The Robert Simpson Brewery is one of the best businesses in Barrie – as it’s among the finalists in the sixth-annual Bell Canada Business Awards.
The downtown microbrewery, which has just released its take on low-carb beers, is one of two nominees for the Manufacturing Business Excellence Award, sponsored by the Business Development Bank; also up for the award is Sexton’s Mechanical.
Announced Wednesday, the finalists highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in Barrie, said chamber president Rick Butler.
“With these awards, we are able to show our appreciation to members of our business community for their success collectively and individually,” he said. “Barrie should be honoured to have so many inspirational business that contribute so much to our lifestyle and economy.”
Simpson Brewery’s sales and marketing vice-president Koratta Campese said the nomination is a boost to his entire staff, which has worked together to create a line of tasty yet innovative beers. The newest, Anti-Gravity, has been in LCBO stores for almost two months and is to be released in Beer Stores in Barrie within the next couple of weeks.
“We’ve been very focused on our products and getting them out. We’ve changed our recipe and added a new beer,” he said.
“It’s the first light beer with no aftertaste on the finish. We knew we had to get involved in the that segment of the market; 70 per cent of beer drinkers like light.”
Last year’s Arch Brown Entrepreneur Award of Excellence winner Barry Peacock agreed with Campese in saying companies that win awards must credit their staff.
“When you have a team of dedicated people, employees won the award for me,” he said, looking back.
“Beyond what it means to win the award, this (awards gala) event (Nov. 13) has drawn the business community together. It’s been just fantastic for the business community.”
The nominees:
Retail business excellence:
Brabary
Marsden’s Distinctive Awards
Serenity Birth Studio
Manufacturing business excellence:
Robert Simpson Brewing Company
Sexton’s Mechanical
Service business excellence:
Lardner & Co. Professional Corporation
Northern Lights Canada
Try That! Inc.
Hospitality business excellence:
Groovy Tuesday’s Bistro
Snow Valley Resort
Travelodge Barrie, Hart Drive
SOHO business excellence:
Cassels Cop.
Pal’s Computer Tech & Training
Rhubarb Media
New business:
CUBE IT Portable Storage
Liaison College
Super 8 Motel
Marketing and promotions:
1007.5 KOOL FM
Motorcycle MOJO Magazine
Ontario Laser Health Centre
Green community award:
Rhubarb Media
Signature Suites
Thriftopia.com
Green project award:
Flags Unlimited
Robert’s Collision
Employer of the Year:
Barrie Public Library
CSR Cosmetics
Days Inn Barrie
Community Award
Canadian Mental Health Association Barrie/Simcoe
Grieving Children at Seasons Centre
Saint Elizabeth Health care
Arch Brown Entrepreneur Award of Excellence
Stephen Blanchet, CSR Cosmetic Solutions
Donna Douglas, Donna Douglas Communications
Krista Lariviere, Hot Banana Software
