Jim Hilsinger of Algoma's Water Tower Inn

Jim Hilsinger of Algoma's Water Tower Inn is the winner of the 2009 Paul Dalseg Award, 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 read profiles of other 2009 winners, please click here.

Here's what they said about Jim Hilsinger at yesterday's award presentation:

************************ We are pleased to recognize Jim Hilsinger for his outstanding efforts, contributions, service and commitment to our community as well as issues with international and global scope.

Jim has maintained a reputation as a well-know and respected local business person for more than 45 years.

It was 1961 when he opened one of his first, highly visible local ventures, J.J.’s Hacienda Drive Inn, later to become J.J.’s Kentucky Fried Chicken on Great Northern Road.

This was followed in 1974 with the opening of the Water Tower Inn, now a land-mark local hotel.

From 1985 to 2000, Jim also owned and managed Searchmont Resort and was instrumental in developing and expanding the resort. Jim’s commitment to his businesses has been paralleled by his interest and commitment to the community.

Kiwanis, Sault Area Hospital and the Cat Scan fundraiser, Hospitality and Travel, Sault Ste. Marie (HATS), SSM Economic Development Board, Cross Country Algoma, among many other agencies have all benefited from either his support, insights or fundraising efforts.

More recently, his interests have taken a more global turn.

His 2007 Silk Route bicycle Trek was tied into efforts to help raise awareness about global warming, while his 11,500-kilometre cycling tour of Africa helped raise funds and awareness for the Algoma Regional Cancer Centre and the Stephen Lewis Foundation for AIDS in Africa. Jim’s natural competitiveness and interest in sports, recreation and the outdoors led him to establish the Algoma’s Water Tower Inn Trailhead program, positioning the hotel as a natural meeting place for those with a shared interest and love of outdoor recreation and as the base for exploring the Great Lakes Heritage Coast. Please join me in saying thank you to Jim Hilsinger for his strong dedication and valuable contributions to a variety of worthwhile and important causes.

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