In 2025, the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce launched its first-ever Best in Business Awards. The community responded with enthusiasm, submitting nominations and votes that reflected the deep pride and connection people feel for their local businesses. Six businesses were recognized at a ceremony held in their honour. Their stories, told in the words of the people who nominated them, say it best.
2025 Best in Business Award Recipients
The President’s Award: Highway Garden Centre
This award recognizes exceptional customer service, dedication to excellence, and lasting impact.
Owned and operated by Wayne Beker and Troy Miller, Highway Garden Centre is a seasonal garden centre located on Highway 28S in Bancroft. Since incorporating in 2006, the business has built a loyal following for its high-quality plants, expert advice, and enthusiastic, personable service. The current ownership transformed the business into a destination for gardeners of all experience levels, known for creativity, warmth, and genuine passion for what they do.
A glowing community member put it this way: “They are fun, funny and extremely useful when helping me to make decisions about how to plan my veggie and flower gardens. When the owner took over, he applied his immense creative talents and transformed it into a much more appealing and attractive business. I would be lost without this business!”
Vice President Award: Country Bargain Store
This award is in recognition of their outstanding service, community spirit, and support for local businesses.
Country Bargain Store has made a name for itself through genuine community connection. The store offers an eclectic mix of gifts, household items, and everyday goods, but what truly sets it apart is how it treats its customers. From a lending program that helped community members afford gifts, to loyalty rewards, in-store raffles, and a judgment-free atmosphere, Country Bargain Store leads with heart.
In the words of a community member: “This business is constantly interacting with people in the community. They offered a lending program so people could afford gifts for loved ones. They offer so much to the community by being kind and compassionate and treating everyone equally without judgement.”
Community Impact Excellence Award: North Hastings Family Pharmacy
This award is given for their friendly and attentive service.
A locally owned PharmaChoice pharmacy serving Bancroft since 1964, North Hastings Family Pharmacy has built its reputation on personalized, attentive care. The team offers a full range of pharmacy services including medication management, chronic condition support, vaccinations, and minor ailment consultations, all delivered with the warmth and familiarity of a small-town practice.
The community said it best: “The word ‘Family’ in North Hastings Family Pharmacy says it all. Everyone knows your name and you feel like you are one of the family.”
Community Impact Excellence Award: Tweed & Company
This award is given for their friendly and attentive service.
Active since 2009, Tweed & Company is a registered charity and professional producer of original Canadian musical theatre. The organization operates the Bancroft Village Playhouse, a beautiful 184-seat historic theatre in the heart of Bancroft, and brings year-round programming to the region including main stage productions, concerts, youth theatre camps, and film screenings. Ticket prices are among the most affordable for professional theatre in the country.
One community member captured it perfectly: “The quality, variety and affordability of the entertainment, year round, is unsurpassed for a small centre like Bancroft. It is organizations like this that make members of a community feel home town proud.”
Community Impact Excellence Award: Killarney Lodge
This award is given for exceptional hospitality and service.
Killarney Lodge has become a destination for visitors seeking a warm, welcoming retreat in the natural beauty of the Bancroft area. Known for its hospitality, breathtaking lakefront setting, and exceptional food, the Lodge offers guests an experience that feels as much like a homecoming as a getaway.
A guest described it this way: “Killarney Lodge has the warmest and kindest hospitality we’ve ever experienced. The resort is beautiful, clean, quiet, and cozy. With breathtaking lakefront views, you feel immersed in nature.”
Community Impact Excellence Award: Old Hastings Mercantile
This award is given for outstanding community support and continuous economic contributions to the area.
Located in the historic village of Ormsby, just 20 minutes south of Bancroft, the Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery is housed in an 1880s general store and owned by Gary and Lillian Pattison, both accomplished artists and musicians. The Mercantile features fine Canadian arts and crafts, vintage items, antiques, cottage gifts, and handmade products across 11 uniquely themed rooms. The Pattisons are known as enthusiastic community supporters, regularly donating to local causes and promoting area businesses online.
As one local resident shared: “In addition to having a vast selection of unique gifts and handmade products, they consistently post positive messages about the local community and donate prizes for community events. All in all, very community minded.”
Thank you to our 2025 sponsor, Community Futures Development Corporation, for making this event
possible. The event was held at Wattle & Daub and photographed by Ivy and Oak Photography. Congratulations again to all six recipients and to the community members whose nominations made this celebration possible.