The Morris and District Chamber of Commerce handed out awards to some deserving people last month.

Among the winners is Matt Schulz of Schulz Plumbing & Heating.

Ed Voth, Tourism Coordinator for the chamber, said Schulz took home the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

"He started the business basically from scratch," said Voth. "We need more young people that will take on these risks and see the opportunities, and he has done that."

Not only did Schulz start a business, but he has also purchased lots, renovated them, and sold buildings to other entrepreneurs and businesses multiple times.

"It's almost an unheard of type of story these days," said Voth, adding he can't wait to see what else Schulz accomplishes in the next 20 years.

The 2017 Volunteer of the Year award went to Larry and Audrey McCrady, who Voth said can always be seen taking part in community events.

The couple even open their home to curlers who come to town for the DEKALB Superspiel. They are on the museum board, and take part in the Love Morris project and spring flower planting program.

"They're just those types of people that set an example, and you always see them. You see them in the curling club, you see them on the golf course, you just see them wherever you go, and they really deserve this type of an award."

Voth added he spotted Larry McCrady's truck last fall, and sure enough McCrady was cleaning and trimming the trees around the museum. "I'm thinking, that's quite amazing," said Voth.

Volunteers and long-time residents of Morris, Larry and Audrey McCrady

The award for Business of the Year went to Home Hardware, and was accepted by manager Jacques Bouchard.

Voth noted Home Hardware built a brand new building and joined it with the old ones, and is now easier to access from the street.

"Then they saw another opportunity where the local (Bell) MTS dealership was partnered with another business, and that business closed because the gentleman was retiring," said Voth.

Voth said the transition was seamless and that the service provider is a great addition to the hardware store. He said the business also stayed open on Christmas Eve so last-minute shoppers could shop local.

Morris Home Hardware store manager Jacques Bouchard

The award for Community Contribution was taken home by Keith and Kathy Corbel, co-owners of the Morris Tim Hortons.

This was due to their community support through Smile Cookie, which helped fund the splash park, and donations to many other events such as Love Morris and DEKALB Superspiel.

"They also introduced the Tim Hortons Timbits Soccer program," said Voth, noting 60 children received jerseys, shorts, socks and a soccer ball.

Voth believes their generous contributions raise the morale of the community.

Morris Tim Hortons owners brother and sister, Keith and Kathy Corbel