The Perth & District Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Gala Wednesday night at Code’s Mill.
On top of an evening of dinner, drinks and speeches, five awards were handed out to chamber members following a public nomination and voting period, before a selection committee came together and determined the winners.
Business of the Year – Queen Bee Millinery
Owner Ranelle Larocque (Pictured at top) was congratulated for her passion in creating high-fashion women’s hats and head pieces that have attracted national and international attention. Using hand-sewn designs created in her modest Gore Street store in Perth, Larocque was chosen earlier this year to showcase her work at ‘The Queen’s Hat Exhibition’ in Milan, Italy – the only Canadian amongst 12 international milliners invited. This past August, Ranelle was named as the ‘Official Milliner’ for the 165th ‘King’s Plate’ Horse Race at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, creating a collection of hats for dignitaries, royalty, influencers and jockeys’ wives. That led to guest shots on CTV, Global Television and CP24 where Ranelle generously shone a light on the growing, supportive business community in Perth.
Entrepreneur of the Year, People’s Choice Award, – Sarah Deme, Conway’s Menswear
Deme purchased the store from previous owner Brian Day and remodelled the venerable 90-year-old store in downtown Perth into a modern and stylish retail destination. Deme collaborated with decorator ‘Studio 19’ to revitalize the store’s interior while remaining true to the values that have sustained the shop for nearly a century.
Conway’s Menswear was also voted ‘People’s Choice’, with the award recognizing Deme’s ‘customer-first’ ethic and her commitment to the community in serving as a director on the YAK youth board.
Employee/Team of the Year – Perth Physiotherapy
The new owners of Perth Physiotherapy – Danielle Willard, Matt Rice and Cooper Rice – were given the 2024 ‘Team of the Year’ award for guiding their staff and patients through a difficult transition after the passing of Perth Physio founder, Catherine Ball. The new co-owners were thanked for ensuring that the business not only survived but continued to deliver exceptional physiotherapy services that are vital to the health and well-being of Perth and area residents.
Community Involvement Award – Calculator & Co.
Katherine Williton, owner of the finance and accounting firm, Calculator & Co. employs a remote-based staff of 10 bookkeepers with clients across Ontario, Quebec and internationally. Williton volunteers on the board of directors at Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation overseeing entrepreneur business loans and is Treasurer of the local ‘Hospice Hub’ that provides support for ‘end-of-life’ patients and their caregivers.
People’s Choice Award – Conway’s Menswear
