NEWS RELEASE
STRATFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce presented their 2024 Business Excellence Awards at a Gala at The Best Western Plus Arden Park Hotel on Thursday.
With a sold-out audience of close to 400 in attendance, the event celebrated the success of businesses in Stratford, St Marys, Mitchell and area over the past year in nine categories. Judged by a panel of seven judges, chaired by Krista Robinson the awards are in their 28th year and reflected a history of business growth, commitment to professional excellence, innovation and community engagement.
The judging committee also included Bill Boon (Aisin Canada), Pam Angus (The UPS Store), Johan Bossers (A Touch of Dutch Landscaping), Lesley Spencer- Cooper (Malt Management), Wendy Bachert (Wild Hog Country Market) and Lucie Stuart (Rotary Hospice).
Eddie Matthews, general manager of the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce said, “It’s an evening to celebrate all area businesses and to recognize those who were nominated in the various categories.”
Shelley Windsor & John Kastner acted as emcees for the evening and set the tone for the evening with humour and grace.
AWARD WINNERS
The Business Leader Award went to Breen Bentley and Family. The award was presented by Danielle Walker (RBC).
The Non-Profit/Charitable Award is given annually to a not-for-profit that has significantly contributed to the overall quality of life within the community and its citizens through programming and activities. The award was presented to Wellspring Stratford Cancer Support Centre by Amber Schalk (BDO).
The Service Award is presented to a service business that demonstrates a consistent adherence to the excellent business practices necessary to deliver the highest quality service and support to their clients/customers. Modo Yoga Stratford received this year’s award, and it was presented by Travis Blum (IG Wealth Management).
The Enterprise Award is presented to a manufacturing, agricultural, or distribution business or organization that has created, invented, or developed an innovative product or process that has resulted in a significant and measurable increase in any of the following areas: Product or process development, Employee Culture, Job Creation, Increase in sales growth, Community involvement. The recipient business executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of its capabilities and capacity. This year’s award was presented to Vicwest by Steve Ward (Famme & Co).
The Emerging Business Award is presented to an entrepreneur who has been in business for 1-5 yrs. They have investigated the opportunities, weighed the risks, and developed a strong and successful business through effective business practices, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. This business has demonstrated significant business achievement, sustainable financial performance, exhibited resilience to economic challenges and has gone above and beyond in their business and in the community. Marvin Bachert (Wild Hog Country Market) presented the award to Chok. Fine Chocolates.
The Hospitality Award is presented to an accommodation, food service, or tourism operation that has enhanced the allure of the community. This recognition is for those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in hospitality/customer service, staff knowledge, quality and consistency of product, and community involvement. The recipient business not only excels in their service but also plays a pivotal role in enriching the overall hospitality experience in the community. This year’s winner was Social Thirty-One. The award was presented by Laurie Stephens (MTE).
The Retail Award is awarded to an independent brick-and-mortar or online retailer whose business is located within the Stratford & District area. The recipient business excels in selling merchandise, demonstrating commitment, innovation, and excellence in their field while providing exceptional customer service. This year’s winner was Rhéo Thompson Candies. The award was presented by Bryon Hartung (Festival Hydro).
The Skilled Trades Award is awarded to a business that excels in providing skilled trade services to individuals or businesses. The recipient demonstrates a consistent adherence to excellent business practices and the high standards necessary to deliver quality service and support to their clients/customers. This year’s award was presented to D & S Downham Equipment Ltd. by John Tyrell (TD Commercial Banking).
The Trailblazing Award is presented to a business that is characterized by its innovative spirit and pioneering approach. This business has introduced a novel idea or technology, which may even have revolutionized its industry. It exhibits adaptability, responding agilely to market changes and customer needs. This business type often leads in sustainability and ethical practices, showing a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Moreover, it's marked by strong leadership and a visionary mindset, inspiring others and driving progress in its field. This year’s award was presented to Lynn River Farm & Graze Farm Dinners by Jessica Thompson (University of Waterloo - Stratford School of interaction Design and Business).
The Professional Award is presented to a business that provides professional services to individuals or businesses. The recipient business executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of their capabilities, capacity, and excellence in the outstanding service they provide. The recipient business demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing education, skills development or professional accreditation of its employees. The award went to Peter Maranger & Associates Inc. (Co-operators) and was presented by Hernan Lagos (UPAuto).
The Business of the Year Award is awarded to a business which has demonstrated a commitment to professional ethics, excellence in customer service, a willingness to engage in innovation, an ongoing responsibility to its staff and an involvement in its community over the years. This year’s winner was D & S Downham Equipment Ltd. The award was presented by Joani Gerber (InvestStratford).
The Chamber thanks the Presenting Partner of the Gala, RBC Royal Bank, the Platinum Partner – investStratford, and the Municipal, Venue, Reception, Centrepiece, Prize, Red Carpet, Floral, Trophy and Winner’s Circle Partners as well as the Award, Silver and in-kind Partners for their commitment to acknowledging business excellence in their community through the 2024 Awards Gala.
The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce congratulates all the nominees and winners for their business success and the recognition by their peers of the contribution that these businesses make to our communities.
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