STAFF WRITER
– The Ontario Construction Report
Some 400 guests celebrated Niagara region business success at the 2016 Niagara Business Achievement Awards (NBAA), presented by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC).
GNCC CEO Mishka Balsom says the awards, now in its thirteenth year, provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize Niagara’s strong, vibrant and diverse business community.
Several of the finalists and some significant sponsors are within the Niagara region’s architectural, engineering and construction communities.
“The list of award recipients illustrates the depth of business excellence, acumen and entrepreneurship that contributes immensely to the prosperity of our community,” she said. “Without a strong business community and without the dedication of business people – from the largest of companies to the smallest one-person operations – we would not enjoy the quality of life that defines us as a community.”
The GNCC receives nominations throughout the year, with a special effort in January and February. Businesses can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by others.
Winners this year, drawn from a list of more than 30 finalists, are:
Business of the Year
Sponsored by Meridian Credit Union White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa
Excellence in Business – up to 10 employees
Sponsored by St. Catharines Economic Development & Tourism Services & St. Catharines Enterprise Centre Big Country Raw Food
Excellence in Business – 11 to 50 employees
Sponsored by Brock University Future Access Inc.
Excellence in Business – 51 or more employees Sponsored by Performance Mercedes- Benz Kraun Electric
Outstanding New Business Sponsored by Niagara College Canada ProActive Chiropractic & Training Centre
Excellence in Technology & Innovation Sponsored by Innovate Niagara Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.
Excellence in Environmental Leadership Sponsored by Horizon Utilities Corporation Pinchin Ltd.
Excellence in Manufacturing Sponsored by Niagara Region Ladson Creative Millworks
Excellence in Tourism Sponsored by CAA Rewards Niagara Sport Commission Excellence in International Business Sponsored by Ridley College WP Warehousing Inc.
Young Professional of the Year Sponsored by Bell Mary Jane Johnson (Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre and Foundation)
The event also included four special presentations of bestowed awards:
Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Walker Industries Robert W.P. Welch of Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP
The Builder of the Year Award (presented to a company or individual who has had a historically significant impact on the economic prosperity of the community) Sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Phil Ritchie of Keefer Developments
Volunteer Business Person of the Year Award (presented to an individual demonstrating an outstanding commitment to helping build a stronger, more prosperous and vibrant community)
Sponsored by Niagara Immigrant Connections Initiative Doug Smith of C.R. Smith Financial and Wise Guys
Community Leadership Award (presented to an individual recognized for their leadership and the impact they have had on their community)
Sponsored by Henley Honda
Dr. Suzanne Johnston of the Niagara Health System
Balsom says the GNCC is “proud of the accomplishments of all the finalists and bestowed recipients. Looking over the distinguished list, all of the businesses are well deserving of an award.”
This fall, the GNCC will again recognize the success and accomplishments of its members when it hosts its Women in Business Awards luncheon.
