Tricia Marshall learned the importance of volunteering from her parents at a young age.

She was 12 years old when she volunteered as a cook at a Boy Scout camp before becoming a candy striper at a hospital.

Marshall now sits on the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce board.

She doesn't volunteer for rewards or accolades, but because "it's something that people have to do for their community."

Marshall was awarded the Mary Ellen Horner Memorial Award at the 113th annual chamber of commerce general meeting and gala at the Best Western, Friday evening.

Marshall, who works as a marketing manager for Ontario Northland, received the award because "she was an instrumental chairwoman of the government affairs committee, assisted in programs like the Accessibility Act for business, Meet the Candidates Night in the provincial election and the federal partnership for the new regulations with passports."

"Volunteering is fulfilling. Both of my parents volunteered so it just came naturally," Marshall said, following the awards ceremony. The Nugget Business of the Year Award was given to Canadian Tire, recognizing its 30,000-square-foot expansion valued at more than $3 million. It's now one of the largest stores in Canada.

The business was also recognized for its community involvement, including sponsoring the North Bay Food Bank, the North Bay Skyhawks, the Capitol Centre, Gateway Theatre Guild, local children's sports teams and their $250,000 pledge to the North Bay Regional Health Centre and to the Learning Library Project.

Store owner Paul Lamont accepted the award.

Nipissing University and Canadore College Small Business of the Year Award was given to Euphoria Smoothies and the Betty Alcorn Memorial Award was presented to chamber director Sean Lawlor.