Jeff Elgie, Village Media CEO, received a special honour at the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards held at Quattro Tuesday evening.
Elgie was presented with the Chamber’s Paul Dalseg Community Achievement Award.
The Paul Dalseg Award recognizes a businessperson in Sault Ste. Marie who has demonstrated exemplary interest in the community, and in so doing, has made a major, outstanding and unique achievement or contribution to the life of the community.
Elgie launched Village Media in 2013 with two northern Ontario news sites, SooToday and BayToday.
Village Media is now one of Canada’s largest digital-only news networks, operating over 30 local news sites and partnering with more than 125 others across Canada and the United States.
“It's a huge honour for me to be here tonight among all of the nominees and the recipients,” Elgie told the Chamber audience gathered at Quattro Tuesday.
Through Village Media’s Random Acts of Kindness program the company regularly surprises individuals and organizations with meaningful gestures, such as supporting families in crisis.
Through the program, Village Media partners with local businesses to match community donations dollar for dollar to support local causes.
“The way we give back to the Sault is by keeping our corporate headquarters here. Sometimes it looks like surprising someone with the Random Acts of Kindness. Sometimes it looks like our local journalists keeping you informed, telling the stories about our community and your neighbours. Sometimes it's just showing up, sponsoring an event, contributing some cash, some services, lending a hand. That stuff's not extra for us. It's the job,” Elgie said in his award acceptance speech.
“I'm very honoured with this award, especially given the history of award winners that have made a really meaningful impact on the community. I'm very honoured and feel privileged to be part of that group,” Elgie told SooToday after Tuesday’s award ceremony.
Beginning with just a few staff members in the Sault, Village Media now employs approximately 50 people locally and approximately 170 across Ontario.
“I always wanted to stay in the Sault and grow a business here but the fact that we've grown Village Media so far beyond the walls of the community while still keeping the Sault as our headquarters is something I never would have guessed in the early days. I never really expected it would grow to the extent it has now,” Elgie said.
As for Village Media’s future?
“Always expanding,” Elgie said.
A release from the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce including the full list of winners from Tuesday’s awards ceremony follows:
It was a celebration of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, as the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (SSMCOC) handed out its Outstanding Business Achievement Awards on Tuesday evening at the Quattro Hotel & Conference Centre.
The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) which returned as the event’s presenting sponsor. The Chamber also thanks community partners including media sponsor SooToday and Kevanna Fine Photography.
This year’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards continue the Chamber’s tradition of recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations that drive growth, create opportunities, and contribute greatly to the community. These awards celebrate a broad range of achievements—from innovation and customer service to community leadership and economic development—and highlight the many ways the members help shape the future of Sault Ste. Marie.
Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce CEO, Robert Burns, explains that “For the Chamber, these awards are about recognizing Chamber members, organizations, and people, who accomplish extraordinary things by creating positive change in our community and in the lives of others. They are people who have leadership roles in work, business, family, and community, creating networks of like-minded people everywhere and anywhere. They are organizations that embrace the broader purpose of creating positive change through determination, leadership, teamwork, inspiration, courage, excellence, integrity, generosity, and compassion”.
The recipients of this year’s SSMCOC Outstanding Business Achievement Awards are:
Spark Rehabilitation Services was awarded this year’s Excellence in Customer Service Award sponsored by Tenaris. This award showcases a business or agency that places the customer experience at the heart of their business strategy and builds a sustainable culture of customer service within their organization.
Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) was presented with the Employer of Year Award sponsored by Sault College Employment Solutions. This award recognizes an employer who has created cultures and communities, through every aspect of their business.
Grocer 4 Good Ability Development Program was presented with the Leader in Accessibility Award sponsored by Arthur Funeral Home. This award recognizes an organization that shows leadership in integrating and providing accessible and barrier-free working conditions for employees and accessibility in customer service. This business or organization values the contributions of persons with disabilities, promotes the development of an inclusive workplace culture and is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
A.P.R. Welding Academy was presented with the Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award sponsored by Algoma University. This award recognizes a business or organization that embraces, celebrates, and applies holistic inclusion and participation of a diverse people, making the workplace a better environment in which to work, and the community a better place in which to live and raise a family.
