Yellowknife (Nov 01/06) - On a night of milestones, it was longtime Yellowknife business owner Jeannie Rocher who claimed top honours at the Chamber of Commerce 60th anniversary President's Awards Banquet.

Her firm, Quality Furniture, captured the Mike Piro Award for entrepreneurial spirit and community support during the banquet at the Explorer Hotel. Former owner of the furniture store, Mary Rocher, accepted the award for her daughter.

Premier Joe Handley, left, and award winner Diana Curtis pose for a picture during the chamber of commerce banquet. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

"It feels so good to win the award," she said.

"Jeannie works so hard."

Besides working as owner of Quality Furniture, Jeannie Rocher is involved in a number of activities including downtown enhancement, the Caribou Carnival, community foundations and she is an active supporter of buying in the North.

Quality Furniture has always been a positive force in the community, said Mary Rocher.

As part of the banquet, new members on the chamber's board of directors were sworn in during an official ceremony.

Premier Joe Handley also spoke during the event and praised the chamber's successes over the last 60 years.

"The Yellowknife Chamber has raised a lot of good issues," he said. "Tonight is an evening of celebration."

Besides the Mike Piro Award, five awards were up for grabs for the Businesses of the Year in each category.

Diana Curtis received the Business of the Year award for a company with one to five employees for her business, Diana Curtis Designs.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to win the award," she said.

Being a member of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce has helped her promote her business, she said.

"The Chamber offered a playground to network my services," she said.

The evening closed after the Sir John Franklin Jazz Band, Hindsite and Prisilla's Revenge took the stage for some musical entertainment. Steve Smith entertained the audience as well.

The event was attended by more than 150 people.

Chamber Winners

There were five award winners at the event:

Mike Piro Award for entrepreneurial spirit and community support:

Jeannie Rocher, Quality Furniture

Business of the Year Awards

One to five employees:

Diana Curtis Design

Six to 10 employees:

J.J. Hobbies Ltd.

11 to 20 employees:

Weaver and Devore Trading Ltd.

21 to 50 employees:

No nominations received

50 plus employees:

Diavik Diamond Mine

The Chamber board now includes

President: Jim Eirikson, NWT2000

First vice-president:

Lana Roeland, I & D Management

Second vice-president:

Jon Liv Jaque, CasCom Communications

Treasurer: Linda Benedict, Yellowknife Day Care Association

Past President:

Steven Meister, Ardicom

Directors:

Greg Pearson, NorthwesTel; Ken Smith, De Beers Canada; C.J. (Chris) Seggewiss, RBC Royal Bank Trust; Robert Byers, Extra Foods Old Airport Road; Dan Kane, Canadian North; Jeromy Ball, Med.Ex Inc.; Rhona Stanislaus, BHP Billiton Diamonds; Kelly Hayden, WAM Development Group North; Eitan Dehtiar, BBE; Matt Mossman, First Air; and Robert Paul, Ardicom Digital Communications.