Pictou County Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence, Resilience and Community at 2026 Business Achievement Awards
Pictou County, NS – November 13, 2026 – The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce brought together business leaders, community members, sponsors and special guests on November 5 for its 2026 Business Achievement Awards banquet. The event is an evening dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses and organizations helping shape the future of Pictou County.
Held at the deCoste Arts & Culture Centre, this year’s celebration was anchored in the theme of Resilience, recognizing the determination, adaptability and community spirit that continue to move our region forward. Through 13 award presentations, inspiring stories and meaningful moments of recognition, the evening highlighted the many ways local businesses and community leaders contribute to a stronger Pictou County.
Recognizing This Year’s Award Recipients
Throughout the evening, 13 awards celebrated excellence across a wide range of business and community contributions.
The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of the 2026 recipients:
Start-Up Award: Endless Love Wedding Rentals & Consignment
Sponsored by Ignite | In recognition of the initiative, determination and promise involved in turning a new idea into a business.
A special occasion should come with the excitement of finding something beautiful to wear—and a price that feels within reach.
Sisters Emily Hutchinson and Pamela Godin saw an opportunity to make that experience more affordable and welcoming. Through Endless Love Wedding Rentals & Consignment in Stellarton, they have created a place where wedding, prom and formal wear can find a second celebration.
Their business brings together affordability and sustainability, helping customers find something special while giving others an opportunity to earn money from dresses they no longer need.
What stands out is the spirit behind it: two sisters who recognized a need, took a chance on an idea, and built a business around helping people feel good.
New Business of the Year: Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia, ReStore New Glasgow
Sponsored by CBDC-NOBL | This award celebrates a new business making a meaningful contribution to our region.
Before the doors of Habitat ReStore opened in New Glasgow, the community was already helping bring it to life. Volunteers painted and stocked shelves, local businesses contributed supplies, and residents donated furniture and household goods to give the store its start.
Located on Temperance Street, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s second ReStore brings a meaningful purpose to everyday shopping. Donated furniture, appliances and building materials find new homes, while proceeds help support affordable homeownership for families across Nova Scotia.
Every donation and purchase contributes to that mission, giving useful items a second life and helping families build a more secure future.
The New Glasgow ReStore shows what can happen when a business with a social purpose meets a community ready to support it. Its story began with people coming together, and that same generosity continues to give its work meaning.
Small Business of the Year: Express Yourself Café
Sponsored by RBC | Recognizing a business whose dedication to its customers and community has helped it stand out.
At the heart of Trenton, Express Yourself Cafe is creating a space where good food, quality coffee, and community come together. As an independent, seasonal takeout cafe, it brings a fresh approach to the local coffee scene, offering a place for residents and visitors to enjoy something made with care.
Located at 131 Main Street, Express Yourself Cafe serves a selection of espresso drinks, coffee, and tea, alongside fresh, house-made pastries, sandwiches, and wraps. With an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients, the menu offers something for everyone, including vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly options.
More than just a stop for your morning coffee or afternoon pick-me-up, Express Yourself Cafe brings another opportunity to support independent local business in Pictou County. Its focus on quality, inclusivity, and fresh offerings reflects the value of having locally owned spaces that contribute to the character of our communities.
Express Yourself Cafe is a welcome addition to Trenton’s local business landscape, reminding us that sometimes the best community connections begin with a good cup of coffee.
Innovation Award: PlayFinder
Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton | This award recognizes creative thinking and practical solutions that move a business, an industry or a community forward.
Finding a local activity should be simple. So should registering a child for a program or booking a community space. But for families, volunteers and recreation teams, information scattered across different systems can make those everyday tasks surprisingly difficult. PlayFinder grew from an understanding of those challenges in rural Nova Scotia.
Developed with community partners, the platform brings recreation information and management tools together—helping residents discover opportunities while helping organizations manage registrations, payments, schedules and facilities.
Co-founders Laura Duggan and Martin McLaren are building a business around a practical community need: making participation easier and giving the people who organize recreation better tools to do their work. Their progress is attracting attention. PlayFinder was selected for Invest Nova Scotia’s Accelerate Growth Stream, participated in the INMC startup pitch competition in Pictou County, and joined Nova Scotia’s delegation to Web Summit Vancouver. It is also a finalist for Digital Nova Scotia’s 2026 Provincial Spotlight Award.
Behind those milestones is an idea with a clear purpose: use technology to help communities connect and make local opportunities easier to access.
Environmental Impact Award: Inoculum Bio-Solutions Ltd.
