A turbulent year of trials and triumphs has ended on a high note for city businessman Daryl Bennett.

The owner of the Liftlock Group of Companies, which includes Liftlock Coach Lines and Capitol Taxi, was named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce last night.

The honour came on the heels of his removal from the Trent University board of governors in June.

"It was a low, to be removed from Trent, as I felt, without a good reason," said Bennett last night. "But then to be honoured by the community for going above and beyond - I feel both humbled and honoured."

Bennett said he felt especially gratified to be chosen in a year marked by momentous successes and tragedies, "from the 100th anniversary of the Liftlock to the 100-year storm."

"Obviously this is a community full of worthy citizens - 100 people could have earned this award this year... We could have given them out weekly," he said.

Bennett received his award last night at the inaugural Peterborough Business Excellence Awards, which also recognized 15 businesses in other categories.

Bennett's idea to arrange interest-free loans for desperate, flood-wrecked businesses in July was one of many reasons he deserved this year's award, said chamber general manage Stuart Harrison.

By the end of August, more than 20 businesses had been given loans worth more than $340,000 through the federally funded program.

"That was certainly a timely contribution, but not the only one," Harrison said.

Bennett said he was probably most proud of his flood relief work.

"I think some business people were surprised we were able to get the government working with us as quickly as we did," he said.

Bennett added he didn't;t know what other criteria was used to judge him for the award, adding he "certainly didn't see it coming."

But Harrison described Bennett as the "greatest silent salesman the community has ever known."

He said Bennett recently met with federal officials and helped secure $10 million in economic development money for Eastern Ontario.

Harrison said Bennett also mentors small businesses through the Community Futures and Development Corp., which he is the chairman of, and regularly provides free transportation for patients needing out-of-town cancer treatment.

"He's quite, not very flashy, but he's definitely been one of this community's leaders for a long time," Harrison said.