BROCKVILLE CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2026 LIFETIME BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Mr. Kevin Beattie as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Business Achievement Award. Previous recipients included: Shelley Bacon, George Tackaberry, 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 review and assessment of multiple criteria including community involvement, mentorship, economic impact, job creation, volunteerism, longevity, and personal/corporate generosity.

Born in Brockville, Kevin’s early years were shaped by life across Canada before his family returned in 1978, when his father and uncle purchased Bushfield Motors, the local Chrysler dealership. A graduate of Thousand Islands Secondary School—where he served as Head Boy—Kevin went on to complete undergraduate and graduate studies at Kingswood University and Tyndale University, with further doctoral work at Gordon-Conwell in North Carolina.

Kevin’s professional journey began in ministry, where he spent more than two decades serving in leadership roles in Ottawa, with the Toronto Argonauts as a chaplain, and with Youth for Christ/Youth Unlimited. As Executive Director for Eastern Ontario, he grew the organization from a single part-time staff member to a regional team of more than 10. He later served at the national level, including time as Acting National Director.

In 2006, Kevin returned to Brockville to join the family business, Beattie Dodge Jeep. He purchased his uncle’s share in 2011 and his fathers in 2017, establishing a partnership with Steve Latimer and continuing the dealership’s legacy as a trusted local employer and community supporter.

Beyond business, Kevin’s commitment to Brockville is evident in his extensive volunteerism and leadership. He has coached multiple sports, led the Brockville Blazers as president—guiding the amalgamation of boys’ and girls’ programs into a unified organization—and officiated basketball at elite levels, including provincial championships and five OFSAA tournaments. An accomplished golfer, he has won multiple club championships, a city championship, and regional titles, and has represented Canada internationally.

Kevin has also served the community through roles with the Downtown Brockville Improvement Area, the Brockville Country Club, the City of Brockville’s Economic Development team, Central Canadian Wesleyan Church, Silver Lake Camp, and the Canadian Senior Golf Association.

Known for his collaborative leadership style, Kevin is widely respected for mentoring emerging leaders and helping build strong teams across organizations and initiatives. He and his wife Eva have long supported individuals and families through community and faith-based programs, quietly shaping the next generation of leaders.

Kevin and Eva have been married for 36 years and raised their four children—Michal, Dawson, Rebekah, and Harrison—in Brockville. Today, their growing family includes three grandchildren. Kevin often notes that his faith and his family remain the foundation of his life and the motivation behind his commitment to community.

The Lifetime Business Achievement Award recognizes not only Kevin Beattie’s professional accomplishments, but also his enduring influence on Brockville through leadership, mentorship, and service.

The 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation proudly sponsors this award every year and plays a key role in selecting the recipient. Executive Director Trish McNamara extended her heartfelt congratulations, stating, “Kevin Beattie exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and heart. Whether through decades of community service, mentoring emerging leaders, building strong teams, or guiding a local business that supports our regional economy, Kevin’s impact on Brockville and the surrounding area has been both profound and lasting. His commitment to faith, family, and community shines through in everything he does. We are proud to recognize Kevin as this year’s recipient and celebrate the countless ways he continues to strengthen our community.”

Mr. Kevin Beattie will be celebrated during a special ceremony following the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting at the Brockville Country Club on Thursday, March 26th.

Stay tuned as we will be announcing the recipient 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 weeks.

Those interested in attending can RSVP at the Chamber of Commerce website www.brockvillechamber.com or call 613-342-6553 by March 13th.