3rd Annual Business Awards a Resounding Success!

The Great Northern Chamber of Commerce recognized the achievements of its business community during the 3rd Annual Business Awards held at the Royal Canadian Legion, St. Anthony on March 21, 2025. These awards are presented annually during the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.

“Small businesses create jobs and drive economic development in our communities. We established the Business Awards as an opportunity to thank our business community for all their contributions and hard work. Recognizing and supporting our local businesses helps create and sustain thriving communities in rural Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Christopher Mitchelmore, President of Great Northern Chamber of Commerce.

The 3rd Annual Business Awards were sponsored by the CBDC Nortip, Scotiabank, Atlantic Edge Credit Union, Town of St. Anthony, Town of St. Lunaire-Griquet and PAL Airlines.

The 2025 winners are as follows:

New Business of the Year Award – Rose’s Concrete and Construction Ltd., St. Anthony
Outstanding Employee Award – Tyler Parrill of Shopper’s Choice Pharmacy, St. Anthony
The Big Dreamer Award – The Dark Tickle Company, St. Lunaire-Griquet
The Community Impact Award – St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI),
Business Excellence Award – Breen’s Store Inc., Englee
Chamber’s Choice Award – Maurice Simmonds of Maurice’s Service Centre, St. Anthony

New Business of the Year Award (Sponsor: Town of St. Anthony)

▪ New to the scene, this business knows what it takes to make it work.

▪ Has proven success in its relationship with community, customers, or clients.

▪ Building a solid foundation to succeed and sustain.

This business owner has a wealth of experience in the construction world. He was involved in the building of St. Anthony Cold Storage and was an employee for a number of years. Building on his knowledge of concrete work, Robin Rose established Rose’s Concrete and Construction Inc. and offers a wide variety of construction services including cement placement, finishing and landscaping. His work can be seen around town with sideways, signage place and numerous other projects. Robin continues to focus on growth and new ventures as he looks to operate his new business venture focused on the construction of sheds and other property development. Robin is a true professional, offers quality craftsmanship and showcases a high level of customer service. Robin Rose, please come forward and accept your award of New Business of the Year.

Mayor Brad Johannessen presents award to Robin Rose of Rose’s Concrete and Construction Ltd.

Outstanding Employee Award (Sponsor: Atlantic Edge Credit Union)

Presented to an individual, nominated by an employer or customer who may or may not be in a customer-facing position but:

demonstrates company values and supports the company’s mission and other members of the team.
continually strives to deliver quality work which will enhance the company’s success.
is a positive company ambassador on and off the job.

The winner of Outstanding Employee has gone above and beyond the normal call of duty and plays a vital role in our community as one of the most accessible healthcare professionals. This healthcare professional dispenses medication and provides exceptional patient education and counseling. He serves an important role in public health by ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. He provides immunizations and screenings, as well as health and wellness advice. Tyler Parrill owner and employee of Shopper’s Choice Pharmacy is a trusted pharmacist that works in community and based on the nominations from customers, he is a valuable resource for health information and advice. Tyler gives back to the community and is a positive ambassador no only for the health care profession, but a positive ambassador for business and our region. He is certainly deserving of being named Outstanding Employee in 2025!

Susan Pearce and Samantha Humby of Atlantic Edge Credit Union presented the award. Christopher Mitchelmore, President accepted the award on behalf of Tyler Parrill.

The Big Dreamer Award (Sponsor: Town of St. Lunaire-Griquet)

Whether it’s in technology, innovation, or commerce this business has a dream and it’s made a difference.
From the coffee shop next door to innovations in industry. We want to hear about a business on the Great Northern Peninsula that started with a dream.
Addressing challenges or doing something new this business sees the GNP as a place of opportunity.

A family of entrepreneurs that even with downturns in the fishery, they manage to see opportunity and engage in innovation. This family business has diversified from being a general shop to focusing on our natural assets – wild berries. The Dark Tickle Company of St. Lunaire-Griquet was founded by Steve and Gwendolyn Knudson as they focus on jams, jellies and other berry products. Their economusee and their focus on eco-tourism, culture and history established a company that truly has become a household name. With the inclusion of son, Keir and his wife Stacey Knudsen, the business has experienced significant shifts in e-commerce, berry chocolates, a sculpin cone and ice-cream, the Café Nymphe is a historical café with a no deep fry zone, to their expansion of Dark Tickle Expeditions to the recent expansion by purchasing Northland Discovery Boat Tours. This company with generations of entrepreneurs know what it takes to diversify and create unique products and experiences. We are so proud of the owners and all involved n this operation, that you are doing big things and continuing to dream big things into reality here on the Great Northern Peninsula.

