Awards honor entrepreneurs

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Aboriginal entrepreneurs were recognized at an awards ceremony Nov. 6. Ceremonies sponsored by the Waubetek Business Development Corporation of Birch Island were held at Casino Rama on Mnjikaning First Nation.

Waubetek's chairman Harvey Trudeau paid tribute to the First Nation businesses that provide essential services and jobs.

Iroquois Cranberry Growers, operated by the Wahta Mohawks, received the Business Achievement Award. The Bala-based business started out modestly in the 1960s with just one-half acre of cranberries and eventually grew to 68 acres.

"It is important to be respected by other Aboriginal communities and by people in the business world," said Karen Commandant, Wahta Mohawks' administrator. "It is nice to have the recognition to back up the pride in the community for the existing businesses."

Iroquois Cranberry Growers has been growing fully organic fruit for the past five years. This year the company secured organic certification.

Commandant advises novice entrepreneurs to involve their communities in planning a business venture. "You need the support of the community to carry on when the chips are down.

For optometrist Dr. Dean Morellato, receiving the Youth Business Award was "a humbling experience."

The 29-year-old practitioner from Barrie was complimented for his positive influence on the community.

"It is good to be recognized for something you love to do," he said.

"Don't be shy to show your qualities and be as friendly as possible with clients. That is a strong value at our office," he stressed.

For other youth on the brink of careers, he suggests that they approach doctors in the field for advice. "Don't hesitate to go to organizations like Waubetek for assistance," he said.

The Business Merit Award went to George Mathias Construction of Temagami First Nation. The company has been built on word-of-mouth recommendations as the former hunter and trapper has acquired a reputation for quality services.

Mathias displays great pride in workmanship and a strong work ethic in building cottages, docks, septic systems and log homes, the audience of 300 heard. Waubetek was impressed with his utilization of supply barges throughout the Temagami area.

M'Chigeeng businessman Jeff Bebonang was presented with the New Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2003.

The 26-year-old owner of Jeff's Taxi has been operating the service for three years. He provides taxi and delivery services for Manitoulin Island with four vans and two full-time employees.

Bebonang gained valuable experience working for a similar company based in Elliot Lake.

When the company ceased operations on Manitoulin, he started to receive calls from customers at home.

"I was lucky because most of my customers were already in place from the existing business," he said. "People were saying that I couldn't do it, that it was too much work. I ignored it though, and now I hear a lot of positive comments from customers."

The memorable evening at Rama also included top-notch entertainment by Wikwemikong country music star Crystal Shawanda, the Ronnie Douglas Blues Band from Mnjikaning, the Kanenhiio Singers from Wahta, and the Bear Creek Singers of Batchewana.The Tribal NRG Youth Dance troupe was also a crowd pleaser.