An Oxford business is recognized by the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce at their Gala Awards Dinner.
The “Who’s Who” of the business community in Cumberland County came together on October 22nd to give recognition to its members. Local entrepreneurs and business owners were nominated across several categories, with a select few walking away with awards in hand.
Oxford’s “Big B Variety“, located on Lower Main Street, was recognized as “Start-Up Business of the Year”. Owners Brendon and Anna Boyd purchased the variety store in February 2025, investing in renovations that transformed the familiar one-stop shop. Brendon says there’s much more to come, with the addition of a licensed, seated eatery with a small stage to complement the existing grocery, ice cream, and hot meal offerings.
Apart from the nearby residents, the store sees many clients among shift workers stopping in for premade meals to kids walking over from the Oxford Regional Educational Centre (OREC) for hot lunches. Brendon plans a bit of a rebranding in the near future, as “Big B’s Bistro” is launched in the coming months.
The Gala Awards dinner was held at the eastlink Wild Blueberry Centre, a great venue for exactly these kinds of gatherings. Chamber Executive Director Randy Thompson was the man behind the scenes, while Economic Development Officer Sylvia Day of the Municipality of Cumberland County served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Chamber President Keith Thompson and past President Bill Dowe offered brief remarks to attendees. Also on hand to speak were Municipality of Cumberland County Mayor Rod Gilroy and Amherst Mayor Rob Small. Oxford Mayor Greg Henley and members of Oxford Town Council also attended, including Deputy Mayor Chrystal McNutt, Councillors Paul Jones and Carla Black, CAO Linda Cloney, and Manager of Finance, RuthAnn Brookins.
Other award winners at the Chamber’s Gala event were:
Business of the Year (<10 employees): Amherst PharmaChoice
Business of the Year (>10 employees): Axtion Independence Mobility, Inc.
Exporter of the Year: Carter’s Sports Cresting
Town of Amherst Community Support & Service Award: Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Cumberland County Community Support & Service Award: Postech County Line
Brendon Boyd, Big B’s Variety