Sponsored by The Pictou County Partnership | Awarding a business making a positive environmental contribution through its practices, products or services, and helping build a more sustainable future.
“Inoculum Bio-Solutions began with a handful of compost and a realization that changed the direction of his life.
Growing up on a family farm in Pictou County, He always felt connected to the land. But a visit to a composting facility in California revealed something extraordinary: a handful of compost held a thriving ecosystem of microorganisms capable of restoring soil health.
That sparked an idea: what if we could cultivate these microorganisms here in Nova Scotia?
In 2023, Inoculum Bio-Solutions was born in Sunnybrae. Using local agricultural and forestry byproducts, we create biologically rich compost that supports soil health, water retention and plant resilience.
We’re not simply making compost. We’re farming microorganisms, turning materials others might see as waste into an opportunity to cultivate life.
I believe some of our most powerful environmental solutions are already found in nature. By working alongside them, we can regenerate soils, reduce waste and build more resilient agricultural communities.” (Chad Dewtie, Owner of Inoculum Bio Solutions)
Export Achievement Award: Apollo Originals
Sponsored by Invest Nova Scotia | Celebrating a business taking its products, services and ambition beyond our borders, opening new markets and strengthening our region’s connections with the wider world.
Founded by Boo McNamara while in Edmonton, the brand that started out with $500 and a vision of custom hats grew in popularity within the athletic and street wear community. Major athletes such as Connor McDavid were avid supporters of the brand, which held a location in the West Edmonton Mall as well as across from the Rodgers Centre. After the pandemic, Boo moved the business back home to Pictou County. Enter Ben Murray, a filmmaker and creative who saw the potential in the brand which had gone quiet. Together, they rebuilt the brand into a creative studio disguised as a streetwear brand. The focus shifted towards refined design, cultural storytelling, and community – they create pieces that have a sense of place and perspective rather than chasing trends.
Apollo now operates from 21 George Street in Pictou and designs collections and custom projects for teams, brands, and individuals across Canada.
NHL players may be back in the brand, along with CHL teams and other high-level athletics groups, but their mission is not to be a big city brand in a small town, they aim to show that “world-class design doesn’t need a skyline, it needs a vision”.
Leadership in Business Award: Stingray Radio
Sponsored by Patterson Law LLP | Recognizing a business demonstrating vision, initiative and a commitment to helping our community succeed.
For many people in Pictou County, Q97.9 and 94.1 The Breeze are familiar voices in their daily lives. Their community involvement also gives local causes a voice and encourages listeners to lend a hand.
The Stingray Radio team has partnered with United Way and the North Nova Jeep Club on holiday toy drives, helping bring gifts to children and families through local charities. Both stations have also supported the Pictou County Christmas Fund Telethon, helping rally neighbours around families who need extra support.
Through One Pictou County, local charities and nonprofit organizations can share their stories and promote their fundraisers on the air. These efforts show how a business can use its reach to benefit others. By connecting people with opportunities to give, volunteer and participate, Stingray Radio helps turn community awareness into community action.
Safety Excellence Award: TNB Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Sponsored by MacGregor’s Industrial | This award recognizes a business that makes health and safety a priority.
“I started TNB in 2009 with just $1,500, a few tools, and a simple goal: to build a business based on hard work, honesty, quality workmanship, and treating people right.
Our team is the heart of our business. Everything we’ve achieved reflects their dedication, our loyal customers, and the support of our communities. At the end of the day, it’s never been about being the biggest. It’s about building a company our employees are proud to be part of, our customers can trust, and our community can count on.” (Nathan Buell)
Community Impact Award: Summer Street Farm
Sponsored by Sobeys | Celebrating a recipient whose work strengthens community life and creates meaningful opportunities for others.
Accessibility Champion Award: Northern Grit Fitness
Sponsored by The Municipality of the County of Pictou | Recognizing a business working to remove barriers and create a more welcoming and inclusive experience.
Established in 2020, Northern Grit Fitness has been more than just a gym — it has been a place where community, connection, and fitness come together
Northern Grit Fitness offers a wide variety of coach lead classes including Crossfit, strength training, and functional fitness. There are classes designed for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
At the heart of Northern Grit is the belief that Grit might show up in the gym, but it comes from the home, the school, the workplace. Grit is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Whether someone is stepping into a gym for the first time, working toward a personal goal, or overcoming physical or invisible challenges. Fitness should be available to everybody and everyone deserves to feel welcomed, supported, and included.
Northern Grit Fitness has built a community that encourages one another, celebrates achievements, big or small, and believes that strength goes far beyond what happens inside the gym. It’s not just about building stronger bodies — it’s about building a stronger community.
