SYDNEY, N.S. — A Baddeck businessman has received a coveted award from the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia.
The 2019 lifetime achievement award was presented to Earl Timmons, 75, during a gala dinner on Dec. 3 in Halifax.
Timmons was recognized for his career spanning 43 years Cape Breton’s tourism industry.
“You do not have to do extraordinary things to succeed, you just have to do ordinary things extra well,” Timmons told young entrepreneurs in his acceptance speech.
Timmons began working in the industry in 1976 as co-publisher of the official tourist guide for Cape Breton.
His continued on to become co-owner of Cabotland, now known provincewide as The Red Barn Gift Shops & Restaurant.
Timmons also co-owns Baddeck Celtic Gifts & Tartans and is a former co-owner of the Silver Gull Gift Shop and Adventures East Campground & Cottages.
In addition to his longtime career, Timmons remained an active community member. He was appointed to both the Victoria County Tourism Advisory Council and the Victoria County Economic Development Committee.
An executive member of Royal Canadian Legion branch 53, Timmons also held positions of sergeant-at-arms, treasurer, vice-president and president. He also served as president of the Baddeck Sea Cadet Corp.
For seven years, Timmons served on the board of directors of Highland Credit Union and later East Coast Credit Union.
He was asked to sit on several provincial committees, including The Campground Owners Association of Nova Scotia, where he held roles of treasurer, vice-president and president.
“We do not volunteer or take a seat on a board or committee, or join a community organization, or a charitable organization for recognition,” Timmons told a crowd of 300 people who gave him a standing ovation.
“We do it to better our communities, better our industry and better the lives of those less fortunate.”
Several key staff members employed at the Red Barn joined Timmons in Halifax to celebrate the award with him.
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