Sault Community Theatre Centre was awarded this year’s Community Investment Award sponsored by Enbridge Inc. The Community Investment Award highlights outstanding community service by a business or agency. The recipient of this award contributes to the well-being of the community through initiatives such as sourcing products and services locally, retailing or utilizing local products, employment growth, and supporting the community through charitable activities.
GFL Environmental was the recipient of the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award, sponsored by Tenaris, which recognizes an organization that has taken actionable, overt steps to be part of the solution to complex societal issues. By embracing the principles of sustainability, they set criteria used to evaluate their organization’s commitment to sustainable operations by measuring environmental impact and mitigating future environmental risks. They recognize that outcomes impact stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the local community; and they demonstrate the principles of governance by preventing conflicts of interest, operating in good faith, and demonstrating transparency among their employees and stakeholders.
JD Aero was the recipient of the Excellence in Innovation & Technology Award sponsored by PUC Services Inc. This award recognizes a business that has successfully incorporated a new idea, device, or method, or has utilized the application of better solutions to meet new requirements, internal needs, or market needs.
Alexandra Greco of Aline Wellness was presented with the Young Professional of the Year Award sponsored by EAZY Express. The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of young professional(s) between 18 and 39 years of age who have made significant contributions to their profession and community. This award honors a young leader in Sault Ste. Marie who demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation, and professional growth in their field. The recipient exemplifies strong leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a drive to positively impact their industry while actively contributing to the social, cultural, or environmental well-being of the community.
Melissa Thompson of the Whisky Barrel was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by Northstar Consulting Inc. The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes an individual in Sault Ste. Marie who has shown exceptional vision, leadership, and innovation in building and growing a successful business. This award celebrates those who have taken risks, overcome challenges, and demonstrated resilience in bringing their entrepreneurial ideas to life. The recipient will have made a significant impact on their industry or community through job creation, market growth, and a commitment to excellence. Entrepreneurs from all sectors are eligible, and business partners who share equal responsibility may be nominated jointly.
Alzheimer Society Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District was awarded the Charity or Non-Profit of the Year Award sponsored by Dumanski Office Interiors / Compass Imaging. This award recognizes and rewards excellence and innovation among non-profit organizations resulting in significant social impact within Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma district.
Paint & Décor Concepts was the recipient of the Downtown Business of the Year Award sponsored by SK Group Inc. This award recognizes a business that is invested in the downtown business community and contributes to downtown Sault Ste. Marie. This award honors their commitment to running a business in the heart of our city and their role in creating a vibrant downtown.
Sunnd Nordic Eco Resort was presented with the New Business of the Year Award sponsored by KPMG LLP. This award recognizes a business that has been in operation for no less than one year and no more than three years and has demonstrated strong potential by way of growth, innovation, and leadership. Additionally, the business has demonstrated a culture of risk-taking and trailblazing and has positioned itself to achieve similar successes in the future through new or innovative products or services, quality of merchandise, customer service, job creation, growth potential, and market served.
Thrive Tours was the recipient of the Indigenous Business of the Year Award sponsored by Tenaris. This award recognizes a business which is operating, or being managed, with a minimum of 51 per cent ownership by an Indigenous person or group. To be considered, the business has distinguished itself by fostering growth,innovation, marketing strategy, and consumer excellence, while showing leadership and dedication to the preservation of culture, values, and identity.
The Chamber presents Business of the Year awards based on business size: To be considered, a business will have distinguished themselves by fostering growth, innovation, marketing strategy and consumer service excellence in their sectors.
The Business of the Year Award (1-25 employees) sponsored by the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie Area was presented to the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation.
The Business of the Year Award (26-100 employees) sponsored by the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation was presented to Spark Rehabilitation Services.
The Business of the Year Award (over 100 employees) sponsored by Enbridge Inc. was presented to Sal-Dan Developments Ltd.
Two awards were introduced to the Chamber’s line-up starting last year, including two Economic Impact Awards, one for a business or organization and one for an individual.
The Chamber’s Economic Impact Awards, sponsored by Algoma Steel Inc., recognize, and honour an individual and a company / stakeholder Chamber member that have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of Sault Ste. Marie in terms of capital investment, job creation and facility expansion. Consideration is given to the significant contributions made to the local economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, new investments, commitment to the region, and the work they have accomplished which has had a positive impact on the economy.
