2024 Business Excellence Nominees
Nominate An Excellent Business
Who can qualify?
The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce wants to recognize and celebrate outstanding excellence in business. We are proud to host the Annual Business Excellence Awards honouring outstanding achievements and commitments in the business community and are looking for entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations who have demonstrated a dedication to their product or service and an ongoing commitment to their employees and the community at large.
We invite your participation in the selection process by nominating a business or community organization that has been operating for a minimum of 1 year.
These businesses will exist within the geographical boundaries of the Chamber of Commerce which includes the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, Perth East and Perth South, and the Municipality of West Perth.
When is the deadline for nominations?
The completed nomination form must be received by the Chamber office no later than Tuesday January 30 , 2024
Who can submit nominations?
Nominations can be made by an individual who knows of a business that has demonstrated business excellence and meets the criteria under one of the following categories:
Retail Award:
The Retail Award will be presented to an independent brick-and-mortar or online retailer whose business is located within the Stratford & District area. The recipient business excels in selling merchandise, demonstrating commitment, innovation, and excellence in their field while providing exceptional customer service.
e.g. gift shops, clothing stores, furniture stores, pharmacies, specialty food shops etc.
Hospitality Award:
The Hospitality Award will be presented to an accommodation, food service, or tourism operation that has enhanced the allure of the community. This recognition is for those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in hospitality/customer service, staff knowledge, quality and consistency of product, and community involvement. The recipient business not only excels in their service but also plays a pivotal role in enriching the overall hospitality experience in the community.
e.g. restaurants, cafes, hotels, B&Bs, Inns, street vendors, etc.
Emerging Business Award:
The Emerging Business Award will be presented to an entrepreneur who has been in business for 1-5 yrs. They have investigated the opportunities, weighed the risks, and developed a strong and successful business through effective business practices, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. This business has demonstrated significant business achievement, sustainable financial performance, exhibited resilience to economic challenges and has gone above and beyond in their business and in the community.
Enterprise Award:
Awarded to a manufacturing, agricultural, or distribution business or organization that has created, invented, or developed an innovative product or process that has resulted in a significant and measurable increase in any of the following areas: Product or process development, Employee culture, job creation, increase in sales growth, community involvement. The recipient business executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of its capabilities and capacity.
e.g. manufacturer, logistics company, food processor, agriculture implement dealer, warehousing, etc.
Professional Award:
The Professional Award will be presented to a business that provides professional services to individuals or businesses. The recipient business executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of their capabilities, capacity, and excellence in the outstanding service they provide. The recipient business demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing education, skills development or professional accreditation of its employees.
e.g. accounting & financial services, legal services, management consulting, architectural and engineering firms, IT and technology consulting, human resources and recruitment services, realtors etc.
Service Award:
The Service Award will be presented to the business that demonstrates a consistent adherence to excellent business practices necessary to deliver the highest quality service and support to their clients/customers.
e.g. salons and spas, industrial/residential cleaning services, massage therapists, auto repair shops, etc.
Non-Profit/Charitable Award:
The Non-Profit/Charitable Award will be presented to the not-for-profit business that has significantly contributed to the overall quality of life within the community and its citizens through its programming and/or activities.
e.g. community organizations, health & social service agencies, environmental, arts organizations, etc.
Skilled Trades Award:
The Skilled Trades Award will be presented to a business that excels in providing skilled trade services to individuals or businesses. The recipient demonstrates a consistent adherence to excellent business practices and the high standards necessary to deliver quality service and support to their clients/customers.
e.g. electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC technician, masonry worker
Trailblazing Award:
The Trailblazing Award will be presented to a business that is characterized by its innovative spirit and pioneering approach. This business has introduced a novel idea or technology, which may even have revolutionized its industry. It exhibits adaptability, responding agilely to market changes and customer needs. This business type often leads in sustainability and ethical practices, showing a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Moreover, it's marked by strong leadership and a visionary mindset, inspiring others and driving progress in its field
Business Leader Award:
NOTE: Nominations will not be accepted this year in this category. A winner will be selected by the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Business of the Year Award:
NOTE: You do not need to specifically nominate a company for this award. Nominees in each category will be eligible to win.
