Ernst & Young LLP and the Murray Premises Boutique Hotel were recognized at the annual St. John’s Board of Trade 2004 Business Achievement and Business Excellence Awards. On December 1 the Board of Trade announced the winners of this year’s prestigious awards. Ernst & Young LLP was presented with the Contribution to Community & Community Service award. The Murray Premises was presented with the New Start-Up award.

The Contribution to Community & Community Service Award recognizes the company that make an outstanding contribution to area charities or community projects through donations of time or service, or providing financial support.

Community service is part of Ernst & Young’s culture, and all members of their staff, regardless of their level, are encouraged to participate in community activities. To further support this, staff are provided with up to 3 personal paid days off, over and above their normal paid vacation time, which can be used for volunteering. It is estimated that their over 50 staff have contributed in excess of 10,000 hours to volunteer activities in the past year. Their numerous community and professional initiatives include Rotary Club, Duck’s Unlimited Canada, Junior Achievement and Run for the Cure.

For more information on Ernst & yOung LLP visit them at www.ey.com/ca

The New Start-Up Award recognizes a business venture that has demonstrated outstanding growth and/or success in its first three years of operation.

Murray Premises Hotel has demonstrated an outstanding ability to succeed in the hospitality industry during its first three years of operation. The Hotel has enjoyed tremendous success in a limited and very competitive marketplace. The owner of the hotel, Bill Mahoney, decided that the backbone of the company would be based on consistently delivering on its promise of providing extraordinary services to each and every guest. The first full year of operations provided a base of revenue that gave the assurance the Hotel was a good product and was headed down a successful path. The second year provided a revenue increase over year one of 64%. Year three yielded an increase of 20% over the previous year. These year-over-year increases were more than forecasted, and the outlook going forward is very positive.

For more information on the Murray Premises Hotel visit them online at www.murraypremiseshotel.com

Excerpt taken from the St. John’s Board of Trade Business News December 2004