The Municipality of Chester is recognizing local businesses for their contributions through their annual business awards.
The 5th Annual Best Of Chester Business Awards has wrapped up, and the municipality announced this years winners.
Executive Director at Ross Farm Museum Peter Cullen says they are happy to win the award for Best Farm/Forestry Business and see it as a representation of all farming and forestry industry in the municipality.
“It might seem strange for a museum to win this award but we certainly feel we win in that category for all farm and forestry industries in the area,” he said.
Manager of Chester Building Supplies Steve Foran says it’s nice to be recognized as a business in the community as Best Building Supply Store.
“We have been very busy. Everyone has been struggling during the pandemic and its been very trying for people,” he said.
“They have been staying home and working on projects we are glad we have been able to provide for them. We’ve been very lucky our business hasn’t suffered.”
The categories for the awards included Best Artisanal Retailer, Best Building Services, Best Building Supply Store, Best Community Space and Best Farm/Forestry Business among others.
Municipality of Chester Warden Allen Webber says 909 submissions were received and 11,621 community votes were cast to select winners and runners up in 23 categories.
“We try and promote our business community, but this year there has been challenges for all of them because of COVID-19,” he said.
“Some of them have been shut down, and for some of them business is certainly different. I think it’s important we recognize them.”
Small businesses account for 99 per cent of businesses in the municipality.
A full list of this year’s winners can be found here.
