baillie has been actively involved in several local committees and organizations, has coordinated clothing drop-off programs for people in need, and before COVID organized fashion shows fundraising for local charities - last fall, a virtual show raised $5,000 for Grow Hope Nova Scotia.

Past-president Ron Smith received a plaque for his two terms on the board of directors, from 2019 to 2021.

Award winners received their awards before the provincewide shutdown. The awards gala can be rewatched on the Chamber’s Youtube channel.