The following companies are not eligible for nomination in the 2024 Business Excellence Awards because they have won an award within the last three years:
Technical Training Group, GOTECH Networking Solutions, AisinCanada Inc, Vancea Financial Group Inc., The Sunset Diner, The Pulp, Swanson's Jewellers, Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, Nicholson Concrete, Aisin Canada Inc, Out of the Ashes Large Animal Rescue, The UPS Store #175, Cooper Standard, McCutchen & Pearce Professional Corporation, Braai House, Malt – Staging& Design (Malt Management), The Barkery! A Healthy Bakery for Dogs, Destination Stratford, Ken Robinson Refrigeration Inc., McCutchen & Pearce Professional Corporation, Stratford Perth Museum, Jeff Stewart General Carpentry, Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, Humphrey Fleet Service Inc, GRIT Engineering Inc., Black Creek Mobile Veterinary Services, Demetre's Family Eatery, Wild Hog Country Market, Lactalis Canada, Humphrey Fleet Service Inc
Award Categories
Skilled Trades Award
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The Skilled Trades Award will be presented to a business that excels in providing skilled trade services to individuals or businesses. The recipient demonstrates a consistent adherence to excellent business practices and the high standards necessary to deliver quality service and support to their clients/customers.
e.g. electrician, plumber, carpenter, HVAC technician, masonry worker
Emerging Business Award
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The Emerging Business Award will be presented to an entrepreneur who has been in business for 1-5 yrs. They have investigated the opportunities, weighed the risks, and developed a strong and successful business through effective business practices, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. This business has demonstrated significant business achievement, and sustainable financial performance, exhibited resilience to economic challenges, and has gone above and beyond in their business in the community.
Hospitality Award
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The Hospitality Award will be presented to an accommodation, food service, or tourism operation that has enhanced the allure of the community. This recognition is for those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in hospitality/customer service, staff knowledge, quality and consistency of product, and community involvement. The recipient business not only excels in their service but also plays a pivotal role in enriching the overall hospitality experience in the community.
e.g. restaurants, cafes, hotels, B&Bs, Inns, street vendors, etc.
Trailblazing Award
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The Trailblazing Award will be presented to a business that is characterized by its innovative spirit and pioneering approach. This business has introduced a novel idea or technology, which may even have revolutionized its industry. It exhibits adaptability, responding agilely to market changes and customer needs. This business type often leads in sustainability and ethical practices, showing a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Moreover, it's marked by strong leadership and a visionary mindset, inspiring others and driving progress in its field.
Enterprise Award
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The Enterprise Award will be awarded to a manufacturing, agricultural, or distribution business or organization that has created, invented, or developed an innovative product or process that has resulted in a significant and measurable increase in any of the following areas: Product or process development, Employee Culture, Job Creation, Increase in sales growth, Community involvement. The recipient business executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of its capabilities and capacity.
e.g. manufacturer, logistics company, food processor, agriculture implement dealer, warehousing etc.
Non-Profit / Charitable Award
Brought to you by
The Non-Profit/Charitable Award will be presented to the not-for-profit business that has significantly contributed to the overall quality of life within the community and its citizens through its programming and/or activities.
e.g. community organizations, health & social service agencies, arts organizations, etc.
Professional Award
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The Professional Award will be presented to a business that provides professional services to individuals or businesses. The recipient business executes best practices in all areas of their operation to ensure maximization of their capabilities, capacity, and excellence in the outstanding service they provide. The recipient business demonstrates a commitment to the ongoing education, skills development, or professional accreditation of its employees.
e.g. accounting & financial services, legal services, management consulting, architectural and engineering firms, IT and technology consulting, human resources and recruitment services, etc.
Retail Award
Brought to you by
The Retail Award will be presented to an independent brick-and-mortar or online retailer whose business is located within the Stratford & District area. The recipient business excels in selling merchandise, demonstrating commitment, innovation, and excellence in their field while providing exceptional customer service. e.g. gift shops, clothing stores, furniture stores, pharmacies, specialty food shops etc.
Service Award
Brought to you by
The Service Award will be presented to a service business that demonstrates a consistent adherence to the excellent business practices necessary to deliver the highest quality service and support to their clients/customers.
e.g. salons and spas, industrial/residential cleaning services, massage therapists, auto repair shops, etc.