Tim McKinney named Quinte’s Business Person of the Year

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David LeClair

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The 28th-annual Business Achievement Awards were well attended Friday evening by sharply dressed entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate business excellence across the Bay of Quinte region at the RCAF Museum in Quinte West.

This year, the awards are dedicated to the RCAF to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Dinner and awards at the annual Chamber of Commerce award ceremonies presented 17 business achievement awards and recognized 136 nominees from across the Bay of Quinte region.

The Business Achievement Awards are open for any business, entrepreneur, or non-profit organization based in Belleville, Quinte West, or Prince Edward County.

In June, nominations were open the community online.

Previous year nominees are not eligible candidates.

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Selected as Business Person of the Year, Tim McKinney of Remax Quinte told The Intelligencer he was grateful for the support from his peers in the business community.

“There were quite a few high-profile people who got this reward before, it’s nice to be acknowledged in the community; it feels perfect,” he said.

“It was a great night out tonight, I’d like to thank all the sponsors, it was good to see a lot of people out to support the Quinte area.”

Quinte West Chamber of Commerce CEO Suzanne Andrews and Belleville Chamber of Commerce CEO Jill Raycroft were on hand for the awards.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force has played an integral role in shaping the culture and economy of our region,” said Andrews.

“As we celebrate the centennial of the RCAF, it’s fitting that we dedicate this year’s awards to their legacy and the longstanding partnership between the military and business communities.”

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Raycroft said the awards represent remarkable quality and diversity in our local business community.

“We are going to give out 17 awards; if you are one of the 119 people that walk out without [an award], remember, you were nominated by someone who thought you were top of their class in your category,” said Raycroft, before a large audience.

“The Quinte Business Achievement Awards is such a special program because it recognizes entrepreneurs and businesses and the growth and sustainability of the backbone of our economic sector in the Quinte region. It’s not just one community; it’s everybody together. It gives businesspeople a presence in the business community at large,” Raycroft said.

Mayor Jim Harrison, MP, provided local municipal support.

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Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams and Bay of Quinte MPP. Tyler Allsopp and manager of Economic Development Ben Hagerman represented Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander.

Belleville Mayor Niel Ellis could not attend and Belleville Councillor Chris Mallette presented the tech-sector business award on his behalf.

2024 Quinte Business Achievement Award Winners:

Retail Business of the Year: Kraft Village

Hospitality / Tourism Business of the Year: Meyer’s Creek Brewing Company

Regulated Professions Business of the Year: Hitchon’s Hearing Centre

Specialized Services Business of the Year: Zone Athletics

Trades/Construction Services Business of the Year: Luke Joseph Carpentry

Manufacturing Business of the Year: JBS Foods Ontario

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Brandon O’Quinn

New Business of the Year: Base 31

New Business of the Year: Mike and Lori’s Garden

Not-for-Profit of the Year: The Alzheimer Society

Tech Sector Business of the Year: Rillea Technologies Inc.

Business Person of the Year: Tim McKinney

Agribusiness Business of the Year: Cheer Farms

Health and Wellness Business of the Year: Fearless Wellness Centre

Sustainability of the Year: Afiya Beauty

TrailBlazer of the Year: GlobalMed Inc. D.B.A. APTYX

Business Excellence: McDougall Insurance

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