2010 Winners

“I would love to see Thunder Bay become a city at the forefront of environmental sustainability…"

“We make and use quality fresh ingredients,” Thomas said. “Nothing is frozen or pre-made from a box, and salads are mixed when we get there. We offer it at a good price and it makes us popular.”

“We always keep in touch and let each other know what we are doing,” Notarbartolo said. “We tell the government that the projects benefit the places around us.”

“The Island has been a great community to us, it’s been very accepting and welcoming community from a professional standpoint, and M’Chigeeng as well has embraced one of its own with open arms.”

Auger attributes much of his success to his people, all of which are from the region, and many of which had sought their fortunes elsewhere before looking for opportunities to return home.

This work is emblematic of Hedican’s ability to defy expectations. This is particularly true as a young woman in a male-dominated industry, something of which she is acutely and constantly aware.

“It’s been a team effort. I put my neck out but all the major trades and investors, who had faith in me, helped make this happen.”

“We don’t have a lot of turnover, and there’s a core group that has been here for a long time and are enthusiastic about what they’re doing.”

“We want to be profitable and successful, but it all boils down to the personalities and the people running the business, whether it is management or the people on the floor.”

"My hope is that the exploration projects that are close to Dryden will really enhance our opportunities here to become solidly entrenched as a major supplier to our area.”