Pet crematorium staffer’s kindness wins her recognition for excellence at CBS business awards
By Mark Squibb
The Town of Conception Bay South hosted the 13th annual Bright Business Awards on October 23 as a show of support for local businesses. The event coincided with the celebration of Small Business Week across Canada. Some 40 businesses were nominated across eight categories.
Jennifer’s Quilt Shop in Chamberlains, which offers both quilting services and fabrics, was named the New Start-Up of The Year.
Kathryn Vinnicombe, who operates the health clinic 365 Wellness in Manuels, was named Youth Entrepreneur of The Year. Vinnicombe, 27, became the owner of 365 Wellness last year, and the clinic has continued to grow under her proprietorship.
Shenanigans Bar and Grill in Foxtrap, which last week hosted the cast and crew of CityTVs Hudson and Rex for the shooting of some scenes inside the restaurant, was awarded the Community Pride and Partnership Award.
Newlander Meat Shop in Long Pond, which offers a wide variety of fresh meats and local products, was named the Downtown CBS Member of The Year.
The Established Business of the Year Award went to Musically Inclined. The Kelligrews music school is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this year.
Taylor’s Fish, Fruit and Vegetable Market, near the border of Foxtrap and Kelligrews, was named the Sustainable Business of The Year in recognition of its green business model.
Financial planning organization Lupin Planning Group of Long Pond was named the recipient of the David Murphy Leadership Award.
The final award of the night, the Employee Excellence Award, was accorded to Laura Hayes of Angle Paws Pet Crematorium in Foxtrap. Whether comforting clients during difficult times or ensuring things run smoothly on the business end of things, Hayes’ colleagues say she goes above and beyond everyday.
Since the launch of the awards show, which is held annually in the third week of October to coincide with Small Business Week, over 90 businesses have received awards, and over 400 have been nominated.
There are currently over 500 businesses operating in Conception Bay South, 40 of which opened their doors in 2023.