The owners of one of Orillia’s most popular businesses were recognized Tuesday night for looking out for more than the bottom line.
Mariposa Market owners Bob and Mary-Anne Willsey received the 17th annual William (Bill) Swinimer Business Leader of the Year Award during a celebration at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club.
Before the Willseys were announced as the winners, the award’s namesake explained what it takes to be a true business leader.
“This award is about vision, hard work, treating employees with respect,” Swinimer told the crowd. “I read these stories (from nominators) and I just feel so good about the community and what you folks do for it.”
Bob Willsey concurred about the importance of treating employees with respect. He even brought along his long-time retail manager, Judy McLaughlin, and gave her a shout-out.
“She’s mopped the floors with me when the basement has flooded. She’s thrown shoes at shoplifters,” he said with a laugh. “I think she deserves this award more than us.”
The nomination letter for the Willseys mentioned their recent, 2,000-square-foot expansion as well as their commitment to community, donating to local causes and providing the massive cake every year for Orillia’s Canada Day celebration.
Addressing the audience after accepting the award, Bob Willsey again diverted attention from himself and spoke about the spirit of co-operation that is alive and well in town, even among so-called competitors. When Mariposa Market’s oven broke down last year on Good Friday, the Orillia Bakery and Deli offered its own.
Such a gesture isn’t surprising to Mayor Steve Clarke, who said the award “isn’t just about being successful in business.”
“The spirit of the award is about how successful businesspeople take care of other people,” said Clarke, who previously won the award with his wife, Chris Marsh.
Also nominated for the award Tuesday were Sarah Moleme, owner of Sarahannedipity, and Geneva Event Centre owner Donald Porter.
Moleme started a jewelry business seven years ago and “dreamed of one day opening a store.” She studied silversmithing at Georgian College and eventually set up shop at the Orillia Farmers’ Market. In 2015, she gave birth to her second child, and the business took a back seat to her family commitments.
Moleme returned to the farmers’ market about a year ago and “it kind of took off.”
“A series of serendipitous events led me to open a storefront,” she said, adding business has been booming.
Porter bought the Geneva theatre on West Street a couple of years ago, reviving a “forgotten gem,” as Bob Willsey put it. Since then, he has provided space for events and live music, donated to charity and even purchased some musical instruments to have on hand for performers who might not otherwise have access to them.
“We’re having some fun down at the hall and I’m glad you guys recognize that I’m trying,” Porter said.
Betsy Gross, who organizes the awards evening every year, thanked all of the nominees and the nominators.
“There are no losers in this room,” she said, also thanking the city for being quick to support many causes she has been involved with over the years. “I’ve never once had the town, and then the city, not jump up to help. This city is beyond amazing.”