Niagara-on-the-Lake may be known by many for its wine, but this week, it was its beer and hospitality stealing the spotlight.
The Silversmith Brewing Co. and White Oaks Resort & Spa were both crowned winners at the 21st Niagara Business Achievement Awards this Wednesday, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
Silversmith won in the category of Excellence in Business, Up to 25 Employees and White Oaks took home the Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality award. The ceremony took place in St. Catharines at the Holiday Inn & Suites’ conference centre.
“It truly does mean a lot to us to win this award,” said Erin VanBussel, general manager at Silversmith.
VanBussel credits Silversmith’s success to a team of unique, authentic staff who tailor each guest’s experience to create a visit that’s never the same twice.
“It’s our people,” VanBussel said. “We’re not a cookie-cutter place.”
Ashley Brown, director of brand and creative strategy at White Oaks, said the win feels rewarding.
“Validates the dedication and passion that the team puts in every day,” said Brown. “Very honoured.”
She said this recognition feels different from the awards the hotel, resort and spa location has received from major travel sites like TripAdvisor and US News Travel in the past.
“To be recognized by the community that we’re surrounded by really meant a lot,” she said.
VanBussel said that, after earning Business of the Year last year, this latest award shows their people-first approach still resonates with the community. The brewery plans to build on that momentum and continue giving back.
“To keep winning awards, one of the biggest things that we’ve talked about, is continuing to give back to the community. Jillian’s Place is one of our biggest charities that we partner with,” she said.
“Continuing to show up for them,” she said.
Brown said White Oaks plans to keep winning by listening to guest feedback — sharing every review, good or bad, with the team to celebrate successes or guide improvements.
“We really take guest feedback very seriously,” she said. “That’s really helped us.”
White Meadows Farms earned the coveted Business of the Year award and while the farm itself is based in Pelham, its maple syrup store on Queen Street, the Maple Syrup Store by White Meadows Farms, gives it a sweet connection to NOTL.
NOTL’s 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa in Old Town and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours in Queenston were finalists for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality and Business of the Year, respectively.
