The Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce celebrated local entrepreneurship and community contributions on March 26, 2026, during its annual Best in Business Awards Gala. Held at the Reid Centre in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, the event brought together more than 200 attendees to recognize excellence across the local business sector.
The evening was hosted by Keith Power and highlighted the achievements of several community fixtures. Among the honourees, Repuplic Pets received the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Founded by Kelsey and Russell Sooley, the business opened on Topsail Road in February 2024, providing a 24-hour staffed pet hotel and daycare service.
The Innovation Award was presented to Compusult Ltd. Headquartered in Mount Pearl, the company has operated since 1985 as a specialist in geospatial technology. They provide software, hardware, and consulting services to a diverse range of domestic and international organizations.
Coleman’s Mount Pearl was recognized with the Local Impact, Mount Pearl Award. As part of a large family-owned independent grocery business in Atlantic Canada, the local store was highlighted for its ongoing contributions to the city.
Wanda Palmer, Executive Director of the Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce, noted that it was an honour to bring the community together for the celebration. The chamber has supported small and medium-sized businesses in the region since 1985.
Additional award recipients included John Atkins of JAC, named Business Leader of the Year, and Bellie Beth Inc., which took home the People’s Choice Award. Other winners included GolfShotz for Business Excellence with 15 or fewer employees, Serenity Nursing & Home Support Services Ltd. for Business Excellence with 16 or more employees, Republic Pest Solutions as New Business of the Year, and Coffee Matters Paradise for the Local Impact Award in Paradise.
The awards event serves as a platform to recognize the significant role local businesses play in the Mount Pearl economy, which supports approximately 15,500 jobs across the city.
