Drum roll, please. Here are the 2021 Spirit of Success Award winners

GODERICH – Ten award winners were celebrated in the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron’s virtual 2021 Spirit of Success Awards event tonight.

The Huron Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, the top award chosen from nearly 50 nominations, went to West Street Willy’s Eatery.

“Our judges look for overall excellence in the business that shines the most out of all the nominees. This year, they were unanimous in their choice of West Street Willy’s Eatery, which they see as an integral part of the community, especially during the challenges of COVID-19,” said Jennifer Verdam-Woodward, Chair of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, in announcing the winner.

Pauline Wick of West Street Willy’s Eatery, Goderich, reacts when she hears they were named Huron Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year during the 2021 Spirit of Success Awards event.

“This business has served amazing food indoors, outdoors and from a food truck over the past 16 years. It gives back to the community, participating in local events, and supporting fund-raisers and charities.”

The restaurant is owned by Pauline and Pete Wick.

“That’s very humbling. Very flattering,” said Pauline, in accepting the award.

She recognized her staff for the success.

“You’re only as good as the people behind you. I can’t thank them enough.”

Other award winners were:

Compass Minerals Environmental and Sustainability Award – Green Goderich Tree Planting Initiative, represented by Alex Robinson.

Goderich Signal Star Community Impact Award – Back Alley Art Extravaganza, of Clinton, represented by Angela Smith.

John C. Grace Young Entrepreneur Award – Ethan Hamilton of Hamilton Decks and Fences, Goderich.

Downtown Goderich BIA Award – Becky Deighton of Edward Jones, Goderich.

Small Business Enterprise Centre New Business Award – BYOB Zero Waste Depot, Goderich. Pictured here is owner Sandra Ambing.

MicroAge Basics Service Award – Huron County Library – Goderich Branch. Accepting the award was Danielle Bettridge.

K2 Wind Ontario Technology / Manufacturing Award – Something Irresistible, Goderich, represented by Sarah Hussey, owner Shelley Peet and Ellen Gibbings.

Tourism Goderich Hospitality Business Award – West Street Willy’s Eatery. Pictured here is Pauline Wick, who owns the eatery along with her husband, Pete.

Zehrs Goderich Retail Business Award – 360 Bikes and Boards, Goderich, represented by owner Denata Stanbury and manager Jaiden Langille.

Masters of ceremonies Nadine VandenHeuvel, a board member and owner of NV Fitness and Fit Body Bootcamp, and Jeff Bauer, who is a broker at HomeField Group – Royal LePage Heartland Realty, led the audience through a program that included greetings from Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb, Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, the event sponsors, award sponsors and winners.

“The Chamber thanks everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. A common sentiment throughout the event was the thanks felt by those businesses that someone recognized their hard work,” said Heather Boa, who is operations manager of the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron.

This event is co-sponsored by Libro Credit Union and Zehrs Goderich. Awards are sponsored by Artech Signs and Graphics. Production sponsor is FauxPop Media.