NOTL's Silversmith Brewing named Niagara's Business of the Year

Erin VanBussel didn’t expect to win when she saw who her employer was up against for Business of the Year at the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s Niagara Business Achievement Awards last Thursday. 

Silversmith Brewing Company’s general manager considered it an honour just to be included with Peters Construction Group, Subaru of Niagara, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and Sid Grabell Contracting Limited for the evening’s premier award. 

“When we saw the names, we figured we were just there for a good time that night,” VanBussel says. “It was a wonderful surprise to win the award. Being so small, we really weren’t expecting to even be nominated. We were finalists in two categories (Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality was the other), too. It feels great to have our efforts recognized.”

Silversmith was among six NOTL-based businesses up for honours at the 2024 NBAAs. They were joined by Budapest Bake Shop , Rugged Books , Sun Opta, Two Sisters Vineyards and Centennial Construction, the latter taking home the Excellence in Business - 26 Employees or More award. 

Budapest Bake Shop was a finalist for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality along with Two Sisters, Sun Opta was in the running for Technology and Innovation and Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming and Rural Achievement awards, and Rugged Books received a nod for Excellence in Business - 26 Employees or More.

In addition, Mark Sherk of Verge Insurance Group and NOTL resident and former president and CEO of the NOTL Chamber of Commerce Janice Thomson were presented with bestowed awards by the GNCC. 

Silversmith president and CEO Josh Graham shared VanBussel’s surprise when the pair took to the podium Thursday to accept the award. 

“We’re floored, and shocked,”  said Graham. “Humbled, excited, happy, all those good emotions are what we’re feeling today. Erin and I have been with Silversmith for just over two years, and it’s been a journey. It’s all been a team effort.”

VanBussel and Graham invited the Silversmith staff out for a celebration immediately following the end of the awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn & Suites St. Catharines Conference Centre.

“They’re the reason we do so well,” VanBussel tells The Local. “They’re the ones that make the connections. I say we have some of the best people working at the ‘church’.”

Asked to define what made the panel centre out Silversmith as Business of the Year, VanBussel insisted it was how they are focused on building a community. 

“Since I’ve been there I’ve realized it is a place of refuge for a lot of locals,” she explains. “I really took that focus, to bring it to the community. Whether it’s local musicians on Thursdays, the art on our walls from local artists, the local vendors we invite to sell their goods on Sundays. We just want to be a place where everybody feels comfortable.”

VanBussel says the award will be displayed prominently on the brewery’s award shelf. 

“It really means a lot to Silversmith to win this award,” said VanBussel, still in shock a couple of days after the awards night. “When you pour so much of your heart and effort into something, getting outside recognition brings meaning to it. It shows that everything we are doing is being seen.”

Mark Sherk was presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, while Janice Thomson was recognized with the Community Leadership Award. 

In her acceptance speech, Thomson expressed gratitude to her friends, family members and colleagues for their support through the years. 

“It’s a privilege to serve the community,” said the current president and CEO of Niagara Falls Tourism. “I enjoy the company of people who find joy in achieving ambitious goals. People who place integrity and honesty above all else. I always welcome the opportunity to help move our community forward in a positive way.”

2024 Niagara Business Achievement Award Winners: 

Business of the Year, sponsored by RBC: Silversmith Brewing

 Environmental Leadership Award, sponsored by Walker Industries: Destiny Copper Inc.

Excellence in Agribusiness, Farming & Rural Achievement: Cherry Lane

Excellence in Business Award, 26 employees or more: Centennial Construction & Contracting Niagara Inc.

Excellence in Business Award, up to 25 employees, sponsored by Niagara College: Cheekbone Beauty

Excellence in Business, Not-for-Profit Award, sponsored by Bell Community Affairs: The Hope Centre

Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality, sponsored by the Town of Lincoln and the City of St. Catharines: Safari Niagara

Outstanding New Business, sponsored by MNP: Hotel Philco

Technology & Innovation Award, sponsored by Innovate Niagara: Destiny Copper Inc.

Young Professional Award, sponsored by Brock University, Goodman School of Business: Justin Duc, Oddbird

Bestowed Awards:

Community Leadership (sponsored by Niagara Region Economic Development): Janice Thomson, Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara Health Board of Directors, Niagara Parks Commission Board of Directors. This award recognizes an individual or individuals whose leadership has been a significant force for good in the community.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Meridian Credit Union): Mark Sherk, Verge Insurance Group. This award celebrates an entrepreneur who has made an outstanding contribution to business and the economic prosperity of Niagara.

Innovative Leader Award (sponsored by CAA Niagara): David Adames, Niagara Parks Commission. This award celebrates prominent businesses who are leading their industry through innovation, research, and development.

Builder of the Year: Gabriel DeSantis, DeSantis Homes. This award is presented to a company that has helped transform the region through new building and construction.