Snyder named Cornwall’s Citizen of the Year

CORNWALL – Spending a copious amount of time behind a large number of fundraisers in the Cornwall-area focusing on youth had garnered Brian Snyder the title of Cornwall’s Citizen of the Year.

The 35 year veteran of the Cornwall Community Police Service was named Citizen of the Year during the 27th Business Excellence and 43rd Citizen of the Year banquet at the Cornwall Civic Complex.

The staff sergeant has been behind a number of notable fundraisers including the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Chad Kilger Tournament, the Cornwall Community Hospital’s Trillium Ball and has been part of the Children’s Treatment Center since its inception.

Snyder was humbled by the win, thanking his police brethren as well as his wife and sons.

As for the business awards, Robert Prowse of Chesley’s Inn won Entrepreneur of the Year. Prowse bought the historic building at 40 First Street West and transformed it into a bed and breakfast. “Cornwall is a city on its way up,” Prowse said in his acceptance speech.

Small Business of the Year went to Leslie and Kevin Ouderkirk of Kid’s Corner. The Pitt Street children’s toy shop recently went through an extensive facade makeover, which was done primarily by local contractors.

Business of the Year went to J.C. Godard of Tri-Star Construction. Godard has been the visionary behind the residential developments King’s Landing, Riverdale Terrace and Knox City Center. He also has plans for developing the former Sunset Motel location on Second Street West. Godard told the audience it was more about creating local jobs than making a profit.

The Economic Impact award went to Evotech. The Canadian producer of industrial coatings, opened a plant in the Cornwall Business Park. The 52,500 square foot facility on Marleau Avenue resulted in the creation of 30 jobs. The Economic Impact award goes to extraordinary investment in the community that has helped the City of Cornwall and the region. Spokesperson Pasquale DiPalma accepted the award.

For the individual awards, the Above and Beyond recipient was Chris Munro of Life’s Little Pleasures. The gift and card shop, which shares the same block of Pitt Street with Kid’s Corner, has been around for two decades. The award recognizes exemplary service.

The Lifetime Business Achievement award went to Gerald Lefebvre. He’s part of four generations of Lefebvres who invested in real estate and ran the Best Western Parkway Inn and Conference Center. Gerald Lefebvre was also recognized for his contribution to the community through his local parish and the creation of Le Village.

Tom Everson took home the Team Cornwall Ambassador of the Year award. Everson is a sales associate with Cornwall Toyota.
This event was a milestone for the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce as it celebrated its 125th year.

The business awards are a way to pay tribute to professionals, companies and people who have made a positive difference in the community.

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