Downtown Waterdown runs the gamut when it comes to local businesses, from small independent service providers and storefronts to large grocery store operators – and everything in between. And for the most part, they have one thing in common: a shared passion for the community around them.
With that in mind, the Waterdown Village BIA launched a new program this year to recognize members who go above and beyond; the first-ever WABIA Awards were handed out at the group’s Nov. 19 annual general meeting.
“We've been really lucky to have a lot of active participant business owners in our community, and we were trying to think of a way that we can recognize them,” said BIA chair Amanda Groves, who operates Groves Law. “Often they've been recognized in other capacities, but sometimes, the people who are participating in our particular BIA, or have a good reputation for participation in our community, are not recognized. So we thought that would be a good idea… to highlight people that have been making an impact in our community.”
The local BIA serves more than 250 member businesses in one of the largest geographic areas of any BIA in Hamilton, covering Dundas Street, Hamilton Street, Main Street and Mill Street. The board decided on distinct categories to balance the recognition among deserving businesses, said Groves.
“We have some people who are more service-based industries, some people who are more storefront industries, and all of them are integral parts and participating members of our community,” she explained. “So we were trying to think of the type of awards that would be reflective of the type of participation of the business members we have.”
Awards were handed out to businesses who stood out in four areas: innovation, new member impact, client service and lifetime achievement, which is named in honour of long-serving BIA member Gary Titley, who passed away in 2021.
“We always knew we were going to do the Gary Titley Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Groves “Gary was a longtime member of the BIA and he was on the board when I started to serve, so I was fortunate to have him as a board member giving us guidance. “We’ve really missed his voice. Somebody who had 30 years of experience is completely invaluable, the treasure of knowledge in our community and our history.”
The 2024 winners
Gary Titley’s family, including wife Bev, daughter Melinda and granddaughter Zoey were on hand to present the inaugural Gary Titley Lifetime Achievement Award to Amber Kosubovich, who has operated Waterdown Physiotherapy since 2006.
“Nominators cite Amber as being amazing at connecting with patients and building rapport and trust,” said BIA Executive Director Susan Pennie during the presentation.”She continues to do training and research to better serve her patients. She has trained and mentored many physiotherapists and physio assistants from local colleges and universities.”
Kosubovich is also an active volunteer in the community for local and international organizations such as the Flamborough Food Bank, the Run for Chris and Medical Ministry International, and is the past-president of the Rotary Club of Waterdown; her business sponsors many initiatives, including local teams and BIA activities, added Pennie.
Chantal Sweeney of Peach Coffee Co. accepted the New Member Impact Award, which recognizes new BIA members who “utilize a strong opening plan, exceptional marketing tactics and who come out of the gate strong to engage with both the BIA and community partners to establish themselves as emerging leaders in the commercial district.”
“Even though brand new to the community, Peach Coffee has eagerly registered to participate in the Scarecrow and Treat Walks, Hamilton Day and Winterdown celebrations,” said BIA social media coordinator Adam Neumann, citing Peach Coffee’s extensive social media presence.
The Innovation Award was presented to Marnie Mycroft of Pickwick Books.
“While Marnie’s product offering is narrow – used and collectible books only – Pickwick Books’ selling methods are broad,” noted Pennie. “The store is a wonderful place to explore and browse, but customers are not limited to in-person shopping. Customers can have assorted book boxes delivered to their front door.”
Mycroft, who purchased the 29-year-old business in 2023, also adopted digital technologies to facilitate online ordering, communicate through regular electronic newsletter and social media platforms and use online tools such as Biblio and Libo.
The “small but mighty” team at the Printing Korner led by Luke Wendover was presented with the Customer Service Award.
“They regularly offer clients suggestions on the most efficient way to run the job to meet price and deadline expectations,” said Neumann during the ceremony. “If they can’t do it, they will find an outsource solution. Despite staffing challenges, The Printing Korner continues to put in the extra time to satisfy their clients.”
Groves noted that the recipients of the inaugural awards were chosen by BIA board members; going forward the winners themselves will be called on to select the next year’s winners. And there are a lot of potential candidates.
“There's a lot of exceptional members of our community that really makes Waterdown a comfortable place to be and and who feel pride in being active and having everybody coming together and participating in our events.”