This year’s individual to receive the Chamber’s Economic Impact Award, sponsored by Algoma Steel Inc., is Tim Lukenda. Tim is the former President and CEO of Extendicare Inc., one of North America’s largest seniorcare providers, which operated 245 care centres across Canada and the United States, employing over 30,000 people. His career has also included leadership roles as President and COO of Tendercare, Michigan’s largest skilled nursing and rehab provider, and as Vice President of Investment Banking at RBC Dominion Securities, where he contributed to major financings and transactions. A proud Sooite, Tim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance (Honours) from the University of Notre Dame, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario, and an MBA from the Ivey Business School. Tim has consistently invested in his hometown.
Locally, he serves as President and Governor of the Soo Greyhounds, President of CMC Holdings, Co-owner of Northern Superior Brewing Co. and The Tap Room, and President of Lukenda Holdings Inc. His leadership was instrumental in the recent effort to save the Sault YMCA, reflecting his enduring commitment to community well-being.
This year’s business to be presented with the Chamber’s Economic Impact Award, sponsored by Algoma Steel Inc., is Sal-Dan Developments Ltd. Helping shape the physical, economic, and social landscape of Sault Ste. Marie for over four decades, founded in 1981 by Sam Biasucci, Sal-Dan Developments Ltd. has grown from a small residential builder into one of Northern Ontario’s most respected development firms, with operations in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Barrie, and Toronto. Despite their geographic expansion, SalDan’s commitment to their hometown has remained unwavering. Their economic footprint is substantial—having built over 1,000 homes in our region, supported hundreds of local jobs, and contributed to the growth of Sault Ste. Marie’s trades and construction sectors. From large-scale developments like the River Walk Condominiums to energy-efficient homes and affordable housing initiatives, Sal-Dan continues to revitalize neighbourhoods while addressing evolving community needs. Sal-Dan has also earned national recognition for their innovation in sustainablebuilding practices, including receiving the ICF Builder’s Award in Las Vegas for their work in energy-efficient construction. What truly distinguishes Sal-Dan is their approach to community-building. Beyond bricks and mortar, they’ve made meaningful contributions to local heritage projects such as the renovation of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 and played a key role in redeveloping urban housing like the Pim Street apartments, and remain active partners in regional economic development discussions. Their philanthropic support spans youth sports, arts, culture, and countless local causes—demonstrating that their investment in this community goes far beyond development projects.
The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Karen Bird. Initiated in 1985, the Volunteer of the Year Award is given annually to an individual, or individuals, whose time commitment and contributions to the Chamber have been outstanding. Over the past several years the Chamber has been honoured to have a volunteer that not only openly demonstrates her commitment to the Chamber but also to the community in which he lives. A dedicated and inspiring leader whose support of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has left a lasting impact, Karen is a trailblazer in every sense. As the first Indigenous President in the Chamber’s history, she brought not only a wealth of professional expertise but also a deep commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and community development. Her leadership has helped shape Chamber initiatives that champion women in leadership, support Indigenous voices, and create space for meaningful conversations in the local business community. While her accomplishments are many, this award celebrates something even more personal—Karen’s generous spirit and her willingness to show up, pitch in, and lead by example. Whether moderating a panel, lending a hand at a networking event, or offering guidance to Chamber staff and fellow volunteers, Karen is always present with purpose and compassion. Karen was a key force behind the creation and growth of the Chamber’s She Leads event and remains an active supporter of Chamber programming even after completing her board term. Her thoughtful mentorship and readiness to serve have inspired others and strengthened the Chamber community.
