Spotlight on Small Business
This author must confess a particular delight...
in the acquaintances made each year through this most cherished of gatherings, and it brings no small measure of joy to celebrate a select few among them come Bridges. This author can scarcely contain her anticipation to share the accomplishments of our local small business owners, achievements that this past year has yielded in no shortage.
This author extends her warmest congratulations to the 2026 winners, honoured at this year's affair.
Elgin County Small Business Award – Albert Lin, Doyle Prendergast
St. Thomas Small Business Award – Taco House Co.
St. Thomas Economic Development Award – Casey’s Creative Kitchens
Elgin County Economic Development Award – Simply Scoops
Downtown Good Citizen Award – Andrew Gunn, Andrew Gunn Consulting
Inspirational Entrepreneur Award – Monica de Wit, Hugo and Company
Under 40 Award – Remt Kennema, Streamline Plumbing
Starter Company Plus Award – Soso’s Breakfast Tacos
Summer Company Award – Tony’s Outdoor Services
Promising Start-Up Award – The Daily Press Cafe
Horton Farmers' Market Award - Quaker Springs Farm
Lifetime Achievement Award – Canadale Nurseries
in the acquaintances made each year through this most cherished of gatherings, and it brings no small measure of joy to celebrate a select few among them come Bridges. This author can scarcely contain her anticipation to share the accomplishments of our local small business owners, achievements that this past year has yielded in no shortage.
This author extends her warmest congratulations to the 2026 winners, honoured at this year's affair.
Elgin County Small Business Award – Albert Lin, Doyle Prendergast
St. Thomas Small Business Award – Taco House Co.
St. Thomas Economic Development Award – Casey’s Creative Kitchens
Elgin County Economic Development Award – Simply Scoops
Downtown Good Citizen Award – Andrew Gunn, Andrew Gunn Consulting
Inspirational Entrepreneur Award – Monica de Wit, Hugo and Company
Under 40 Award – Remt Kennema, Streamline Plumbing
Starter Company Plus Award – Soso’s Breakfast Tacos
Summer Company Award – Tony’s Outdoor Services
Promising Start-Up Award – The Daily Press Cafe
Horton Farmers' Market Award - Quaker Springs Farm
Lifetime Achievement Award – Canadale Nurseries
Congratulations to the 2026 Small Business Award Recipients
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Event Photos by Jorge Polio Photography
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Thank you to our Event Partners!
A MOST ANTICIPATED EVENT
This author is delighted to report...
that the communities of Elgin County and St. Thomas shall gather once more for the season's finest occasion, as Bridges returns on September 24th to the St. Anne's Centre for an evening of celebration and jubilation.
One does hear this year's gathering, presented in partnership with Element5, promises to be quite the spectacle, dear reader, an evening where connection, celebration, and community pride shall mingle as freely as the finest company at a Mayfair ball. Guests shall have the pleasure of:
It must be said, our small businesses are the very heartbeat of this community. Through every trial, they have continued to serve, to create, and to inspire, and the community has answered in kind with steadfast devotion.
This, dear reader, is a night dedicated entirely to you.
So do mark your calendars, secure your tickets promptly (for this author suspects they shall be much sought after), dress in your finest elevated business cocktail attire, and join the very best of society for a celebration of entrepreneurship, talent, and local flavour that shall not soon be forgotten.
For when small business succeeds, we all have cause to celebrate.
Until next time,
Lady Trainwhistle
This author is delighted to report...
that the communities of Elgin County and St. Thomas shall gather once more for the season's finest occasion, as Bridges returns on September 24th to the St. Anne's Centre for an evening of celebration and jubilation.
One does hear this year's gathering, presented in partnership with Element5, promises to be quite the spectacle, dear reader, an evening where connection, celebration, and community pride shall mingle as freely as the finest company at a Mayfair ball. Guests shall have the pleasure of:
- Toasting the resilience and triumph of our region's small businesses
- Bearing witness to the presentation of this year's Small Business Awards
- Sampling a showcase of local fare, prepared by the county's most talented hands
- Enjoying the elegant strains of the Vintera String Quartet during the Taste Food Showcase, followed by a rousing performance from the celebrated Dueling Pianos to close the evening in high spirits
It must be said, our small businesses are the very heartbeat of this community. Through every trial, they have continued to serve, to create, and to inspire, and the community has answered in kind with steadfast devotion.
This, dear reader, is a night dedicated entirely to you.
So do mark your calendars, secure your tickets promptly (for this author suspects they shall be much sought after), dress in your finest elevated business cocktail attire, and join the very best of society for a celebration of entrepreneurship, talent, and local flavour that shall not soon be forgotten.
For when small business succeeds, we all have cause to celebrate.
Until next time,
Lady Trainwhistle
This author must declare, without exaggeration...
that among the many delights awaiting guests at this year's Bridges celebration, none shall prove more tantalizing than the local food showcase. This author is reliably informed that an incredible lineup awaits, sweet and savoury small bites alike, of the sort that leave one wanting more even once thoroughly satisfied.
One cannot help but note, dear reader, that every participating establishment is a local business to Elgin County and St. Thomas, meaning guests need only mark their favourites for a return visit to sample the fuller menu at a later date.
And rest assured, no additional sampling tickets are required. The Taste Food Showcase comes included as part of your evening, a delightful inclusion rather than an indulgent extra.
Simply put: come hungry.
that among the many delights awaiting guests at this year's Bridges celebration, none shall prove more tantalizing than the local food showcase. This author is reliably informed that an incredible lineup awaits, sweet and savoury small bites alike, of the sort that leave one wanting more even once thoroughly satisfied.
One cannot help but note, dear reader, that every participating establishment is a local business to Elgin County and St. Thomas, meaning guests need only mark their favourites for a return visit to sample the fuller menu at a later date.
And rest assured, no additional sampling tickets are required. The Taste Food Showcase comes included as part of your evening, a delightful inclusion rather than an indulgent extra.
Simply put: come hungry.
Spotlight on our Entertainment
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This author must confess a particular fondness...
for the ensemble known as Vintera String Quartet, London, Ontario's own musicians of considerable talent and even more considerable charm. Classically trained, yet refreshingly unbothered by pretension, this quartet moves with equal ease from Mozart to modern favourites, having graced over 200 weddings and society affairs across Southwestern Ontario with their playing. One suspects even the most discerning ear shall find itself thoroughly delighted come September 24th, as Vintera String Quartet lends its strings to the Taste Food Showcase, proof that sophistication and merriment need not be strangers. |
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This author has it on excellent authority...
that no gathering shall want for excitement once Dueling Pianos take the stage. A duo of remarkable musicianship and even more remarkable wit, they possess the rare gift of turning even the most composed of guests into eager participants, singing and laughing in equal measure. Their talents, dear reader, have not gone unnoticed, having graced the stage of Canada's Got Talent, as well as galas, corporate affairs, and festivals the country over. One does not simply attend a Dueling Pianos performance. One is swept into it. Prepare, then, for the evening's grand finale, as September 24th shall close not with a whisper, but with the liveliest of send-offs. |
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