Creemore Pizza Co named Business of the Year
Clearview Chamber of Commerce has named Creemore Pizza Co Business of the Year.
The honour was a welcome surprise for owner Lori Judzinski, who was not in attendance at Saturday’s awards ceremony but was presented a plaque Monday at the Stayner location by the Chamber’s administrative coordinator Katie Campbell.
The award recognizes remarkable accomplishments in terms of growth, sales, innovation, and leadership within their industry. Through exemplary business practices, the winner has effectively contributed to the community, generating interest and attention to Clearview.
“I’m honoured to finally be seeing the fruits of my labour,” said Judzinski, who has pizzerias in both Creemore and Stayner.
She opened the Creemore location in 2019.
“It was hard,” she said. “I put my blood, sweat and tears into it.”
When LaPizzeria went up for sale in Stayner, Judzinski saw an opportunity to find a larger base of pizza lovers.
“Opening this location was the icing on the cake,” she said.
She took over the business in August of 2022 and quietly opened in October.
The challenge was in figuring out how to manage two locations as a sole owner/operator.
Back then she was making all the dough herself in Creemore and delivering it to Stayner.
She had some help getting started but said the pieces really fell into place when she found Robert McEachern.
The McEachern family operated Freddy’s Pizza in Stayner in the 1980s where young Robert started making pizza when he was 12 years old.
He is now the manager of the Stayner location, giving Judzinski a little breathing space to think about business development.
“He is the heart and soul of this location,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without him and my great staff.”
Judzinski is committed to using quality ingredients, providing good customer service, and being community minded. She participates in programs to support youth mental health, those who can’t afford to eat out, and at Christmas donated vouchers for 20 free pizzas to local food banks.
The Clearview Chamber of Commerce hosted a crowd of 80 people for the Jan. 27 awards ceremony, held at the Stayner Community Centre, where many local businesses and individuals contributed to enhancing the festivities with food and drink, and other donations.
The Chamber received about 90 nominations in various categories.
“It sparked some excitement and some inspiration,” said Campbell. “It was some well deserved recognition for what they do and that is not unnoticed.”
Stayner based web developer and Chamber director Jiwon Khun, of Triple Dub Media, served as event chair.
He said the Chamber was very happy with the engagement with the awards program. The Chamber is expanding its reach and was pleased to see nominations coming in from
all of the communities that make up Clearview Township.
“Thank you to everyone who helped out, we couldn’t have done it without you,” said Khun, who made a splashy presentation to add to the theatrics of the evening.
Other awards were presented to:
New Business of the Year – Arizona Blues
The award acknowledges and celebrates the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of a business within its initial fiveyears, highlighting both its positive impact on the community and its notable achievements.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Rough Ride Automotive
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional entrepreneurial achievements of a business owner who is 30 years old or younger. This award is open to individuals who operate either a traditional brick-and-mortar business or a home-based business.
Grower of the Year – Rural Roots
The Grower of the Year Award recognizes a farm or nursery for its business leadership, robust commitment to sustainable practices, and contributions towards advancing agriculture in our community.
Industrial Excellence – A&D Bird Seed and Country Store
The Industrial Excellence Award is presented to a manufacturing, mining, brewery, or food production business that has demonstrated operational excellence and remarkable leadership in sustainability and environmental practices.
Food, Hospitality, and Tourism Excellence – Kitch’n Savvy
The Food, Hospitality, and Tourism Excellence Award is bestowed upon a restaurant, hospitality, or tourism establishment that has shown exceptional customer service and upholding the utmost standards of quality.
Best Presented – White Hill Home
The Best Presented Award will go to the Clearview business that has outstanding street appeal, customer environment and interior presentation of their business.
Contribution to the Arts Tierra – Hermosa Local Market
The Contribution to the Arts Award is bestowed upon a business, group, or individual that has demonstrated leadership in fostering and promoting the arts in Clearview.
Business Community Advocate – Jamie’s Main & Local
The Business Community Advocate Award is given to a business, group, or individual for their significant contribution to the Clearview business community. It recognizes their dedication to improving the local economy, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in the Clearview region, which benefits the entire community.
Trina Berlo photo: Clearview Chamber of Commerce administrative coordinator Katie Campbell (left) presents Creemore Pizza Co owner Lori Judzinski with the Business of the Year award, pictured with staffers Tony Burgess and Robert McEachern.
