The Alexandra Clyde and District Business Group held its AGM last week (November 30) and handed out special awards to long serving members who had made significant contributions.

Approximately 30 members attended the event and shared drinks and nibbles after the meeting.

“The evening was a great success and it’s important to recognise local contributors to both business and the community,” group secretary Stu Millis said.

Leigh Lothian from Leigh’s fashion and homeware store was given an award for Excellence in Retailing for many years’ service on the occasion of her retirement and sale of her business. 

Bob Kilgour and Con Van der Voort both picked up awards for Services to Business and Community.

Bob was acknowledged for the role he played in bringing a second supermarket to Alexandra. 

Ninety-three-year-old Con earned his accolade for developing an extensive apple orchard on Earnscleugh road, complete with accommodation for workers on site. 

Con Van der Voort receives his award from Daphne Hull

The awards were presented by Daphne Hull, a former councillor and former deputy mayor well known locally for her role in driving the Central Otago Rail Trail.

Former Central Otago mayor Malcolm Macpherson had his lifetime achievement award presented the week earlier at his home.

Read more: Special award for former mayor

While the awards were the focus of the evening, the hot topic of discussion amongst the business group was the shortage of sections in the Alexandra area – residential, commercial and industrial, Stu said. 

“That will be an issue the Alexandra Clyde and District Business Group will be looking at in the New Year.”