Three cheers for Trevor McDonald!
Chilliwack's ultimate musical host has been awarded the Stan Rogers Legacy Award, for his many contributions to the community over the years.
The award is given annually by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, and the winner is selected by an independent panel of judges. They offered glowing accolades for McDonald on Tuesday at the monthly Chamber Connections meeting, when announcing the award.
“To be a volunteer and a good corporate citizen, one must be able to bring people together to accomplish a common goal," the judges said, adding that McDonald "has embodied these attributes incredibly well."
McDonald works around the clock to improve community events and promote the city. He is the host of That '70s Show on 89.5 The Drive, emcee for Party in the Park, and a supporter of several organizations and businesses in Chilliwack, including the Anavets and Chilliwack Bowls of Hope. He is also an accomplished musician and recording artist.
Still, the win was a shock to McDonald.
"It was so amazing, and a huge surprise," he said Wednesday morning. "It's really, truly an honour."
The judges said it's also McDonald's love for Chilliwack that earned him the award.
"The love of one’s community means that everyone works toward a common goal to bring success and a sense of pride to each event. Being on a committee does not just mean completing the task you have taken on, but to collaboratively work together to fulfill the vision, create excitement and inspire passion," they said. "When it comes to promoting Chilliwack and its community events, there is one person that is sure to be front and center much of the time.”
Stan Rogers was a well-known Chilliwack entrepreneur, and the president of Legacy Pacific. He passed away April, 2014. Rogers may be best remembered for the wholesale transformation of what was known as The Berry Lands on South Sumas at Unsworth.
The rest of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards will be handed out at a their annual gala on Jan. 21. This year's theme is Chilliwack's Biggest Night — A Red Carpet Affair, and will be held at Chilliwack Heritage Park. It will be the 22nd annual event, and is often sold out. The night includes a wine tasting reception, live music and entertainment, and 18 Business Excellence Awards.
The nominees are:
Professional Service Award, sponsored by Star 98.3:
• Ken Andriashek, ReMax Nyda Realty
• Willow Dental Care – Garrison Crossing
• Tracey L’Hoist Personal Real Estate Corporation
• LLT LLP
Employee of the Year, sponsored by The Chilliwack Times:
• Sadie – 89.5 The Drive
• Mike Ayers – Ann Davis Transition Society
• Natalie Karam – Chilliwack Society for Community Living
• Cara Dedels – Downtown Chilliwack BIA
• Jessica Killer – HUB International Barton Insurance Brokers
• Jim Vermeer – Ironside Design Manufacturing
• Brandon Melville – Mr. Lube Chilliwack
• Ammar Nabod – Myriad Information Technology
• Gregory Hallett – Otter Co-op
• Sarah Anthony – The Book Man
Agriculture Producer Award, sponsored by University of the Fraser Valley – Agriculture Centre of Excellence:
• Forstbauer Natural Food Farm
• Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry
• Joiners Corn
• Sardis Secondary School Farm
Development Excellence Award, sponsored by Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board:
• Canada Lands Company CLC Ltd.– River’s Edge
• Englewood Courtyard Management Corp.
• Garrison Corner
Inclusive Employer Award, sponsored by Chilliwack Society for Community Living:
Retail Excellence Award, sponsored by Canada Lands Company:
• Little Village Shoe Boutique
• Shoppers Drug Mart – Southgate Centre
Sustainability Award, sponsored by The City of Chilliwack:
• Larco Industries Inc.
Manufacturing Award, sponsored by TD Canada Trust:
• DC Machine
• Ironside Design Manufacturing
• Larco Industries Inc.
Recreation, Leisure & Hospitality Award, sponsored by MNP”
• Best Western Rainbow Country Inn
• Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour – Tourism Chilliwack
• Chilliwack Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack
Not-For-Profit/Service Award, sponsored by Chances Chilliwack:
• Ann Davis Transition Society
• Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society
• Chilliwack Community Services
• Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children & Family Services
• Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser
• The Chilliwack Salvation Army Care and Share Centre
Dining Excellence Award, sponsored by Odlum Brown:
• Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar
• Jimmy J’s Grill
• The Well @ Chances Chilliwack
Young Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Murray Honda:
• The Lakeside Beach Club
• Mt. Waddington’s Outdoors Ltd.
• Vedder Mountain Bike Company
New Business of the Year Award, sponsored by KMPG:
• Browns Socialhouse Eagle Landing
• Select Real Estate
Aboriginal Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sto:lo Community Futures:
• Bear Image Productions (BIP)
• Vedder Crossing Plaza Management – Tzeachten First Nation
Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Baker Newby LLP:
• Larco Industries Inc.
• Lock’s Prescription Pharmacy Ltd.
• Murray Honda Chilliwack
• Sardis Park Wines
• The Book Man
The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly-based business organization in Chilliwack. Representing more than 450 members of every size, sector and region of the area, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce is The Voice of Business in Chilliwack.
The 22nd annual Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards will take place at Chilliwack Heritage Park on Saturday, January 21st. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Chamber of Commerce office by calling (604) 793-4323 or by visiting the Chamber of Commerce website at www.chilliwackchamber.com.
RELATED STORY: Chilliwack remembers Stan Rogers, published April 2014