Barrie MacMillan Unsung Hero Award: Plymouth Community and Recreation Association
Sponsored by Blinkhorn Real Estate | Some of the most important work in our community happens quietly, through people who give their time and energy without seeking recognition. The Barrie MacMillan Unsung Hero Award celebrates that spirit of service.
Behind every community gathering and ambitious new project are people quietly giving their time to make it happen. For decades, the volunteers of the Plymouth Community and Recreation Association have been those people.
When the local school closed in the 1970s, residents came together to keep the building in community hands. Years of fundraising, organizing and everyday care transformed it into a centre for recreation and connection, with accessibility improvements helping more people participate.
The association shared these words about its journey:
“Plymouth Community & Recreation Association proved that big ideas can come from small rural communities.
Our small and mighty board is taking its rightful place in the mosaic of Pictou County Communities. Plymouth is a historic farming community located on the outskirts of town. A place that has seen its share of heartache and tragedy.
We lead by example. The Net Zero project is a perfect example of ‘there’s strength in numbers.’ Plymouth played the lead in eliminating energy costs in 21 other community-owned buildings. Now those communities can focus on serving their residents.”
This year, we celebrate the volunteers whose dedication brings that vision to life.
Heather Mills Memorial Award: Kate Chisholm, Mimikej Trading Post
Sponsored by The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce | In recognition of individuals whose leadership, dedication, and community involvement reflect the qualities we valued so much in Heather.
The Heather Mills Memorial Award grew from our desire to honour someone who was part of our Chamber family. As a member of our Board of Directors, Heather brought her compassion, community spirit, and unwavering belief in people to our work. We had the privilege of seeing how deeply she cared about creating opportunities and helping others succeed.
Establishing this award in her memory gives the Chamber a meaningful way to carry that commitment forward.
This award is both a tribute to a colleague and friend we miss, and a reminder of what she showed us through her work: that true achievement is measured not only by professional success, but by the people we encourage, the opportunities we create, and the difference we make in the lives of others.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sean Murray
Sponsored by The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce | Recognizing a career of entrepreneurial success, leadership and community service. Honouring someone whose vision has built opportunities for others, and whose commitment has helped make our community a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work.
Sean’s story is rooted in a family business that began as a small print shop in Pictou in 1891. After working alongside his father, Bruce Murray, Sean became President and CEO of Advocate in 2004.
Under his leadership, Advocate expanded its printing, publishing and digital services, becoming Atlantic Canada’s largest independent printer, with more than 350 employees across four facilities by 2017. It is a remarkable example of a business with rural roots building a reach far beyond its home community.
Sean’s achievements have earned recognition at every level. He was named Pictou County Business Person of the Year, received the Canadian Community Newspapers Association’s Gold Quill, and was recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
After five consecutive years among Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, he was inducted into the Atlantic CEO Hall of Fame in 2011. He was named Printing Leader of the Year in 2017, and his contributions have also been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
For our Chamber, Sean’s contribution holds special meaning. He is a past president of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce and the founding chairman of the Pictou County Achievement Awards. He helped establish a tradition of celebrating the achievements of others. This year, we have the pleasure of celebrating his.
Each recipient represents a different aspect of what makes our regional business community strong, from entrepreneurship and innovation to environmental responsibility, accessibility, community service and long-standing leadership.
A Special Farewell to Chamber President Lydia Sayeau
This year’s gala also marked Lydia Sayeau’s final event as President of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.
As she took part in the evening’s celebrations and helped present the Heather Mills Memorial Award, the occasion provided an opportunity to recognize her contributions and commitment to the Chamber and the wider business community.
Her final gala as President was a fitting occasion to reflect on the importance of leadership, service and the relationships that bring our business community together. The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to Lydia for her dedication and the time she has given to supporting our members and advancing the work of the organization. If you want to read more about Lydia’s farewell, visit her send off page.
Anchored in Resilience
One of the evening’s highlights was the keynote address from Madeline Gillis, RBC Olympian and Canadian National Team sailor, who shared her experiences competing internationally in the Nacra 17 sailing class.
Drawing on her journey as a high-performance athlete, Gillis offered a perspective on resilience that extended well beyond sport. She spoke about the challenges Canadian sailors face, including funding limitations and differences in resource allocation between countries and sports. She also shared how athletes must learn to problem-solve in challenging circumstances, adapt quickly and find solutions when the resources they need are not always available.
