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Milton celebrates its community leaders and business excellence

Chamber awards presented at annual gala evening
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Lifetime Achievement Award winner Astrid Lakats.

Milton shone a spotlight on the individuals, businesses and organizations that make it special Wednesday night (Oct. 23) at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club.

That was the scene for the annual Chamber of Commerce Community and Business Excellence Awards.

Here’s a look at this year’s recipients:

Citizen of the Year – Georgia Shaw

A Life Member of the local Legion, Georgia has been its Chief Steward for two-plus decades now – supporting veterans in a number of ways. She’s also bolstered the Townsend Smith Foundation’s efforts to bring a hospice to north Halton through bottle drives that have raised more than $70,000.

Lifetime Achievement – Astrid Lakats

Heavily involved in the community since arriving here in 2004, Astrid has served on the board of Home Suite Hope – helping provide transitional housing for those in need – and as treasurer for the Milton United Way. The chartered accountant’s volunteer resume also includes a lengthy stint with the Mississauga Halton Community Care Access Centre and her current service as board chair with the Townsend Smith Foundation.

Volunteer of the Year – Annie Lu

Annie’s dedication to the community runs deep, and extends to numerous organizations. Among them is the Martin Street Public School parent count, the Canada Learning Code, Milton Stags basketball program, Milton Pickleball Association and the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

Small Business of the Year

Winner – Kim Family Chiropractic

Nominees – Avanti Homecare, Milton Villager magazine

Mid-Sized Business of the Year

Winner – Onyx Fit

Nominees – Stirling Montessori Academy, Turning Point Children’s Therapy and Development Centre

Large Business of the Year

Winner –  TransPro Freight Systems

Nominees – Team Honda Powerhouse of Milton, Wheel King TransHaul

Not-for-Profit of the Year

Winner – Distress Centre Halton

Nominees – Landscape Ontario, The Farley Foundation

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner – WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care

Nominees – Rockwood Garage Doors, The Eighth Note Local Eatery and Live Music Bar

Best Workplace

Winner – Chudleigh’s Ltd.

Nominees – Crozier Consulting Engineers, J. Currie Plumbing Inc.

Excellence in Innovation

Winner – Conestoga College

Nominees – Code Ninjas Milton, Habitat28