Newmarket chamber announces finalists for Business Excellence Awards

The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce has identified four finalists in each of the 10 categories, to be awarded Sept. 28

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Emanuel talked of the new initiatives being undertaken by the chamber at last year's Business Excellence Awards. File photo/ Greg King for NewmarketToday

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.”