The Biggest Business Night of the Year: Step into a Night of Achievement, Glamour, and Celebration!
Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Rodd Miramichi River
Doors Open: 5:45 PM - Please use the main lobby doors, where you will find guest check-in and coat check. Coat check is hosted by local Grade 8 students, who are fundraising for their year-end class trip. Small donations are warmly appreciated.
Cocktail Networking Hour: 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Rodd Miramichi River Lobby Hosted by Allen, Paquet & Arseneau LLP, featuring a complimentary glass of champagne. A detachable champagne ticket is included with your event ticket.
Gala Opening & Dinner 7:00 PM - Complimentary wine on tables hosted by J. Donovan Law Group
Anticipate an evening filled with prestigious awards, captivating presentations, and valuable networking opportunities at the 26th Annual Business Excellence Awards & Gala.
This is a night to remember, so dress to impress in cocktail dresses or gowns. Let’s make it a glamorous evening together!
Large Business of the Year Award
Congratulations to Sunny Corner Exploration on receiving the Large Business of the Year Award, presented in partnership with Opportunities New Brunswick!
This award recognizes a for-profit business that demonstrates excellence in operations, marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, financial management, and environmental and cultural practices. The recipient is a leader in business excellence, exemplifying entrepreneurial spirit while maintaining a strong commitment to community involvement and support.
From its roots in the small-town Miramichi community, Sunny Corner Exploration has grown to achieve a global presence, with offices in Australia and Finland and a network of dealers on six continents, showcasing the innovation, leadership, and ambition that make our local businesses a source of pride. Their dedication to excellence and sustainable practices continues to inspire peers and set a standard in the industry.
Their approach says it all:
"We build partnerships with the mindset that got us here. Success is often defined by the actions that help us stand apart."
Small Business of the Year Award
Congratulations to Denim Wearhouse / Crocker’s Men’s Wear on receiving the Small Business of the Year Award, presented in partnership with RBC!
This award recognizes a for-profit business that demonstrates excellence across operations, marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, financial management, and community involvement. April and Darwin recently expanded their business by purchasing a complementary store, Crocker’s Men’s Wear, alongside Denim Wearhouse, growing their presence in the community and bringing both men’s business/formal wear and women’s retail options under the same roof, further strengthening their presence in the community.
From innovative marketing strategies to hosting women’s networking events, they are truly at the heart of the community, creating opportunities and connections that make a lasting impact.
The award will be presented at the 26th Annual Business Excellence Awards & Gala on January 29 — the biggest business night of the year. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate this remarkable business and all our outstanding local entrepreneurs!
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Congratulations to Mathieu Carroll of Carroll’s Distillery on receiving the Young Entrepreneur Award, presented in partnership with CBDC Northumberland!
This award recognizes the accomplishments and entrepreneurial spirit of an individual under 40 who has built a growing business, created jobs, and inspired others through vision, leadership, and achievement. Mathieu embodies this spirit, turning a small section of Carroll’s Bakery into a thriving distillery in April 2019. Carroll’s Distillery opened for retail in March 2020 and has since developed a portfolio of light-bodied rums, select liqueurs, and rum cakes — all crafted with passion and dedication.
A self-proclaimed rum enthusiast, Mathieu also incorporates his love of nature into his work, featuring birds on labels to raise awareness of local wildlife.
His products can be found throughout Miramichi at locally supporting businesses and across the province, showcasing his growing impact and reach.
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Congratulations to Miramichi Meats on receiving the Emerging Business of the Year Award, presented in partnership with Growing Greater Miramichi!
This award recognizes new business owners in the Greater Miramichi region who have started or purchased a Miramichi business, it celebrates innovation, determination, and the positive impact that new entrepreneurs bring to our community, highlighting business growth, employment creation, market presence, and integration into the local economy.
Since taking ownership of Miramichi Meats, Sonia & Walter have transformed a traditional meat shop into a market-style destination. With thoughtful renovations, a fresh vision, and vibrant new energy, their shop has quickly become a bustling hub for the community — offering quality products, friendly service, and an exceptional shopping experience..
Community Impact of the Year Award
Congratulations to Percy’s Place on receiving the Community Impact Award, presented in partnership with Beaubear Credit Union.
The Greater Miramichi Chamber of Commerce alongside Beaubear Credit Union extends its sincere appreciation to Percy’s Place for the vital support you provide to community members and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Your compassion, dedication, and commitment have made a lasting and meaningful impact in our community.
Gala Guest Speaker
Tracy Bell
Tracy Bell is a dynamic business leader, entrepreneur, and seasoned communicator with a passion for building strong organizations and thriving communities across Atlantic Canada.
Her career spans television journalism, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship. Tracy began as a journalist with one of Canada’s most-watched newscasts before moving into public affairs leadership for New Brunswick’s provincial ambulance service, where she helped develop a life-saving program that received national and global recognition.
In 2017, Tracy co-founded Millennia TEA, a New Brunswick–based health innovation start-up that introduced the world’s first un-dried frozen tea cubes. Under her leadership, the company built an international fair-trade supply chain with organic farmers in Kenya and Sri Lanka, secured distribution in more than 700 grocery stores across Canada, and raised $1.8 million in investment capital. The company successfully exited in 2024.
Following Millennia TEA, Tracy served as CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, before becoming Executive Director of the Wallace McCain Institute (WMI) — Atlantic Canada’s most trusted and influential network of entrepreneurial leaders. At WMI, Tracy works closely with business owners to support growth, leadership development, and long-term value creation, strengthening the region’s private sector and economic future.
A proud Maritimer, Tracy lives in Rothesay with her husband Rory and their two teenagers. She is a strong advocate for Atlantic Canadian business and believes deeply in the power of leadership and storytelling to drive meaningful impact.
Chamber’s Choice of the Year Award
Congratulations to Miramichi Fun Factory on receiving the Chamber’s Choice Award!
This award recognizes an outstanding local business that has demonstrated exceptional vision, innovation, and dedication to serving the community. Miramichi Fun Factory has created an incredible space for families and community members of all ages — a true destination for fun and connection.
Seeing a need for a facility that brings people together, the team at Miramichi Fun Factory took the leap to turn their vision into reality. Today, the facility offers birthday parties, private events, summer camps, and even laser tag for adults — making it a place where everyone can create memories, celebrate, and enjoy quality time together.
With its strong leadership, innovative approach, and endless growth opportunities, Miramichi Fun Factory continues to be a hub for community engagement and fun. The Greater Miramichi Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate their achievements and commitment to enhancing our community.
