The applause was loud and long at the Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Wednesday night, but it wasn’t until Hilda Pearce took centre stage that the room really erupted and the audience jumped to its feet.
The awards celebrated the town’s best in the categories of New Business of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service, Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Citizen of the year.
As a special bonus, the Chamber presented Pearce, a longtime business and community leader, with a lifetime achievement award to cap off the night.
The MC for the evening was local radio personality Dave Graham, who detailed the accomplishments of the three nominees in each category that made the final cut.
In the category of Best New Business, Graham said nominees — Curves, Fishtales Cafe and Thalassa Restaurant — all fulfilled the mandate of being involved in the business community, motivating and training staff, having superb customer service and daring to be innovative.
However, it was Thalassa that walked away with the one of a kind sculpture by Mike Rebar of Big Rock Sculpting.
“We are truly amazed at the impact this business has had on Qualicum Beach, said chamber chair Dianna Rivard.
“Oura, Kalli and Kymon have made a contribution of substance to our community with their fundraising efforts for a number of worthwhile charities as well as providing a great dining experience.”
Nominated for Outstanding Customer Service were Ryan Matsu of Deez Bar and Grill, Bonnie Paul from Munchy Business and Brian Slater from Windsor Plywood.
In making this award, sponsor Black and White Party Rentals owner Dave Willie said all three exemplified what a business needs to go from good to great, but it was Slater whose knowledge and supportive attitude nudged him above his competitors.
Arbutus Emporium, Mulberry Bush Book Store and Sunny Day Spa were all in the running for the Business of the Year honours but, it was Jean Young and Arbutus Emporium that the top spot for almost single handedly creating, organizing and managing the summer street market in 2010.
As well, Young is a community builder involved in the schools, youth sports, her industry and in the welfare of her fellow merchants.
When he announced the nominees for the Volunteer of the Year award, Graham stressed it is the spirit of volunteerism personified by Suzanne Adkins along with her husband Bill, Mike Green and Karen Vanderberg that makes Qualicum Beach such a special place.
It was Vanderberg, one of the founding members of the Community Meals Lunch program at St. Stephen’s Church, who took home the trophy.
Vandenberg has volunteered her time to Community Meals Supper, KSS Dry Grad, Mothers and Kids Camp and along with her family has travelled to Mexico to help build houses for those in need.
Search and Rescue technician and volunteer fireman Barry Blair, along with pharmacist and fireman Paul Gibbons and musician Ron Hadley were honoured with nominations as Citizens of the Year.
Presenter John Briuolo of Quality Foods stressed it was a tough choice.
It was Blair’s work in the fire department and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue that got the nod.
“This year’s citizen is a quiet leader who shies away from the spotlight and is the first one to give credit to others and the team as a whole,” he said.
True to form, Blair — a reluctant hero — kept his comments brief.
“I’m speechless,” he said. “It’s probably best that I stay that way.”
Moira Hauk from Coastal Community Credit Union introduced Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Hilda Pearce.
“There aren’t many people who don’t know Hilda. She has always played an active role in our downtown business community, both as a business owner and a concerned citizen. She also found time to serve Qualicum Beach and recently stepped down as chair of the Downtown Merchants’ Association and held a position on the school board both as a trustee and as chair. She was a councillor for the Town of Qualicum Beach and president of Sunrise Rotary. She also raised a family and was named Citizen of the Year in 1995.”
When Pearce stood to accept her award, the entire room of about 160 people leapt to their feet in a standing ovation.
“If this was an Academy Award, I would have to be dead before I got this,” Pearce joked. “One of the joys of my life as a business person in this town is to take new people in business under my wing and try to mentor them as they start out and give them courage for the adventure they’re going on.”
Pearce urged others to follow her example of service.
“There are many options for volunteering in Qualicum Beach,” she said. “It will bring more joy and blessings to your life than anything you can do.”