Chamber of commerce names award finalists
The Windsor-essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, marking a milestone anniversary this year while recognizing a leading environmental enterprise, unveiled the finalists for its Business Excellence Awards on Thursday.
The new Green Innovation Award will be presented to one of three local businesses nominated for their commitment to sustainable business practices, social responsibility and demonstration of sustainable operations, at the 30th annual Business Excellence Awards in May, said chamber president Rakesh Naidu.
Chamber officials, along with presenting sponsor the Windsor Star, announced the finalists in all 10 categories during a news conference and reception at the Art Gallery of Windsor.
Devonshire Mall, Green Tree Professional Tree Service & Preservation Inc. and Greenerbins Composting Company were honoured in the inaugural Green Innovation category.
“It is to recognize those individuals that are very conscious about their environment footprint and what they are doing to make it a more sustainable place,” said Naidu.
He said he was “delighted” with the overall number of nominations received, “not just in terms of numbers but with the quality of the nominations” for all the award categories this year.
“The (businesses) that we have are extremely good at what they do,” Naidu said. “Not only are they doing well in the region, but these are the companies that will leave a mark in provincial, national and international stage as well.
“That’s what really makes us very excited about this.”
The chamber also announced Marlene Corey, a producer/director at Cogeco/yourtv Windsor, will receive this year’s ATHENA award, while Farrow, a customs and logistics service company, is the recipient of the 2020 Believe Windsor Essex award.
The ATHENA award honours individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, while the Believe Windsor Essex award recognizes an individual or business that demonstrates significant, sustained commitment to business development, philanthropy, economic growth and diversity.
Naidu called the judging process “strenuous” and commended the volunteers who must decide the winners.
“It is a credit to all the judges for going through the process, but also a credit to all the finalists and everyone that has been nominated,” he said. “It’s not been easy for us but we are very excited with the finalists.”
Winners will be announced during a ceremony on May 21 at the Chrysler Theatre. A postaward dinner will follow in the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts Skyline Ballrooms.
2020 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALISTS:
Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP)
Michael Difazio, owner — Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry
Charlie Hotham, owner/president — Hotham Building Materials
Nancy Campana, president — Nouveau Event Planning
Green Innovation (sponsored by University of Windsor & University of Windsor Alumni Relations & Advancement)
Devonshire Mall
Green Tree Professional Tree Service & Preservation Inc.
Greenerbins Composting Company
Large Company of the Year
Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing Champion Products
Reliance Home Comfort
Mid-size Company of the Year (sponsored by RBC Royal Bank)
Brave Control Solutions Inc. Essex Powerlines Corp. Brookstone Windows & Doors
New Company of the Year
Float Lakeshore
Plant Joy
Sandwich Brewing Company
Pillars of Our Community (sponsored by Motor City Community Credit Union)
CMHA Windsor-essex County Branch
Family Services Windsor-essex Fight Like Mason Foundation
Professional of the Year (sponsored by TD Commercial Banking)
Jonathon Azzopardi, president & CEO — Laval Tool & Mould
Janice Kaffer, president & CEO — Hotel-dieu Grace Healthcare
Gail Robertson, owner — Gailnow
Small Company of the Year (sponsored by Families First)
Colasanti Controls Inc. Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards Shoppers Drug Mart Devonshire Mall — Dr. Matthew Thibert Drugs
Tourism & Hospitality
J.P. Wisers Distillery Experience North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Walkerville Brewery
Young Professional of the Year
Dr. Maxwell Abraham, orthodontist, owner — Abraham Orthodontics
Kavaughn Boismier, investment & wealth adviser, financial planner — Boismier Wealth Advisory of RBC Dominion Securities Group
Ryan Donally, business attraction specialist — Windsoressex Economic Development Corp.