Her reflections on sportsmanship were equally meaningful. While competition on the water is fierce, she described an environment in which athletes support one another, share knowledge and offer encouragement beyond the racecourse. It was a reminder that determination and collaboration are not mutually exclusive.
Perhaps most importantly, Gillis spoke about the disappointment of coming close to a goal only to have it taken away, and the importance of asking, How do we get back? Where else do we go from here?
It was a message that resonated strongly with the evening’s theme and the experiences of many business owners and community leaders. Resilience is not simply about enduring challenges; it is about finding a way forward, adapting when circumstances change and continuing to pursue what is possible.
The Chamber extends its thanks to RBC for sponsoring this year’s keynote presentation and to Madeline for sharing her experiences and perspective with our community.
Celebrating Generations of the Murray Family
The evening also held special significance for the Murray family, with two generations recognized for their contributions to business and community life.
Ben Murray, through his work with Apollo Originals, received the Export Achievement Award. The brand, which began with a vision for custom headwear, has evolved into a creative studio producing distinctive designs and collections for clients across Canada. Following its return to Pictou County, Apollo Originals has continued to demonstrate that world-class creativity and ambition can grow from rural roots.
Later in the evening, Sean Murray received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a remarkable career of entrepreneurial leadership and community service.
Sean’s story is rooted in the Murray family business, which began as a small print shop in Pictou in 1891. As President and CEO of Advocate, he helped guide the company’s growth into Atlantic Canada’s largest independent printer, while continuing a longstanding commitment to community investment, mentorship and local organizations.
His contributions have extended well beyond business, supporting initiatives in health care, recreation, heritage, education and community development. As a past Chamber president and founding chairman of the Pictou County Achievement Awards, Sean also helped establish a tradition of recognizing the achievements of others.
The evening included one more special moment for the family, as representatives from the deCoste Arts & Culture Centre recognized Crystal Murray for her contributions to its Board of Directors.
Together, these recognitions offered a meaningful reminder of how community commitment can span generations, with a lasting impact on the businesses, institutions and people who make Pictou County home.
Remembering Heather Mills Through a Legacy of Community Service
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening was the first annual presentation of the Heather Mills Memorial Award.
Established in memory of Heather Mills, a valued member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership, dedication and community involvement reflect the compassion, generosity and belief in others that Heather brought to her work.
Before announcing this year’s recipient, Chamber President Lydia Sayeau shared reflections on Heather’s legacy and the importance of recognizing achievement not only through professional success, but also through the opportunities we create and the difference we make in the lives of others.
Guests also heard a moving tribute from Heather’s sister, Marsha, making the presentation a particularly meaningful moment for Heather’s family, friends and Chamber colleagues.
The 2026 Heather Mills Memorial Award was presented to Kate Chisholm of Mimikej Trading Post.
The award serves as a lasting tribute to Heather’s memory and a reminder that some of the most important contributions to a community are measured not by individual accomplishments, but by the encouragement, support and opportunities we extend to those around us.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Community Partners
An evening of this scale would not be possible without the generous support of the organizations that believe in our business community and invest in its continued success.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to Michelin, our Lead Gala Sponsor; St Barbara, our Annual Chamber Sponsor; and Nova Scotia Power for its generous support.
We also recognize our Gold Sponsors, Twin Rivers, Advocate Printing & Publishing, and Stingray Radio, as well as our Silver Sponsors, EMCO and Maritime Design, along with Events AddsOn, our Photo Booth Partner.
Special thanks go to RBC for sponsoring our keynote presentation and Benjamin Bridge for partnering with us for the evening refreshments.
We are equally grateful to the award sponsors who helped make this year’s recognitions possible, including IGNITE Atlantic, CBDC NOBL, RBC, Doane Grant Thornton, the Pictou County Partnership, Invest Nova Scotia, Patterson Law, MacGregors Industrial Group, Sobeys, the Municipality of the County of Pictou and Blinkhorn Real Estate.
Thank you as well to Owen Lee for providing the evening’s opening entertainment, Tilly’s Kitchen for the wonderful meal, the deCoste Arts & Culture Centre team, our photographer, technical team, volunteers, and Chamber Board and staff for their contributions behind the scenes.
At its heart, the 2026 Business Achievement Awards was about more than recognizing individual accomplishments. It was about celebrating the people who take chances, build businesses, support their neighbours, create opportunities and continue investing in the place they call home even when the cards are down.
The Pictou County Chamber of Commerce congratulates all of this year’s award recipients and thanks everyone who joined us in celebrating the resilience, ambition and community spirit that make Pictou County such a special place to live, work and do business.
We look forward to continuing this work together.
Together, we thrive.
