Celebrating Local Excellence: 2025 Impact Awards The 2025 St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce Impact Awards were held on Friday, April 25, and what an evening it was! With a full house and plenty to celebrate, this year’s event was a true showcase of the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations making a difference in our community. To recognize their achievements, we’re proud to share a series of stories highlighting each of this year’s seven outstanding winners. From innovation and leadership to community service and resilience, these Impact Award recipients are helping shape a stronger, more vibrant St. Thomas and Elgin County. Harris Flower Farm’s Janis Harris: An Inspirational Woman of the Year by Peri Hayes Local entrepreneur, Janis Harris, presents the background to her ongoing business: “Harris Flower Farm started in 2007, because I wanted to grow something to sell at the Horton Farmers’ Market in St. Thomas. My parents were organic produce vendors at the Market, and I was working as a licensed Optician -- but my farm roots were calling me back. I started with 3000 gladiolus bulbs that summer and sold them at the Market.” As Janis proceeds to proudly update, “Now our farm has eight acres of flowers in production, and has flowers blooming from March to November.” Alongside her partner, Mark Harris, their beloved business continues to blossom. Asked what excites this business owner about her esteemed service, Janis responds by highlighting the seasonality of the flowers on the property. Moreover, she details, “Designing
Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. Make your money work harder. To know how much you need to save, start by determining what you’ll need to spend in retirement. It all starts with a conversation. Make your money work harder. To know how much you need to save, start by determining what you’ll need to spend in retirement. It all starts with a conversation. Located at 42488 Ron McNeil Line in St. Thomas, the family- owned Harris Flower Farm is available on-site on Saturdays from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Their hours of operation during the Horton Farmers’ Market facilitated at 10 Manitoba Street is on Sundays from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. Those with interest are encouraged to utilize the contact details on the harrisflowerfarm. ca website, as well as explore this platform to discover further information about their array of fresh flowers cut with care. RRSPs/RRIFs • TFSAs • Estate and Financial Planning Service RRSPs/RRIFs • TFSAs • Estate and Financial Planning Service and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. locally grown flowers for weddings, events and sharing beautifully unique flowers with the community.” Recently, Janis was presented the “Inspirational Women of the Year Award” at the 2025 Impact Awards in April. Being recognized for her motivational drive, her leadership and beyond, she pensively expresses, “I feel very humbled. There are so many amazing women in our community, so I was surprised to be chosen.” Janis is looking forward to continuing celebrating her flourishing business, while forging meaningful connections with her community.
WALL-TO-WALL WINNER!
Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com
Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation.
Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com
Your local Sun Life Advisor for 23 years and counting. Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com
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*Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023.
*Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023.
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Michael L. Mo Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-774 michael.moore@s
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2025 St. Thomas & District Impact Award Winner
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