Brockville Chamber Announces George Tackaberry Recipient of 2024 Lifetime Business Achievement Award

Brockville – The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Mr. George Tackaberry as the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Business Achievement Award. Previous recipients include Larry VanderBaaren, Joe Hudson, Paul Fournier, Hunter Grant, Gord Brown, David Beatty, Bob Runciman, Al Smith, Dave Sheridan, Don Green, Sherri Simzer, John & Steve Mazurek, and Dave Jones.

This award is sponsored annually by the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation. Recipients are chosen by an independent committee of judges following a review and assessment of multiple criteria including community involvement, mentorship, economic impact, job creation, volunteerism, longevity, and personal/corporate generosity.

Mr. Tackaberry is a highly successful entrepreneur, widely respected philanthropist, and decades-long community leader. Most prominently known as the founder and President of G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Company Limited, Mr. Tackaberry has devoted himself to improving the lives of others through his professional and personal endeavours.

Mr. Tackaberry launched the company in 1957 and it has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving enterprise providing fast, efficient, quality work for municipal, commercial, and residential clients. It operates dozens of sites throughout Eastern Ontario and employs 100 full-time plus 200 seasonal workers, many of whom have been with the company for several decades.

Through the years, G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction has donated to countless community groups, offering significant financial and in-kind contributions. Recently, the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville announced that the Maple View Landings Redevelopment Project in Athens will be named the G. Tackaberry and Family Home following a donation of $500,000 from Mr. Tackaberry and his family.

The Tackaberry family was also celebrated when the Brockville municipal airport was renamed the Brockville – 1000 Islands Regional Tackaberry Airport following the donation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in materials, time, and money to extend the airport’s runway to 4500 feet in order to accommodate larger aircraft.

Other examples of generosity from Mr. Tackaberry include major donations to Brockville General Hospital, Gord Brown Memorial Outdoor Rink, and Leeds & Grenville United Way.

The family is also very proud to support dozens of charities, service clubs, schools, parks, community gardens and youth athletic teams. Among these is the Athens Lions Club presentation of the annual Steam Exhibition. Company equipment and personnel are actively involved in preparing grounds and presenting displays. Additionally, the company frequently supplies floats and trucks for local parades and Mr. Tackaberry’s sizeable antique truck collection, one of the most prominent in the world, can be seen on display at events throughout the area.

Included among the many community, business and individual accolades received by Mr. Tackaberry are the Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce Industry of the Year Award (2001), the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley Business of the Year Award (2001) and the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Bill Thake Memorial Community Development Award (2015).

Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce President, Mr. Steve Latimer, expressed his appreciation by noting that “Mr. Tackaberry is widely known and universally respected throughout our entire region. We are very grateful for the generosity he and his family have shown to so many in need.”

The 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation sponsors this award annually and is actively involved in the recipient selection process. Executive Director, Mr. Tom Russell, offered his congratulations. “Mr. Tackaberry has always been kind, generous and humble. He’s a true gentleman, and it’s a real privilege to honour him in this way. Few have done more for our community than George and his family.”

Mr. Tackaberry will be celebrated during a special ceremony following the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting at the Brockville Country Club on Wednesday, March 27th.

This year will also see the inaugural presentation of the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award to recognize lifelong volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the community. Sponsors of this award are the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and the Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence Rideau. Details to follow in the coming week.

Those interested in attending can RSVP at the Chamber of Commerce website www.brockvillechamber.com or call 613-342-6553 by March 18th.