Certifications, leadership highlight 13th annual aquaculture awards night
Feb. 25, 2012
Fish farmers and their suppliers had a lot to celebrate Saturday night, recognizing outstanding employees who have helped improve the aquaculture industry in B.C.
“Every year it gets better and better,” says Cory Percevault, president of Positive Aquaculture Awareness (PAA). “We love putting on this event, getting together to have a great time and to recognize people who do an exceptional job in aquaculture.”
The Positive Aquaculture Awareness society held its 13th annual dinner and awards night on Feb. 25, 2012 at the Eagles Hall in Campbell River. The sold-out event featured a delicious farmed seafood dinner, a silent auction, a heads and tails raffle and the highlight of the night, awards presentations.
The business of the year award winner was recognized for his company’s work helping several salmon producers achieve significant new certifications in 2011.
And employees and managers were awarded for their leadership, on and off the job.
The winners were:
Business of the Year Award: ISO Metrix Inc. (Mark Gage)
Environment Award: Sharon Dedominicis, Marine Harvest Canada
Leadership Award: Kathy Baker, Marine Harvest Canada
Long-Term Achievement Award: Brad Hicks, Taplow Feeds
Outstanding Employee Performance Award: Melissa St. Louis, Mainstream Canada
Outstanding Performance by a Manager Award: Robin Muzzerall, Grieg Seafood
Rookie of the Year Award: Heidi Fuerste, Fuerste Vaccination Services
For brief bios of each winner, see the backgrounder.
The dinner and awards night is an annual fundraiser for PAA, a grassroots organization which is dedicated to promoting awareness of British Columbia's aquaculture industry through public education and community involvement.
View Photos of the Award winners on our Media Photo Gallery at: http://www.farmfreshsalmon.org/13th-annual-bc-aqauculture-achievement-awards
Backgrounder: winner bios
Business of the Year Award: ISO Metrix Inc
He works with salmon producing companies as an independent third party.
Last year he assisted several companies in achieving significant new certifications.
Mark deserves to be recognized for his commitment to provide thorough, professional and informed consulting services to the industry.
Environment award: Sharon Dedominicis, Marine Harvest Canada
Sharon Dedominicis works tirelessly to ensure Marine Harvest Canada does the right thing when it comes to the company’s environmental practices.
Her research and scientific contributions are invaluable and so is her co-operation with other businesses and with environmental groups.
Sharon’s contributions are not only valuable to Marine Harvest Canada but to the entire aquaculture industry.
Leadership Award
Leadership Award: Kathy Baker, Marine Harvest Canada
As Value Added Manager at the Port Hardy processing plant, Kathy sets a good example for her co-workers, both on and off the job.
She is the driving force for the plant’s wellness committee and is a member of the Employee Family Assistance program.
Kathy volunteers her time outside of work to fundraise for many important causes such as the Relay for Life and she is continually volunteering for projects that improve the quality of life in the plant and in the community.
Long-term Achievement Award: Brad Hicks, Taplow Feeds
Dr. Brad Hicks has worked in salmon farming since its beginning in British Columbia.
His experience and knowledge was very helpful last year during the Cohen Commission. Brad helped the BC Salmon Farmers Association in the background, attending hearings, reviewing documents and scientific papers, and offering helpful comments.
Brad is a great resource for everyone in the salmon farming industry and has contributed greatly to helping the industry improve over the years.
Outstanding Employee Performance Award: Melissa St. Louis, Mainstream Canada
Melissa has been with Mainstream Canada for seven years as an accounts payable clerk.
Her work ethic and her loving, caring personality are inspiring to all her co-workers. She not only does her job efficiently, but also helps guide new employees to ‘learn the ropes.’
Melissa is always present at company events, and is a huge help when it comes to organizing them and getting things done.
Outstanding Performance by a Manager Award: Robin Muzzerall, Grieg Seafood
Robin joined Grieg Seafood last spring as Quality Manager, and quickly showed herself to be a highly capable and enthusiastic leader.
Robin has 20 years of experience in aquaculture and her experience has been valuable in developing a positive work environment, and in always finding ways to encourage her hatchery crews.
Her addition to the company has resulted in many good new ideas and a more positive work environment.
Rookie of the Year Award: Heidi Fuerste, Fuerste Vaccination Services
Heidi Fuerste founded Fuerste Vaccination Services last year and it didn’t take long for her company to become one of the fastest growing vaccine suppliers in B.C.
Heide has built a strong team and a business with a culture of integrity, accountability and professional service.
Her positive attitude and the high value she places on commitment to excellence deserve recognition.
