“Nights like tonight are a good reminder of the talent and the hard work that exists within our community.”
That from Tyler Schroeder, President of the Morden Chamber of Commerce, Thursday evening as the organization celebrated business excellence at its 2025 gala event, adding it is a great honour and privilege to be able to celebrate and recognize the incredible entrepreneurship, talent, innovation, spirit, and community building.”
Tyler Schroeder
“The passion that our business owners have for what they do, for their customers, and for the community. It’s pretty easy to feel excited during an event like this and feel very proud of the people and the businesses that exist here.”
Business Excellence
Taking home the Business Excellence award was The Brick.
For co-owner Randy Unger, remaining in the community all these years is a source of pride.
While he believes the store is a destination that people are willing to travel to, he says there’s another reason for their success.
“With our staff being as good as they are, people enjoy coming to see them,” said Unger. “People enjoy coming to see them and, just the rapport that they build with their customers, keeps them coming back. I really do believe the staff are the main draw, not just the name The Brick.”
Randy and Marlene
Co-owner, Marlene Lindal, had this to add.
“I’ve only been on the sidelines. Randy is the true heart and soul of that business,” she said emotionally. “He works very, very hard, and he is humble and kind and a good man. He deserves all of this.”
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Community Builder: Individual
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house James Steedsman was recognized Individual Community Builder at Thursday’s gala.
Schroeder says it was very easy to select Steedsman for the award, citing his decades of giving back to the community.
“The original general manager of Giant Tiger that brought in the store well over a decade ago. Through his leadership, we’ve seen Giant Tiger contribute to this community over and over again by supporting events, community-based teams and organizations all because of James Steedsman and his big heart,” said Schroeder. “James is a person who turns empathy into action all day, every day and it was our honour to recognize him for his hard work and his big heart.”
A photo of Steedsman’s video message
Steedsman is quite ill and was unable to make the evening, but did submit a video message, which prompted a standing ovation from the crowd.
You can check out photos from the gala event in the gallery below.
With files from Robyn Wiebe