Bill Durnford

Bill Durnford of Sault College was honoured as the Paul Dalseg Award recipient, sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce.

The Paul Dalseg Award recognizes a businessperson in Sault Ste. Marie who has demonstrated exemplary interest in the community, and in so doing, has made a major, outstanding and unique achievement or contribution to the life of the community.

It is intended to recognize the leadership and community-mindedness of businessmen and women.

To return to the main list of Chamber of Commerce award winners, please click here.

Here's what they said about Bill Durnford at Wednesday's award presentation:

******************* We are pleased to recognize Bill Durnford for his outstanding efforts, contributions, service and commitment to our community.

Having grown up in Northern Ontario and graduating from the Sault’s Sir James Dunn Collegiate and Vocational School, Bill went on to earn a Bachelor Degree from the University of Western Ontario.

Bill then spent 25 years in the hotel business and has spent many years as a volunteer and community advocate.

In the midst of his career in the hospitality industry, Bill had an opportunity to return to Sault Ste. Marie in 1998 with his family and wasted no time immersing himself in roles that would significantly contribute to our community.

He was a member of the Steering Committee to build the new Essar Centre, past director of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, founding chair of Tourism SSM, director of Searchmont Ski Resort, and in 2007 assumed the role of chair of the Sault Ste. Marie United Way campaign.

In 2010, Bill took on a new challenge, as associate director, advancement and alumni relations for Sault College.

His is an important role, as Sault College undergoes perhaps its most significant upgrades and investments since opening in 1965.

For offering direction, for leading and for inspiring our community, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Bill Durnford for his contributions and commitment to Sault Ste. Marie.

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