The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Skipper Manzzutti Award for Business Achievement to Albert Giommi, a lifelong entrepreneur, community advocate, and proud Sooite whose decades of leadership have left an undeniable mark on the city. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Albert currently serves as President and Owner of several successful businesses, including National Supply, Service Rentals, Beta 1 Filters (operating in both Sault Ste. Marie and North Carolina), and National Concrete Pumping, with locations in the Sault and Timmins. He also manages a portfolio of commercial properties across the city and is a former owner of both the Soo Thunderbirds and National Transportation Carriers. Through his ventures, Albert has created jobs for hundreds of individuals across Northern Ontario, supporting economic growth and strengthening the regional business ecosystem. He served for seven years on the Board of the Economic Development Corporation, where he worked alongside all levels of government to advance new ideas and opportunities for the community—often behind the scenes and always with integrity. Albert is a strong advocate for local procurement and a passionate believer in building up the community. His personal motto, “A high tide floats all boats,” speaks to his philosophy of lifting others as he succeeds. His visible pride in community and country is exemplified by the largest Canadian flag in the Algoma District, proudly flying above his business at Service Rentals and seen from across the city. His quiet generosity and support for start-ups, charitable organizations, and local causes are well known, even if often carried out without fanfare. Whether through mentorship, investment, or silent partnerships, Albert has helped shape the next generation of entrepreneurs in the region. Humble by nature and never one to seek the spotlight, Albert’s impact speaks for itself. His lifelong dedication to entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community growth makes him a fitting recipient of this award. Named after one of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce’s dedicated past presidents, Captain Feliciano ‘Skipper’ Manzzutti, this award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding business achievement within the past year, or number of years. Like the award’s namesake, the recipient of this award has set a high standard for exemplary entrepreneurial and community minded achievement.
The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is honoured to present the Paul Dalseg Community Achievement Award to Jeff Elgie, a visionary entrepreneur, community builder, and lifelong champion for local journalism and civic engagement. As CEO of Village Media, Jeff has transformed a modest start-up into one of Canada’s leading digital-only news networks. Since launching in 2013, Village Media has expanded to own and operate over 30 local news sites and partner with more than 125 others across North America. Under Jeff’s leadership, Village Media has delivered reliable, community-first journalism to millions—ensuring that small and mid-sized communities across the country continue to have access to trusted, independent news. But Jeff’s impact reaches far beyond publishing. At the heart of Village Media’s mission is a commitment to community. Through initiatives like the Random Acts of Kindness program and the Community Match campaign—led by the company’s CARES team—Village Media has helped direct critical support to individuals, families, and grassroots organizations across the region. By matching donations and spotlighting under-recognized charities, these programs amplify local generosity and create lasting impact. In addition to his work in digital media, Jeff is co-owner of several local businesses including Outspoken Brewing, Peace Restaurant, and DIG – The Digital Intelligence Group. Each venture reflects his commitment to local investment, economic development, and cultural vibrancy in Sault Ste. Marie. Jeff Elgie’s entrepreneurial journey is matched only by his passion for strengthening communities—whether through innovation, philanthropy, or civic leadership. His dedication to uplifting others makes him a deserving recipient of the award. The Paul Dalseg Award recognizes a businessperson in Sault Ste. Marie who has demonstrated exemplary interest in the community, and in so doing, has made a major, outstanding and unique achievement or contribution to the life of the community.
Sheila Purvis was awarded with this year’s SSMCOC President’s Award. A visionary entrepreneur and quiet leader whose passion for community building has made a lasting impact on the city’s economic and cultural landscape, Sheila is the driving force behind several transformative local businesses, including Purvis Marine Ltd., Sault Multimodal Terminal, BeaverTails, and Sault Lock Tours. Through these ventures, she has brought new life to the city’s waterfront, elevated the visitor experience, and created meaningful opportunities for economic growth in the tourism and transportation sectors. Her latest initiative—launching a downtown trolley—further reflects her commitment to revitalizing the core and encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore all that Sault Ste. Marie has to offer. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Sheila is deeply committed to civic and economic development. She has contributed her time and expertise to organizations such as the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation, and the John R. Rhodes Scholarship Committee. Whether through governance, mentorship, or hands-on community engagement, Sheila brings both vision and action to the table.
She leads with humility and purpose—rarely seeking recognition, but always working to make a difference. Through her work, Sheila has created jobs, inspired innovation, and contributed to a stronger, more vibrant Sault Ste. Marie. Initiated in 1982, the President’s Award recognizes individuals or an organization who make an exceptional effort, going above and beyond the call of duty in any area of business and community development. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Chamber’s Past Immediate President.