The Town of Conception Bay South proudly celebrated the achievements of its local business community during the 12th Annual Bright Business Awards Luncheon, held at the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre on October 18, 2023. These awards, presented annually during Small Business Week, highlight businesses making meaningful contributions to the community.

“The Bright Business Achievement Awards are a testament to the remarkable spirit and dedication of our entrepreneurs, who not only serve our residents with excellence but also contribute significantly to our town’s growth and well-being. The accomplishments of Conception Bay South’s small business community are a source of pride for us all, and we look forward to continuing our support through the annual awards ceremony, just one of many ways to recognize and thank our dedicated business community,” said Mayor Darrin Bent.

Additionally, the Town was honoured to have the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, in attendance to provide a keynote address to the business community and to show his support.

The 2023 Bright Business Awards received generous support from sponsors, including TD Canada Trust, Business Development Bank of Canada, Community Business Development Corporation Cabot, Downtown Conception Bay South, and Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

Award-Winning Excellence

The 2023 award recipients represent excellence in various categories:

• Beautiful Business (Multi-Tenant): Golden House Restaurant
• Beautiful Business (Single-Tenant): Brian’s Auto Body
• Community Pride and Partnership: Taylor’s Fish, Fruit & Vegetable Market
• David Murphy Chamber Leadership: JOYFIT
• Established Business of the Year: Taylor’s Fish, Fruit & Vegetable Market
• Glenda Noseworthy Award: Darren Kennedy (Home Hardware)
• Downtown CBS Member of the Year: Ninepenny Brewing
• New Start-Up of the Year: Newlander Meat Shop
• Sustainable Business: Good 2 Grow

Award Categories

Beautiful Business: Acknowledges businesses consistently showcasing pride in the exterior appearance of their buildings and grounds. This award is granted to two businesses, one in a stand-alone (one-tenant) building and one in a multiple-tenant building.

Community Pride and Partnership: Presented to businesses contributing significantly to the community through support for recreation, amateur sports, community initiatives, arts and culture, education, and charitable organizations. These businesses embody the spirit of the town and are dedicated to their local community.

David Murphy Leadership (Sponsored by the Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce): Recognizes entrepreneurs demonstrating outstanding spirit, creativity, and innovation in their daily business activities. Businesses must be members of the CBA Chamber of Commerce.

Established Business: Recognizing commercial or home-based businesses with distinguished business skills, recent notable achievements, exceptional customer service, and positive economic impact. These businesses have been operating for longer than 36 months.

David Murphy Leadership (Sponsored by the Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce): Recognizes entrepreneurs demonstrating outstanding spirit, creativity, and innovation in their daily business activities. Businesses must be members of the CBA Chamber of Commerce.

Glenda Noseworthy Award (Sponsored by the Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce): An employee recognition award celebrating an individual’s long service and devotion to their employer. Employers must be members of the CBA Chamber of Commerce.

Downtown CBS Member of the Year: Presented to a Downtown CBS Business Improvement Association Member contributing to the overall vision of Downtown CBS, as defined by the Downtown CBS Board of Management.

New Start-Up of the Year: This category acknowledges commercial or home-based businesses that demonstrate business skills, contribute to the local economy, emphasize sustainability, and have been operating for no more than 36 months.

Sustainable Business: This award recognizes businesses striving for sustainable practices in areas such as greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy usage, sustainable materials, water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable packaging, supply chain improvements, and other sustainable processes.