ACOC presents Business Excellence Awards

By Ron Giofu

Members of the town’s business community were recognized last week.

The Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) presented its annual Business Excellence Awards last Thursday night at Pointe West Golf Club. The Rotary Club of Amherstburg was recognized on the occasion of their 90th anniversary while Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) were honoured due to their 50th anniversary.

Rotary Club president Joan Donaldson commented the club was happy to be able to serve the community for the last 90 years while ACS executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo stated they appreciate the honour and that has been an honour to work in the community for 50 years.

The Youth Engagement/Leadership Award was presented to Ellowyn Oneschuk. Oneschuk just completed her first year at the University of Windsor and outlined her charity and non-profit initiatives, including being involved in the Girl Guides of Canada and a Relay for Life event at the university. She has also returned to her former high school, Villanova, where she still assists with the school’s swim and girls slo-pitch teams.

Musicland won the Most Attractive Improvement award with owner Bethany D’Alimonte stating “I’m so grateful” to be educating local residents and thanked the ACOC for the award. She offered similar gratitude later in the evening when she was named Entrepreneur of the Year. D’Alimonte thanked her family and supporters.

Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant captured the Welcoming Accessibility Award, however they were unable to attend. Derek Roy, an ACOC board member and representative of award sponsor Community Living Essex County, accepted the award on Riccardo’s behalf.

The Environmental Excellence Award went to Natural Pathways. Kim Alice from National Pathways believes she has been given the opportunity to connect the town to nature and they are a non-profit hoping to connect people with the land and the outdoors.

The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission was presented the Community Service/Involvement Award. Mission president Tim McAllister thanked the people of Amherstburg and beyond for their support and their believe “in what we do.” He also thanked the volunteers, including the board of directors, as he noted it takes a team to operate the mission.

The Professional of the Year award went to Anne Ussoletti Rota, the town’s manager of tourism and culture. Ussoletti Rota thanked business owners and staffs for their work, stating they help make the community what it is and “move Amherstburg forward.”

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