Awards Night celebrates businesses, family farms, and residents.

NORWICH: April 09, 2025 - The Township of Norwich Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual 2025 Awards Night at the Norwich Community Centre. A sold-out event where members of Norwich Township Community attended to celebrate the achievements of local businesses, family farms, and Norwich residents.

Mardy Fransen, President of the Chamber, mentioned during his opening remarks: “The first Awards Night was presented in the basement of the Norwich United Church in 1997, by the founding Agricultural Committee. It then grew, and moved to the Royal Canadian Legion-Branch 190, in 2006. With more interest and involvement from the Township of Norwich Chamber of Commerce, the Awards Night made the move to the Norwich Community Centre to broaden its scope and include other sectors of the community and joined forces with the Agricultural Committee to expand the awards categories. This collaboration led to the inclusion of awards for local businesses and residents who have made significant contributions to the township. Today, the Awards Night ceremony is a highlight of the year, bringing together members of the community to celebrate achievements across various sectors. The event honors two local businesses, two farm families, and residents for their lasting contributions to Norwich".

Additionally, six Agricultural Bursaries will be presented to high school students residing in the Township of Norwich pursuing an agricultural career.

We proudly present the winners of the 2025 Awards Night:

-Large Business of the Year: VDK Group

VDK Windows & Doors is a family-owned and operated business that offers a complete line of beautifully crafted, quality windows and exterior doors for discerning homeowners and custom home builders in Southwestern Ontario.

-Small Business of the Year: At The 100th Mile

A women-owned local business that sells only Canadian-made products, strongly committed to supporting local artisans and producers.

-Family Farm of the Year | North Township: Laan Family - Laan Dairy Ltd.

Joris and Jolanda emigrated to Canada just over 25 years ago, from Holland. The family has a large dairy farm on Old Stage Road, and another dairy just west of Ingersoll.

-Family Farm of the Year | South Township: D.R. Whiteside Farms Ltd.

The Whiteside family cultivates potatoes in Otterville with two generations involved in the operation of the farm.

-Youth Citizen of the Year: Logan McLellan

-Judy Cayley Memorial Award: Mike Dymarski

-Special Achievement Award: Diane and Lloyd Boyce

-Citizen of the Year: Joe Kungl

We would like to thank all sponsors, volunteers, committees, and everyone involved in organizing this event!

VDK Group

At The 100th Mile

Laan Family - Laan Dairy Ltd.

D.R. Whiteside Farms Ltd.

Logan McLellan - Youth Citizen of the Year

Mike Dymarski - Judy Cayley Memorial Award

Special Achievement Award - Diane and Lloyd Boyce!

Joe Kungl - Citizen of the Year

Logan McLellan & Joe Kungl

Photo credits: Jeff Tribe

The Township of Norwich Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting and promoting our local business community. We provide networking opportunities, advocacy, educational programs, and resources to help businesses thrive and grow.