Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce held their first Akwesasne Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Autumn Room in the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. The awards are aimed at celebrating and recognizing the achievements of the Akwesasne business; customers, family members, peers and friends voted each winner on.

Promoted as a "black tie affair", nominees and their employees, along with family members were treated to a prime rib dinner as they eagerly waited for the awards to be announced. SRMT, Chris Thompson accepted guests as they arrived, via the "Red Carpet" as each guest was treated to a paparazzi style photograph before the evening began. Emcee, Buck White entertained and guided guests along for the evening.

Casey Swamp, Assistant Business Leader remarked at the beginning of the evening, "The Chamber is about to celebrate two years of service. Our purpose is to have stronger relations amongst our businesses and to build a better economy for our future generations. Our mission is to promote an Akwesasne economy with equality and unity and opportunity to assist in launching and developing and maintaining a small business in Akwesasne. We have come a long way and have engaged many local business through community events and through partnership with local stakeholders. We have partnered with surrounding chambers of commerce including Cornwall, Massena, Malone, and North Country Chamber of Commerce. Good Business also take good partners in community development and at this time I would like to thank the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs. I would like to draw attention to the Area Management Board, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino and the Akwesasne Employment Resource Center. This night is special as it marks our first award ceremony and we could not be prouder of the many talented local businesses we have in Akwesasne. Our local businesses employ a significant amount of local people to help keep the money here in our community. As you know our leakage is at 76% and we hope that nights like this shine a light at what we have to offer and the true rewards of what it is to shop local. The benefit of shopping local rewards us all. This night alone has engaged ten local business and forty local employees and has created a buzz within the community. To the nominees – each and everyone of you are winners. To be nominated by your own community members is an accomplishment."

The evening was sponsored in part by Gold Sponsors; Akwesasne Area Management Board, Akwesasne Employment Resource Center, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, CAA Management, Midnight Confetti, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Mohawk Networks, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and Tarbell Management Group. Silver sponsors included; 94.7 Hits FM, 96.5 WILD FM, Akwesasne Tire Company and the North Country Chamber of Commerce. Bronze Sponsors included; Brass Horse, Grand Mohawk Inn and Tota Ma's Medicine Cabinet.

And the winners are:

Business Recognition; Winner: Truck Stop # 9

Nominees Included

J&J Insurance

Mohawk Plumbing

Twin Leaf CAA Management

Young Entrepreneur; Winner: Ann Mitchell Dream Weaver Basketry

Nominees included;

Carey Terrance, CAA Management

Hannah Leaf, LOK Creations

Bryan John Sharrow, Shoreline Drive

Jared Gray, Epic Night Entertainment

Business Woman of the Year – Winner: Doreen Mitchell, Akwesasne Sports

Nominees included;

April Seymour, Hilltop Inflatables

Diane Boots, Nature's Gift

Andria Cooke, Smokin' Arrow/Tota Ma's Medicine Cabinet

Maggie Herne, Atomic Place

Customer Service Award – Winner: Three Feather's Café

Nominees included;

Swamp's Performance

Lazare's Tree Removal

Akwesasne Mini Mart

Sanitation Solutions

Good Citizen – Winner: Casey Swamp

Nominees included;

Carey Terrance

Tisha Thompson

Dave Mainville

Chrissy Jacobs

Community Choice – Winner: Akwesasne Mini Mart

Nominees included;

TNT Deli

Speedway Plaza

Heart to Heart Fitness

Three Feathers Café

Arts & Business – Winner: Jordan Thompson – Mohawk Art & Design

Nominees included;

Young Entrepreneur award winner - Ann Mitchell, Dream Weaver Basketry, "First, I want to say thank you to my mom who taught me so much more than just baskets. Thank you to my grandma who was like a second mother to me. Thank you to my boyfriend, Corey. He's been so supportive of me. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce, the St Regis Mohawk Tribe, MCA, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino.

Ann Mitchell – Dream Weaver Basketry

Dyan Swamp - Dreamcatcher's Quilt Shop

Kit Thomas – Kit Thomas Art

Carrie Hill – Chill Baskets

Entrepreneur of the Year – Winner: Carey Terrance, CAA Management

Nominees included;

Casey Swamp, Swamp's Performance

Darryl Lazore, Lazare's Tree Removal

Skahentati Thompson, Thompson Marine

Lisa Jock, Sanitation Solutions