Jane Sawyer Wins 2026 James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award

Cobourg, ON (February 11, 2026) – The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are pleased to announce Jane Sawyer of Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club as the recipient of this year’s James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award.

The James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award is proudly sponsored by Alliance Security Systems and Compton’s Telecommunications and will be presented at the Business Achievement Awards on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Best Western PLUS Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre.

Jane has played a key role in enhancing the visitor experience at Grafton’s Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club by increasing the site availability and access for popular weekend stays through the expansion of the campground facilities at Shelter Valley Park.

“I’m honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of my late husband, Steve Sawyer, an entrepreneur who worked so hard to build and grow Shelter Valley Park and Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club,” said Jane Sawyer. “I would also like to share this award with all the self-employed and small business owners who have dedicated their lives to provide services that strengthen and enrich our community.”

Jane and Steve led the creation of the original nine-hole Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club, which through strategic reinvestment and continuous improvement was expanded into the full 18-hole course standing today and has become one of the leading tourism drivers.

“Congratulations to Jane! A well-deserving winner of this year’s James Crossen Award. Jane demonstrates the spirit of the James Crossen Award every day. Her pride, innovation, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to continuous growth have had a lasting impact on tourism, employment, and regional community vitality,” says Business Achievement Award Co-Chair Tanya Colford.

The James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the business community. The award is named after James Crossen, founder of Cobourg Car Works and one of Cobourg’s earliest and most successful entrepreneurs.

The official presentation for the James Crossen Award will be made at the Business Achievement Awards on Friday, March 27, at the Best Western PLUS Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre and will feature Scott McCracken as the Master of Ceremony.

Support the Business Achievement Awards
Show your local business and community support by purchasing your ticket to the 2026 Business Achievement Awards. Tickets are each $100+ HST and available online at www.nccofc.ca. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.