BY SARA KEDDY
The Kings County Advertiser/Register
The Best of Kings awards in categories from shoe store to hardware to fine dining were announced March 10 after a two-week on-line voting blitz.
The Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting in Greenwich around the second-year awards event, passing out 25 awards in all.
“This is consumers singling out their favourite businesses for recognition,” MC Greg Muttart said.
“The Best of Kings event is not so much that we’re here, but that we’re here supporting one another.”
Muttart encouraged chamber members and evening guests to continue to do that: “you’re credibility depends on that. It’s so important you keep showing up to create a coherent group.
“If you say to government you have 380 members, that means a lot” when there are issues to be decided.
In-coming chamber president David Cudmore said via a pre-taped video segment it’s the goal of the EKCC to be a “well-oiled machine,” an efficient and effective voice for member businesses and the community. Goals in the year ahead include increasing membership to over 400 and expanding internal benefits, becoming the communications “hub” for those businesses, advocating for and partnering with businesses and agencies in Eastern Kings and continuing member recognition and networking activities.
Out-going president Gary Morse said his year was satisfying.
“Being part of the board and its committees is very worthwhile - I got to meet a lot of people and work on behalf of the business community.
“Collectively, we can make a difference.”
The new board includes president Dave Cudmore, 1st vice Andy Woolaver, 2nd vice Scott Roberts, treasurer Kelly Coombs, secretary Geoff Muttart and past president Gary Morse. Directors include Peter Andresen, Chris Bavis, Mary Jennings, Sharon Murray-Sellars, Brian Newcombe, Judy Saunders, Ray Savage and Greg Young (returning; and David Griffin, Roban Gutowski, Peter MacFarlane and Kate Seaman (now).
Out-going directors include Gerry Kennie, Ken Geddes, Ken Barrett and Jim Laceby.
And the people voted...
Best Bar/ Lounge - Boston Pizza
Best Place for Breakfast - Smitty’s Family Restaurant
Best Car Dealer - Best Toyota
Best Clothing Store - Fritz’s
Best Coffee Shop - Just Us Cafe Wolfville*
Best Entertainment Venue - CentreStage Theatre*
Best Family Dining - Boston Pizza
Best Farm Market - Wolfville Farmers’ Market*
Best Fast Food - Jonny’s
Best in Fine Dining - Le Caveau
Best Fitness Club/ Spa - Beleaf Aveda Concept Salon & Spa - Wolfville
Best Florist - Pulsifers Flowers and Foliage*
Best Garden Centre - Blomidon Nurseries*
Best Gift Store - Casa Bella Gifts
Best Grocery Store - Sobey’s New Minas
Best Hair Salon/ Barber - Beleaf Aveda Concept Salon & Spa - Kentville*
Best Hardware Store - Rafuse Home Hardware
Best Home Decor/ Furniture Store - Hampton House Furniture and Decor
Best Hotel/ Inn/ Bed & Breakfast - Blomidon Inn
Best Jewelry Store - DM Reid Jewelers Ltd.*
Best Media - K-Rock 89.3*
Best Pharmacy - Lawtons Drugs - Kentville*
Best Show Store - Maxwell’s Quality Footwear Ltd. - New Minas*
Best Specialty Shop - The Swimwear Hut
Best Winery - Domaine de Grand Pre*
* Winner for the second year in a row
