January 12, 2022
Hill’N Dale Landscaping owner, James Godbold was awarded Employer of the Year by industry peers.
Georgian Lakelands awards celebrate 25 years of history
Over 90 people attended the Georgian Lakelands Chapter Awards of Distinction dinner on Dec. 2, 2021 at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ont. The awards are held to recognize outstanding suppliers, volunteers, employers and companies within the Chapter.
The first award of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Robert Adams, the Chapter’s first president, who was instrumental in its formation 25 years ago. Adams recalled the first meeting at the Holiday Inn in Barrie on Dec. 23, 1996: “Back then, the Toronto Chapter was split into Toronto East and Toronto West,” Adams recalled, “so I would have to drive all the way down the 400 just to go to meetings.” In order to form the new Chapter, Adams easily surpassed the required number of signatures, paving the wave for a new chapter covering Northern Ontario.
Georgian Lakelands Chapter board member, Jon Cundy emceed the evening and thanked the many companies who donated product for the attendee gift bags and raffle prizes. Cundy also recognized the many volunteers, including Jordanna Flood, chapter secretary, who helped to organize the event.
Cundy also congratulated all nominees for being recognized by their industry peers and announced the following winners:
The Chapter would like to recognize the following event sponsors:
Georgian Bay Outdoors (Dinner Sponsor)
The Diamond Studio in Thornbury
S.Charlebois Haulage & Excavating
Best Way Stone
Muskoka Rock
Lewis Motors
General Seed
Unilock
Stone Arch
Brick Stop
Oaks Landscape Products
The first award of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Robert Adams, the Chapter’s first president, who was instrumental in its formation 25 years ago. Adams recalled the first meeting at the Holiday Inn in Barrie on Dec. 23, 1996: “Back then, the Toronto Chapter was split into Toronto East and Toronto West,” Adams recalled, “so I would have to drive all the way down the 400 just to go to meetings.” In order to form the new Chapter, Adams easily surpassed the required number of signatures, paving the wave for a new chapter covering Northern Ontario.
Georgian Lakelands Chapter board member, Jon Cundy emceed the evening and thanked the many companies who donated product for the attendee gift bags and raffle prizes. Cundy also recognized the many volunteers, including Jordanna Flood, chapter secretary, who helped to organize the event.
Cundy also congratulated all nominees for being recognized by their industry peers and announced the following winners:
| Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Adams |
| Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Joel Dorion, Bayridge Landscape |
| Designer of the Year: Lexi Dearborn, Dearborn Designs & Associates |
| Best Pool/Water Feature of the Year: The Landmark Group, and Blue Diamond Pools |
| Property Maintenance of the Year: The Grounds Guys of Barrie |
| Best Masonry Installer of the Year: Country Roots Masonry & Landscaping |
| Softscape Installer of the Year: Nicole Pattenden Landscape Design |
| Lighting Installer of the Year: Ideal Landscape Services |
| Safety Ambassador of the Year: Hank Dubee and Robert Herlichka |
| Volunteer of the Year: Laurie Ann-Stuart, LA Gardens |
| Equipment Supplier of the Year: Sunbelt Rentals Barrie |
| Salesperson of the Year: Jordanna McCutcheon |
| Mentor of the Year: Lexi Dearborn, Dearborn Designs & Associates |
| Employer of the Year: Hill’ N Dale Landscaping |
| Accessory Supplier of the Year: Bobcat of Barrie |
| Hardscape Installer of the Year: Rob McNeil |
| Hardscape Supplier of the Year: Georgian Bay Outdoors, and SC The Depot |
| Plant Supplier of the Year: Clearview Nursery |
Georgian Bay Outdoors (Dinner Sponsor)
The Diamond Studio in Thornbury
S.Charlebois Haulage & Excavating
Best Way Stone
Muskoka Rock
Lewis Motors
General Seed
Unilock
Stone Arch
Brick Stop
Oaks Landscape Products