Petland Inc. (Chillicothe, Ohio) recognized outstanding stores and employees during its 2008 trade show, held July 26-29 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill.

Winners included:

• Store of the year, over 5,000 square feet: Jim and Donna Taylor of Sarasota, Fla.
• Store of the year, less than 5,000 square feet: Sherie McCormack of Strongsville, Ohio.
• International store of the year: Kevin and Judy Chaben of Kamloops, British Columbia. They won the same award in 2003.
• Vanguard Awards for excellence in first-year operation: Robert Church of Calgary, Alberta; Jeff Lauzon of Viera, Fla.; Mike Isaac and Adam Stachowiak of Naperville, Ill.; and Jessica Rook of Springfield, Mo.
• Nicholas Alexander Progress Awards for showing the most improvement or dedication to progress: Allan and Maria Draper of Lethbridge, Alberta; Bill Mitchell of Round Lake Beach, Ill.; and Jennifer Ferency and Lena Bradbury of Terre Haute, Ind.
• Quest Awards for the development of community service programs: Donna and Darcy Howen of Rockford, Ill.; and Jeff Frankel of Cicero, N.Y.

Shea King of Iowa City, Iowa, was named general manager of the year. Vickie Thomas of Rockford, Ill., was sales manager of the year. Lilly Kosat of Naperville, Ill., was kennel manager of the year. Yainnis Elia of Fairfax, Va., was fish department manager of the year. Joanna Igo of Sarasota, Fla., was inventory control manager of the year. Holly Gilbert of Columbus, Ohio, was pet counselor of the year.

our franchisees were honored for demonstrating longevity and success: Robert and Barbara Brissette of Petland Canada Inc. (Winnipeg, Manitoba); Bob and Pat Williams of Terre Haute, Ind.; Dwight and Cathy Burk of Ashland, Ky., and South Point, Ohio; and Tom and Patty Donovan of Columbus, Ohio.  [October 2008 PET AGE]