"We always need to take a pause to celebrate. Businesses work hard day in and day out; they put a lot of blood sweat and tears into everything they do. They have a lot of responsibilities, commitments to their employees."

That was from Michelle Sawatzky, Morden and District Chamber of Commerce (mdcc) Chair, at the 2018 mdcc Award Gala Thursday night.

It's a moment to recognize the accomplishments, efforts, and successes of these businesses, says Sawatzky, and to celebrate the work that these businesses do in the community.

Earlier in October, mdcc announced Entrepreneur of the Year Richard Klassen from Candlewick, and Not for Profit of the Year South Central Cancer Resource, two more awards were given out during the ceremony, one for Business of the Year with more than seven employees, and Business of the Year with less than seven employees.

Decor Cabinet Company was awarded Business of the Year more than seven employees.

Being recognized for their work in the community, from dozens of other deserving businesses, CEO and President of Decor Cabinet Company Larry Dyck says it was a humbling experience.

Dyck explains Decor's work goes beyond just making good cabinets.

"Obviously our role is building cabinets that people love, that's what we do for a living, but it gets a lot bigger than that. We think growing people is very important before you can grow people, you have to see people as people."

Larry Dyck.

Everyone goes through challenges and struggles in their life says Dyck, and it is Decor's goal to create an environment that is emotionally safe for the employee and allows them to be productive despite those challenges.

Receiving the award is not because of the leadership says Dyck, but the hundreds who make the plant work every day. "They are the ones that do the work, and they are the ones that should be recognized and honoured."

Morden Nurseries was awarded business of the year less than seven employees.

Morden Nurseries has been helping to beautify Morden and provide various plants herbs and vegetables for 54 years.

Monique Rampton.

One of the owners Monique Rampton says they didn't expect to win. "Very surprised and honoured to think that they would give this award to us. It's not something I thought we would get, but it's really nice to be noticed and appreciated."

Rampton says they want to help residents make their yards beautiful and have been working with and providing donations to, not for profit organizations within the region and helping the community with tree planting.

Currently, Morden Nurseries is gearing up for the Christmas season.

Rampton says she wants to thank their staff for their amazing work and continuing to provide customers with everything they need.

All finalists in this year's awards include Sawatzky's Furniture and Appliances, and Wolfe Enterprises in the more than seven employees category, and Bella's Castle, and Meilun Denture Clinic in the less than seven employees category.

Sawatzky says the evening was a resounding success, sharing the entire room was encouraging to the winners and nominees.

"When South Central Cancer Resource got their award and that standing ovation because we've all been touched by cancer. That was pretty special to see the community rally and give them a round of applause."