By Kerry J Newstead
DUNNVILLE—The Dunnville Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to area residents with the second annual Dunnville Business and Community Recognition Awards Celebration on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Rebecca Booth, Community Outreach and Membership Director, said of the awards, “We decided last year that we needed to do something to recognize the businesses and the members of this community that do a lot that contribute. It is not only economic growth and development but also helping to build communities.”
This year’s event saw small modifications based on their experience last year, including opening up the ceremony to all interested members of the public.
DUNNVILLE—Shown are representatives from: Outstanding New Business, Steady Point Osteopathics Inc. (Tim VanWoudenberg); Tourism, Fishin’ Finatics Charters (Michelle and Adam Avery); Agricultural Sustainability, Shared Harvest Community Farm; Innovation, No.6 RCAF Dunnville Museum; and Non-Brick & Mortar, Veronika Simmons. 
DUNNVILLE—Shown are representatives from: Outstanding Customer Service, Grand River Outdoors (Norm and Raquel Shropshall); Employer of the Year, Watertite Roofing (Zack Keyes); Outstanding Young Entrepreneur, Tim VanWoudenberg of Steady Point Osteopathics Inc.; Business of the Year 1-15 Employees, Grand River Outdoors (Norm and Raquel Shropshall); and Business of the Year 16+ Employees, Watertite Roofing (Zack Keyes). 
DUNNVILLE—Shown are representatives from: Not-For-Profit of the Year, Dunnville Community Theatre, and Charitable Organization of the Year, Rotary Club of Dunnville. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
The evening was well represented by community leaders, area residents, the nominees, and the sponsors for the evening. Sponsor Rosa Flora also donated all of the flowers used in the centrepieces.
The awards were divided into two categories: Businesses and Community.
The Merigold Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Archie Merigold, is presented in recognition of an enduring legacy of business leadership, community commitment, and the highest standards of service, leaving an indelible mark on both industry and society. This award honours a lifetime of achievement, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness. This year’s recipient is Vic Powell.
The Leadership Ambassador Award is presented to an individual who embodies leadership, fosters growth in their community, and leaves a lasting impact. This inaugural recognition was given to Marianne Kidd, President of the Dunnville Chamber.
The Chamber would like to extend a thank you to all those who were nominated, the winners, the sponsors, and to the citizens of Dunnville.
Business awards
Outstanding New Business – Sponsored by Egger Truck & Machine
Steady Point Osteopathic Inc. (Owner Tim VanWoudenberg)
Tourism – Sponsored by Haldimand County Economic Development & Tourism
Fishin’ Finatics Charters (Owners Michelle and Adam Avery)
Agricultural Sustainability – Sponsored by Rosa Flora
Shared Harvest Community Farm
Innovation – Sponsored by the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce
No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum
Non-Brick & Mortar – Sponsored by OTB Marketing Agency
Veronika Simmons
Outstanding Customer Service – Sponsored by the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce
Grand River Outdoors (Owners Norm and Raquel Shropshall)
Employer of the Year – Sponsored by the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce
Watertite Roofing (Owner Zack Keyes)
Outstanding Young Entrepreneur – Sponsored by Grand Erie Business Centre
Tim VanWoudenberg of Steady Point Osteopathic Inc.
Business of the Year 1-15 Employees – Sponsored by Klear Kustoms Classic Car Restorations
Grand River Outdoors (Owners Norm and Raquel Shropshall)
Business of the Year 16+ Employees – Sponsored by Desjardins
Watertite Roofing (Owner Zack Keyes)
Community awards
Not-For Profit of the Year – Sponsored by Innophos
Dunnville Community Theatre
Charitable Organization of the Year – Sponsored by Peter Dieleman Co-operators
Rotary Club of Dunnville
Youth Citizen of the Year – Sponsored by Egger Excavating Ltd.
Hailey Diduck
Citizen of the Year
Julie Marchese
Special awards
Merigold Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Archie Merigold
Vic Powell
Leadership Ambassador Award
Marianne Kidd
