The next generation of Timmins’ leaders and achievers was celebrated at the third annual Timmins Young Professionals Awards, which honoured seven worthy recipients on Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Dante Club.
Hosted by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Committee, the gala event saw 120 attendees applaud the economic and social contributions made by young workers.
“The work being done by young professionals throughout our community is truly outstanding, and tonight’s awards serve to highlight some of their achievements,” said Lacey Rigg, co-chair of the Timmins Young Professionals.
“If you look at the nominees and finalists, it’s easy to see the dedication and the passion they bring to their industry and to Timmins as a whole. We’re very pleased to shine a light on their efforts and their incredible level of talent.”
Emceed by Kylie Laughren, co-chair of the Timmins Young Professionals, and Tom Parisi of Rogers Communications (Q92 / KiSS FM), the awards gala featured 20 finalists, selected by three arm’s-length, independent community judges. The award recipients included six individuals and one young-professional-friendly business, as follows:
Young Leader Award - Steven Black, Kidd Operations Young Volunteer Award - Cheryl Dunn, Millson Forestry & Timmins Family YMCA Young Deal Maker Award - Jessica Lyrette, Timmins Honda Professional Services Award - Coraly Curley, Hygiene by Claire Quesnel Creative Spirit Award - Adam McKay, AJM Media Trades and Technology Award - Edward Haasen, Haasen Farms Limited Next-Generation Best Place to Work Award - Logikal Code
The Young Professionals Awards are a cornerstone event for the Chamber’s Young Professionals Committee, which is now in its fourth year. The group is focused on offering learning and networking events for young professionals in Timmins; this includes its casual social gatherings on the first Thursday of every month, held at the Fishbowl from 5 - 7 p.m.
Laughren has been instrumental in driving much of this activity in recent years. Her dedication to advancing the cause of young professionals in Timmins was recognized with a special Chamber award at the Oct. 24 event.
“Timmins is a great community for attracting and fostering young talent, with countless opportunities for professional and personal development,” said Laughren. “It’s something the Young Professionals Committee tries to demonstrate through events such as tonight’s awards ceremony, while offering another chance to meet and connect with our peers. This philosophy drives the group as we plan our activities, including our monthly meet-ups, and we’re always looking for more interested folks to join us.”
It’s an approach the Chamber has shared as it seeks to promote the committee’s goals and events. The Young Professionals Awards in particular embody this spirit of promoting Timmins as a great place for young professionals to live and work, according to Chamber President Phil Barton.
“Timmins is a vibrant place, and much of the credit for that vitality goes to our young professionals,” said Barton. “Recognizing and developing these individuals is something that’s important to the Chamber, as they are an absolutely crucial part of our community, and the lifeblood of Timmins’ future. Some would say they’re the leaders of tomorrow, but from what we’ve seen this evening, they are already helping to shape their industries and our region.”
