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4-The Canadian Champion, Fridlay April il, 2003 BvSHatjçrd wor k as f frbusiness award nominees When the Milton COmmunity Awards began more than 30 years ago, the focus was quite different from what it is today. The awards - started by the Royal Canadian Legion in Milton - recognized citizens of thse year, as they do today, but that was about it. When thse Milton Chamber of Commerce took over the awards in 1981, various business case- gories were added, mncluding two Business of thse Year awards. "We felt it was more focused to the cbangmng community," said Sandy Martin, executive direc- tor of thse Milton Chamber of Commerce. Ts year, there are three nominees for the Business of thse Year with 25 employees and less category: M. Putzer Homby Nursery, Prothane Liiied and Taylor Nursery/Lawton Landscaping. The wmnner wilI be chosen by the Chamber of Commerce selection commissee and announced as ils gala tomorrow nighs ai Granite Ridge Golf Club. The purpose of the gala evening, Ms Martin sald, is to recognize Milton's businesses and vol- unteers. "TIey're the individuals that make the dif- Mi. Putzer Hornby Nursery Tbirsy years ago, John Putzer and his wife, Mary, started a nursery at 7314 Sixtb Line. The plan was to grow larger-sized trees for their land- scape company, and tbe nursery quickly expanded msto what it is today. M. Putzer Homby Nursery is now a wholesale nursery seing everyshing from trees to abruba to perennials. The key to thse nursery's success is simple, Mr. Putzer said: bard work. "To be succesaful in any enserprise, you mus love what you're doing and be willing to work bard for it." The nursery emplnys 50 seasonal and 15 full- time employees. "Personally, 1 like the spring, walking tbrough tIse rows of plants alI budding out and bloomning," Mr. Putzer said. .Prothane Limited Prohane Limited bas been in Milton since 1976. The company makes polyuretbane parts for every- tbing from vehicles to aircraft to macbine tools. "We bave a good reputation and ges lots of refer- rais," sad Maureen Flight, Protbane's vice presi- dent and one of thse owners. "We'll try almost any- ting in polyuretbane." The company bas about 10 employees. N!, -iglits aid, .sdding thas because ïCs a smafl company, eacb worker gels so do different taskçs instead of bemng stuck with one. "I've always enjoyed working bere." In November, Prothane settled into ils new premises on Esquesing Lune. "We fmnally bave our own propersy," Ms Fligbt said. Taylor Nursery/Lawton Landscaping Taylor Nursery, as 7429 Fifth Line, opened 15 years ago as a division of Lawton Landscapmng, wbicb started 28 years ago. Philip Lawton owns tIse company witb bis wife, Barbara, and tbeir son looks after Lawton Landscaping, wbicb is primari- ly landacape maintenance. Their daugbter also works with thse company.' Mr. Lawton said be's bonoured to be nominated and suspects it's because of Isow customers are treated."'flhe customer always comes first. People are very hsappy with the service." Meeting different people on a regular basis is definisely thse best part of the job, Mr. Lawton said, along witb belping and educating customers. Tbere are 15 full and part-time employeca in thse summer as Taylor Nursery. Stephanie Thiessen can be reached ai stise@ itnaainhmincm Landsandng's Phiip Lawoo Pool OpeninggSeminarool TrouM. Putzer Hornby Nursery's and ExpeiencJohnolPuwner bulous one night only speciais. Um*A ale "WM" Prothane Limited's Maureen Flight