President's Dinner & Cornerstone Awards 2022

For the fifth consecutive year, the theme for the President's Dinner and Cornerstone Awards was 'Celebrate'. 

We are so happy that we are able to celebrate with each other personally - in the same room!  And it was evident that members of the Chamber and the business community were excited to join together to celebrate the accomplishments of some members, and enjoy the ceremony of the passing of the gavel to the incoming President.

The event, co-presented by sponsors OLG and Meta Employment Services was held at the Ramada by Wyndham.   The evening got underway with a welcome reception, thanks to the generosity of Hinterland Wine Company with their donation of delicious prosecco. 

Following a piping-in ceremony with the Past Presidents and 2022 Board Members, the New President, Anthony Callaghan from McDougall Insurance was official 'sworn in' by Belleville Mayor, Mitch Panciuk.  Further acknowledgements were given to three members who had served their term on the board.
- Greg Sudds, West City Honda (Past President 2021)
- Jessica Klein, Dynamic Self
- Kevin McCaughen, Sigma Stretch Film 

The President's Recognition Award was presented to Lisa Grills, Membership Development Coordinator for the Belleville Chamber.  

Peter Kempenaar, Taskforce Engineering received the 'Key to the City' by Mayor Panciuk in recognition for his service as the 157th President (2021).  

CONNIE CARSON is the recipient for this year's 'Community Partner Award', presented to someone that has been a valued asset to the City of Belleville and the Business Community.  

ROLAND BELANGER is the recipient for the first "Legacy Award", which commemorates a chamber member whose impact on the economic development and growth of business in Belleville supersedes a single lifetime of achievement.  

Following the Board acknowledgements and awards, the Cornerstone Awards were presented.  These awards celebrate the contributions of members, as the stories are told of the people behind the business.  

SHERI MEEKS ~ Citizenship Award
Presented to a Chamber member who has embraced the spirit of the community by their selfless acts and support to causes that improve the lives of Belleville citizens.

JIM PARKINSON ~ Founder Award
Presented to a Chamber member who has built a business from its beginning or expanded an existing business that enhances the reputation of Belleville as a place where business can come to grow.

MARILYN LAWRIE ~ Mentor Award
Presented to a Chamber member who, through their daily work, intentionally or not, helps develop others with their leadership and guidance.

RICHARD COURNEYEA ~ Visionary Award
Presented to a Chamber member who has seen an opportunity to revive or create something unique or unprecendented.  Their dedication to this vision has resulted in raising the profile of Belleville and has contributed to the overall prosperity of the community.

BOB DOYLE ~ Lifetime Achievement Award
Ultimately, the winner of this award could receive each of the Cornerstone awards individually.  They ruly are pillars of our business community.

CHECK OUT the stories and photos from our Cornerstone Award Recipients.