Peter Istvan Photography Wins President’s Choice Award in Parry Sound
On September 22, 2023, the Parry Sound business community gathered on the Island Queen to celebrate the annual Business Excellence Awards, hosted by the Parry Sound and Area Chamber of Commerce. It was an evening focused on the people behind local businesses, the work they do, and the role they play in shaping the community.
That evening, Peter Istvan Photography was named the recipient of the President’s Choice Award. The award recognizes a chamber member who has shown consistent support for the local business community through participation, advocacy, and long-standing involvement.
This is not an award based on a single project or a single year. It reflects a pattern of showing up, contributing, and staying involved over time. For a small business in a place like Parry Sound, that kind of recognition carries weight.
What the Award Represents
The President’s Choice Award is selected by the Chamber Board President and is given to a business that reflects the values of the organization. It speaks to how a business operates within the community, not just what it produces.
In announcing the award, Board Chair Gail Burrows said:
“Well deserved. You have been a long time supporter for business in multiple roles, volunteer efforts, and personal involvement. I can’t think of a better individual that reflects the Chamber’s philosophy of Connect, Learn, and Advocate.”
That statement captures what the award is really about. It is not just recognition of a business, but recognition of how that business participates in the broader community.
Photography and Community
Photography, on its own, is a service. But in a small community, it often becomes something more. It becomes part of how people present themselves, how businesses show up, and how stories are documented over time.
Through Peter Istvan Photography, the focus has always been on people. Headshots, portraits, and branding work are all part of that, but so is the ongoing involvement in local initiatives, business organizations, and community projects.
Projects like the People of Parry Sound are an extension of that same idea. They are built on the belief that a community is shaped by the people in it, and that those stories are worth documenting.
A Local Business in Context
Parry Sound is not a large market. That changes how business works. Relationships matter. Reputation builds slowly. Consistency matters more than scale.
This award reflects that reality. It recognizes a business that has stayed involved, supported others, and contributed to the local business environment over time.
For Peter Istvan Photography, the work continues to focus on helping individuals and businesses present themselves clearly and professionally, whether through studio sessions or on-location work across Parry Sound, Muskoka, Sudbury, North Bay, Barrie, and Toronto.
If you are considering updating your headshot or need portraits for your business, you can view details on pricing and sessions here.
The full list of award winners from the 2023 Business Excellence Awards can be found through local coverage and Chamber communications.
All event images are credited to Thom Morrissey Photography.
Related business profiles:
- Kathleen McGill | Therapist Serving Parry Sound and Muskoka
- Nicole Boyd | Parry Sound Real Estate
- Wood and Heart Design
- Kaila Stevenson, Sound Wealth Financial
- Pamela Newall, Officer of the Order of Canada
