Rick and Ron Bonnycastle of Castle Rock Enterprises Inc. have won the Business Person of the Year award from the Yukon Chamber of Commerce.

"This is a company that has literally been in the trenches," chamber chair Michael Brandt said in presenting the award Dec. 18.

"They have been in business since 1997 as sewer and water contractors, they've seen sales quadruple and have expanded from 10 to more than 30 employees.

"It should also be noted that more than 40 per cent of their crew are Yukon first nations people, a statistic they are very proud of."

In June 2006, Castle Rock was one of the first companies in the territory to become COR certified.

It also plays an important role in the community as sponsors of Whitehorse Minor Hockey, Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, the annual Lions Club Golf Tournament and as a Northern Lights sponsor of Canada Winter Games.

"This is testament to the leadership provided by the principals of this company," Brandt said.

The award was accepted by Rick Bonnycastle.

"I would personally like to thank my son, Ron, for all his hard work, vision and commitment he has put into our company," Rick said.

"There is no other partner in the world I would like to share this award with, other than my son. We would like to thank our families for supporting us through all the hard times and the good.

"And we would like to thank the families of all our employees who put up with our summers of 16-hour days, seven days a week, with the odd family vacation thrown in around January. We are proud to be Yukoners and we are humbled to receive this award."

The chamber's award for Exporter of the Year went to Yukon Brewing Co. Ltd., also in business in the Yukon since 1997.

That award, co-sponsored by the territorial Department of Economic Development, was presented by deputy minister Harvey Brooks. Yukon Brewing products are exported to Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Its marketing efforts often include other Yukon partners that build on and enhance the Yukon brand, Brandt noted.

As well, Yukon Brewing's products are a popular staple at Yukon-oriented events held outside the territory.

Company president Bob Baxter offered a special thanks for the award to the many Yukoners who have contributed to the success of its products in the local market.

The chamber has recognized outstanding members of Yukon's business community in a variety of categories for 23 years.