Finalists have been announced and judging is underway for the by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Excellence Awards.
"This year’s nominees, like past years, just demonstrates how many incredible businesses we have in our community,” said Chris Emanuel, president and CEO, Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.
A panel of judges reviewed nominations this year to narrow it down to four finalists in each category.
"The judges have a challenging job in selecting winners… one job I’m glad to not take on,” added Emanuel.
Last year, the leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion, business leader of the year, and startup of the year were added as new awards. Something else the chamber has implemented this year is including diversity and inclusion as a key piece of criteria regardless of category.
“This year, one of the changes we made to our judging criteria is assessing the level in which each company has implemented policies and processes related to improving diversity, equity and inclusion,” Emmanuel says. “While we do have a specific award for leadership in that area, we also recognize to be a leading business in any category means that you should be making concerted efforts in this area.”
The finalists are:
Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
- Newmarket Public Library
- Pickering College
- York Region Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers
- Women’s Centre of York Region
Business Leader of the Year:
- Andrew Fagan, Community Living Central York
- Peter Basso, Demand Renewables
- Shabi Monzavi, Market Candle Company Inc.
- Giancarlo Trimarchi, Vince’s Market
Large Business of the Year:
- Buchner Manufacturing
- Mecsmart Systems Inc.
- SE Telecom
- TelMAX Inc.
Small Business of the Year:
- Fair Chance Learning Inc.
- Little Rae Goods Inc.
- Olive Oil Co. Inc. Barrie-Newmarket-Midland
- The Little Red Bake Shop Inc.
New Business of the Year:
- Candelish Candle Co. Inc.
- Neighbour Media Inc.
- STILE contracting + design
- Unbridled Leadership EAL
Community Recognition:
- Kirk Bowden
- Juliane McTavish-Goyette
- Jackie Playter
- Susie Storm
Innovative Startup of the Year Award:
- Haunted Hollows Scream Park
- Hive5 Kids Inc.
- People Ops Collective
- Wine on Main
Professional Services of the Year:
- Anna Shirazi Team- Century 21 Heritage
- ISO Design
- Sparkle Hair Extension Bar
- Studio Forma Interior Design Inc.
Not for Profit of the Year:
- Girls Inc. of York Region
- Inn From the Cold
- Job Skills Employment and Business Programs and Support
- St. John Ambulance
Impact in Marketing and Promotion:
- The MARC Group Inc.
- My Indie Coffee
- Skintology Health and Wellness Centre
- Wild Bird Unlimited Newmarket
This year’s awards are set for Thursday, September 28, at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre. Register here.