Joy Collins, Councillor with Town of St. Lunaire-Griquet presents Steve, Gwendolyn and Stacey Knudsen with their award.

The Community Impact Award (Sponsor: CBDC Nortip)

An employee or employer or organization that is making a difference in its community.
Inspires community, drives change on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Makes a difference, not just to the economy but the future of people living in the region.

This year’s award recipient delivers a big impact to community and its mandate is not just about the economy but also to focus on the future of the people in the region. For nearly 28 years this company has been a game changer for the St. Anthony Basin region. It started with ensuring the fish plant re-opened in 1999 to building a multi-million state of the art cold storage, to investing in tourism infrastructure and trails, supporting cellular towers in St. Lunaire-Griquet and Raleigh, to building 26 properties for retires. St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI)’s impact is felt in every corner of the communities on the GNP, with new initiatives in 2024 including SABRI Farms, SABRI Transit, St. Anthony Hop On Hop Off Bus Service, Sabri Suites (10 more rental properties), SABRI Innovation – a new social enterprise exchange. It has delivered more than $25 million in infrastructure, millions in community development and employed hundreds of employees. Through their strong partnerships, they exemplify how to be transformative at the community and regional level. We thank their staff and volunteer board members past and present for their valuable contribution that continues to make a tremendous difference. Sponsor CBDC Nortip: Anne Pilgrim, Vice-President and Margaret Caines, Client Services Officer presented Wayne Noel, SABRI Chair with the award.

Business Excellence Award (Sponsor: CBDC Nortip)

Recognized for its dedication, and contribution to the economy.
Leadership, in community and in the workplace.
A good employer, who delivers an outstanding product or service.
Encourages growth in its community and works with others to see economic growth.

This is an entrepreneur who has collaborated with others to see economic growth. Whether serving as a councillor or on a former economic development board, this business owner truly cares about serving his customer and his community. A business that started with humble beginnings, opted to take a risk and purchase a competitor when the business owners were retiring. Chris Breen, owner and operator of Breen’s Value Grocer moved into the former John Reeves Ltd. expanding significantly the amount of groceries, giftware and also being able to include hardware. This small business nestled around the wharf is a vital service to the residents. Chris and his employees know their customers, he offers Manager specials, was an early user of posting his store flyers electronically and engaging with the customer this way. When the bank closed in Roddickton, Chris went above and beyond by ensure he could help his customers and help a number of them access cash through this business. Chris continues to go above and beyond for those in the community and attracts a number of people from the region, which supports more economic activity on the Northern Peninsula East. Its with a regional focus a small business with a community oriented owner is this years winner of Business Excellence! Lynn Way, Executive Director and Maggie Chambers Secretary/Treasurer of CBDC Nortip presented Chris Breen his award.

6.Chamber’s Choice Award (presented to a business or employee) (Sponsor: Scotiabank)

Delivers a high-quality product or service in St.Anthony and Area
Builds momentum, encourages growth, while adapting to the GNP.
Supports the Chamber of Commerce’s vision for growth and thriving communities.

This year’s Chamber Choice winner is no stranger to anyone in the room and he likely employed some of you over the years with the sheer number and diversity of businesses created. Maurice Simmonds is a serial entrepreneur, risk take and a builder. He started his business 50 years ago with a service station, he’s almost done it all, from vehicle repair, to heavy equipment service, selling cars, snowmobiles, snowclearing, fuel delivery to owning multiple gas stations to developing subdivisions to owning a flower/décor shop to food franchises and so much more.

Maurice Simmonds has employed hundreds of people in his lifetime, contributing to the growth and development of St. Anthony and Area. He has been an advocate and has a strong desire to see big things happen. He is a former President of our Chamber of Commerce, attends regularly our meetings, and is ever so willing to share his opinions and concerns. Maurice Simmonds is synonymous with business and a focus on growth for the Great Northern Peninsula. Maurice Simmonds has spent a lifetime building and is this year’s recipient of our Chamber’s Choice Award. Congratulations for 50 years in business. On behalf of the Chamber, we appreciate your significant contributions. Tara Troy of Scotiabank presents Maurice Simmonds his award.

Chamber of Commerce wins Best Marketing Project 2023 Award from Economic Developers of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL) for Holiday Passport Campaign.

This award recognizes a marketing initiative aimed at attracting, retaining, and/or fostering economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s Best Marketing Project Award is being presented to the St. Anthony and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Director Renee Pilgrim accepts award on behalf of EDANL Vice President Margo Soucy.

Online shopping has become the norm for Christmas shoppers who seek that special gift for loved ones over the holidays. The Chamber and its partner SABRI – St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. – recognized the impact that this trend was having on small local businesses who once thrived during the Christmas Season.

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