MANDEVILLE, Manchester – Twelve companies, including the Jamaica Observer, walked away winners at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet recently.

The newspaper was recognised in the media category for its coverage in the parish, Sagicor Bank for financial services, Manchester Co-operative Credit Union for customer service, International University of the Caribbean for education, Christiana Pharmacy and Book Centre for family business, Eco Farms Jamaica for entrepreneurship, Pickapeppa Company Limited for production and development, Wigton Windfarm for technology, Dalton Wint of the Manchester Football Association for sports, Jamaica National Building Society for being visionary, and the Jamaica Standard Products-organised High Mountain Coffee 10K & 5K Road Race for community impact.

Three Angels Pharmacy, which is in its 11th year serving the community, copped the top award as Business of the Year.

Referring to information outlined in the Manchester Local Sustainable Development Plan, general manager of Jamaica National Building Society and guest speaker Earl Jarrett told the audience that Manchester has experienced one of the highest growth rates in Jamaica as the population continues to expand, influenced by returning residents and migrants from other parishes.

He said that as Manchester moves forward as a young parish, visualising how the future will be is very important.

“Manchester must effectively visualise the parish of the future and work hard at making it happen,” Jarrett said, adding that excellence in business is a key component of growth and development.

– Alicia Sutherland