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The Canadiani Champion, Frlday, Marh 31, 200 - 5 Big businesses honoured for community spirit By LISA CARTWRIGHT The Champion Citizens honoured three local businesses recently by nominating themn for the Milton Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award. The award is for companies that employ 26 or more people and the nominees include Loblaws Milton Market, Derlan Acrospace Canada and Menitor Suspension Systems Company. It shows that they (residents) recognize what we toi to do for the community," said Mark Richards, atore manager tor Loblaws. David Fisher, director of new programs at Derlan Aeroapace Canada, agreed. "Ifs alwaya a pleasure to have your suc- ceases recognized hy the community," Mr. Fisher said. "It's a confirmation of our place in the community,' said John Gatea, plant man- ager of Menitor Suspenaions Systema Company. Loblaws supporta communitY Loblaws has been in Milton since 1998. The company providea a one-stop shop- ping experience, as well as a one-hour photo lab, an in-house dry cleaner, a wine ahop, a travel company and more. Supporting the community is important to Loblaws, Mr. Richards said. He said the store participates in a num- ber of fundraiaing events including the Community BBQ Pmogram. Loblaws sup- plies everything people need for a barbe- cue and thse proceeda go directly to the organization. Loblaws is also the main sponsor of the E.C. Drssry High School breakfast programn. Mr. Richards said Loblaws aponsora teamas, offers cooking classes and orga- nizes group tours thrtsugh ils facilities. And Loblaws gels involved because it's a part of the community, he said. Derlan einploys Miltonians Derlan Aerospace Canada has been in Milton for the ast six years producing gears and drive gear boxes for aircrafts and helicopters. The Canadisn company lista General Electric and Westland Helicopters of the United Kingdom as some of its clienls. Registered on the Canadian Stock Market, Derlan is a supporter of the Milton Chamber of Commerce and employa local people, Mr. Fisher aaid. Menitor vital to United Way Menitor was established in Milton in 1954. The company manufacturera coil apringa for the automotive industsy. The company is the largest industrial sponsor to the Milton United Way, donat- ing on average about $30,000 a year. It doca this by corporate donations, as well as payroll deductions and evenls hoat- ed by employees, Mr. Gates said. "We see the United Way as a diverse way to support the moat interesta within the community." In addition, the company sponsors sports teama including the Merchants and the Milton Minor Bail Association. Every year, Menitor hoals the Engineer challenge for grade 8 studenls. Studenls are given a problem and the group that comes up with the beat solution wins a prize for their achool. McMaster University has also recived Uic financial and technical support of Menitor. Thse uni- versity produces a show that visils differ- entsachools generating intereat in engineer- ing. Mr. Gales said it's Uic dedication of aIl ils employeca that makes the conspsny successfuL. The award winner will be announced during a gala evening April 8 at Granite Ridge Golf Club. ____________________mark Richardse, manager of MeMrle John Gates, plant manager, and Terry Nova, Lobiaws Mliton Makays the maintenance manager, show one of the coîl aprInga tlsat store le commltted to helping the the Milton-based company manufactures. community.