Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Saint John Board of Trade announces recipient of 2012 “Chair’s Award”


Larry Hachey, Chairman of the Saint John Board of Trade is pleased to announce his choice for the 2012 “Chair’s Award” to be presented at the 28th annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards dinner on Wednesday, October 3rd at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

The Chair’s Award was established in 1993 to recognize a company, or individual, who has demonstrated a particular excellence or achievement in a certain aspect of their business, having made either an immediate impact on or a substantial long-term contribution to the economic progress of our community.

“I am excited to be presenting the award this year to Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada Inc. (CCSAC)” said Mr. Hachey. “CCSAC is a non-profit organization that has been changing lives, giving back to the community and along the way, has become a great employer and standard bearer for serviced based companies. My choice was an easy one.”

Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada is a non-profit community service dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering consumers by providing guidance in solving debt problems through financial counselling, education and debt repayment programs.

Established in 1994, CCSAC began as a one-office, one-employee organization. John Eisner was hired as the first credit counsellor and his belief in the mission has never wavered. John and co-founder Bill Gale believed in the need for this service in Saint John and enlisted Roly McIntyre and Kit Payn, to name a few, to make up the first board of directors. To ensure sustainability during lean times, the early years saw the agency seek donations of postage and furniture and whatever else it took to make it to the next month.

Eventually hard work, word of mouth and consumer demand ensured the continued growth and success of the business. Under the direction of President John Eisner, the agency has grown to ten offices throughout Atlantic Canada and a staff of twenty-five. In 2011, CCSAC counselled over 5,000 clients and helped them eliminate over $10-million in debt. To date, CCSAC has worked with in excess of 100,000 consumers experiencing debt issues. CCSAC plays a very active role in financial literacy and last year alone reached over 4,000 participants during 180 presentations.

The 28th annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards dinner, Saint John’s Premiere annual business event, will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, October 3rd at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. Tickets are available by contacting the Board of Trade office at 40 King Street, Saint John or by calling (506) 634-8111.

Past recipients of the Chair’s Award include: Mr. Philip Oland in 1993; Saint John Pro Sports Inc. in 1994; Mr. Malcolm Somerville in 1995; the Imperial Theatre Inc. in 1996; Mr. Patrick Darrah in 1997; Cruise Saint John’s “Meet & Greet” Committee and the Irving Companies in 1999; New Brunswick Community College-Saint John and the University of New Brunswick Saint John in 2000; Mr. Lino Celeste in 2001; The Greater Saint John Roundtable on Primary Healthcare in 2002; Mr. Stephen MacMackin in 2003; Dr. Mary Eileen Travis in 2004; The five regional mayors were honoured as group in 2005; The Atlantica Centre for Energy in 2006; the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) in 2007; Bob Manning in 2008; Gerry Pond in 2009; Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in 2010; and Enterprise Saint John in 2011.