Business Excellence Awards finalists announced

The 30th Annual Leamington District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards will take place on September 25, with finalists for each award named at a Business After Hours event at Apple Self Storage in Leamington on Wednesday, July 24.

About 30 people gathered at the storage facility for a tour, networking, refreshments and a scavenger hunt prior to Chamber President Diane Malenfont announcing the finalists.

This year’s awards attracted a record number of nominations, which were submitted online prior to a judging panel deciding on the finalists in each category.

In the Collaboration is Key category, the finalists are Kingsville BIA, Libro Credit Union, Roma Club of Leamington and The Bank Theatre.

In the Customer First category, 876 Barbershop, Abraham Orthodontics, Bradt’s Butcher Block and Peanut Centre Nursery were named the finalists.

In the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion category, Caldwell Gas and Variety, Discovery School-Based Childcare of Kingsville Inc. and Switzer-Carty Transportation are the finalists.

Finalists for the Environmental Sustainability Award are Envest Corp/Seacliff Energy and Great Northern Hydroponics.

Excellence in Food Service finalists are Arby’s, Cancunsito Mexican Cuisine, Iron Kettle Commissary and Leamington Portuguese Community Club.

Grow South Essex award finalists are Loop Fisheries Ltd., Pelee Island Winery and TG&G Mastronardi.

The Hospitality and Tourism award finalists are Burgess Refreshments, Erie Shores Golf and County Club, and Leamington Portuguese Community Club.

Industrial and Manufacturing Excellence finalists are UE Enclosures and Uni-Fab.

The Innovate Her award finalists are Abby Jakob – Abby Jakob Eyes, Alissa Enns – Belemund Café, Karay Murray – Count Her In – Murray Insurance, Tori Barraco – Barraco Physiotherapy and Wellness.

Envest Corp/Seacliff Energy, Melo LLP, Roma Club of Leamington and Uni-Fab are the finalists in the Innovation category.

Kara Murray – Murray Insurance, Kyra Knapp – KLB consulting, and Michelle Fortier – Michelle Fortier Publicity/Trespass Music were named finalists in the Positive Professionals category.

The Small Business 1-9 Employees finalists are Abraham Orthodontics, Community Muffler, Elite Mediaworks and Olive Branch on Main.

The Small Business 10-50 Employees finalists are Bradt’s Butcher Block, KLB Consulting, Security One Alarm and SK Cornerstone.

The Young Professional Award finalists are Tori Barraco, Alissa Enns and Dr. Derek DiMenna.

Chamber Manager Wendy Parsons is looking forward to this year’s event.

“I am thrilled to congratulate all the finalists for this year’s Business Excellence Awards,” she said. “Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring and reflect the vibrant business community we are proud to support. Each of you has demonstrated remarkable achievements, and it is an honor to recognize your contributions. Congratulations and best of luck to all!” 

Tickets for the September 25 awards gala are on sale and can be purchased through the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce at 519-326-2721.