OAKVILLE, ON, May 29, 2012 - The Halifax Seed Company of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the proud recipient of the Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement award (FEYA) for 2012 presented by the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) at a well-attended gala dinner held at the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa Friday evening.

Established in 1866, The Halifax Seed Company is Canada’s oldest continually operating seed company and one of the oldest businesses in the Maritimes, currently owned and operated by the 3rd generation of the Tregunno family.  FEYA gala attendees were treated to a fascinating presentation on the history of Halifax Seed delivered by 4th generation family members Emily, Alison and Fraser.  The gala evening also included presentations by The Collins Family of Companies from London, ON and Label Innovation Inc. of Ottawa, ON, both finalists for the FEYA award.

“Halifax Seed is honoured to be the recipient of CAFE’s 2012 FEYA Award. We were in great company with the other finalists, Label Innovation Inc. and The Collins Family of Companies and feel proud to be a part of such an elite list of Canadian Family Businesses,” said Emily Tregunno of Halifax Seed. “This achievement validates the risks and sacrifices that our previous  generations of owners took for the betterment of their families, staff and the communities they    live in.”

Established in 1986, the Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award (FEYA) is given  annually by CAFE to recognize, celebrate and promote the achievements of Canadian family businesses and the considerable contribution they make to both their local communities            and our national economy. Prior recipients of this prestigious award include both larger companies such as E.D. Smith & Sons Ltd. and Rogers Communications and smaller  companies such as Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company and the Saskatoon Funeral Home.   BMO Harris Private Banking is presenting sponsor of the 2012 FEYA program, with support from sponsors Tony Graham Automotive Group, Ferguslea Properties Ltd, BDO SuccessCare Program and Canadian Capital magazine.

“The FEYA finalists shared inspirational family stories and have embraced the unique opportunities and challenges facing family owned businesses. On behalf of BMO Harris Private Banking, I’m pleased to congratulate the team of The Halifax Seed Company and applaud their passion and commitment to family and business," Dave Patel, Director, Wealth Planning , BMO Harris Private Banking.

Congratulations to the 2012 FEYA Award finalists:

Label Innovation Inc. - In 1989, Clive and Nancy Ozard purchased The Label Centre Ltd., a small local printer that focused on manufacturing labels for grocery, stationary and retail applications. The family business has expanded and evolved well beyond label production and now offers a range of pproducts including components for blood analysis equipment, disposable medical devices, ECG electrodes, foam cushions, double sided tapes and adhesive braziers.  The company serves both Canada and American markets with manufacturing centered in Ottawa with sales offices in Ottawa and Toronto.

The Collin’s Family of Companies - Randy and Audrey Collins founded Hully Gully in 1971 on their farm near Varna, Ontario selling snowmobiles.  After 40 years of “turning dreams into reality and providing peace of mind service” to thousands of customers, the Collins Family of Companies is located in London, Ontario with 90 employees including 9 family members and gross sales of over $35 million. Hully Gully The Ultimate Toy Store provides sales, service, parts and accessories for motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles and power equipment from its main 25,000 square foot showroom.