Spruce Creek Golf Course wins business award

By Duane Hicks
Fort Frances Times

Ken and Laurie Pentney of Spruce Greek Golf Course were named Small Business Trainer of the Year at the 14th-annual Bell Business Awards on Saturday at the Adventure Inn in Fort Frances.
The Pentneys couldn’t be there to accept their award, as they were at home waiting by the phone for the latest update on the birth of a grandchild.
While they did not win the awards in their respective categories, other nominees from the Rainy River area included Cheryl and Gary Gauthier (Harris Hill Resort) who were nominated for nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year, and Ben Dobranski (Lowe’s Furniture) who was up for Customer Service (individual).
Meanwhile, West End Motors was named Business of the Year (16+ employees) while the Business of the Year (1-15 employees) Award went to The UPS Store.
Blair and Donna Lowey (Lowey’s Greenhouse) were honoured as Entrepreneurs of the Year, while Jennifer Krag (Moss Yoga & Barnswallow Photography) was named Business Woman of the Year.
Boston Pizza was saluted for Customer Service (Business), while the Customer Service (Individual) award was given to Judy Webster (RBC).
Town of Fort Frances treasurer Laurie Witherspoon was named Employee of the Year, while Jack Hedman (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters) was honoured as the Tony Beyak Memorial Volunteer of the Year.
The Safety Award (Business/Individual) went to Rainy River District Victim Services, while the Accessibility Award was given to Betty-Anne MacKintosh (Supervised Access Program).
A special award this year was the 100th Anniversary Economic Development Award, sponsored by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. Meant to honour an organization that has shown dedication towards the growth of economic development in Rainy River District, the award was presented to Rainy River Future Development Corp.
This year’s gala drew a total of 56 nominees, a couple of which were nominated in more than one category.
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president Harold Wilson emceed the evening, while John McEvoy, regional manager of field services for event sponsor Bell Aliant, greeted attendees.
The “Fort Harmonies” entertained the crowd with some fun songs, including an ABBA medley.
There also was a prime rib dinner and a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses.