Oakville celebrated business leaders in their community at the 22nd Annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence Gala on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 where over 600 guests gathered at the Oakville Conference Centre. Presented by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Oakville West, this annual event attracts business, community, government and political leaders, as well as professionals and entrepreneurs from the local business community.
“The Oakville Chamber is thrilled by the tremendous support shown by the business community at tonight’s gala,” said Ken Nevar, Vice-Chair, Oakville Chamber of Commerce. “We offer our congratulations to all the finalists and award recipients.”
The award recipients were recognized throughout the course of the evening, interspersed with videos that featured last year’s award recipients.
This year the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence received a record number of nominations for over 170 businesses. After careful consideration, 78 finalists were selected from the list of 170 nominees.
The Oakville Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Oakville West are proud to list the award recipients of the 22nd Annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence:
RBC Royal Bank Small Business of the Year
The Millionaire’s Daughter
This year’s recipient of the RBC Royal Bank Small Business of the Year Award operates 4 retail locations throughout Southern Ontario and have had to expand their Oakville location 3 times to accommodate the fast-paced inventory turnover. In any given week they sell the equivalent of seven homes of furniture. To meet demand, they created a unique Point-of-Sale system that allows items over $50 to be posted to their website. They are strong believers in advertising and social media as an investment in the business and have reaped the benefits in the past few years. Owing a large part of their success to the Oakville community, they proudly donate weekly to Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill.
Bell Mid-size Business of the Year
GL Chemtec International Ltd.
From its inception in 2002, this company has experienced consistent growth and prioritized reinvestment into the innovative practices that now make it an industry leader for research and development in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The company has gained a reputation as a centre of excellence and is attracting the best talent available to Oakville, to work on innovative and disruptive technologies, particularly in the field of vison care. The Co-founders are passionate about their need to do meaningful work and they pursue their business opportunities accordingly. They are committed to the Oakville community and contribute to a number of community causes, including the Oakville Hospital Foundation and Oakville Meals on Wheels.
Large Business of the Year
Promation (Promation Engineering Ltd. & Promation Nuclear Ltd.)
This company is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality tooling, automation and robotic systems. The company has made a distinct impact and investment to not only its four divisions, which include automotive, nuclear, defence and industrial but also its employees and the Oakville community at large.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Jas Brar of Entripy Custom Clothing
This success story demonstrates what passion, leadership and applying innovation to every part of the business can do.
This company was born 17 years ago out of the owner’s parents’ basement with a simple order for 500 T-shirts for the University of Toronto ski club. Today, employing over 100 people, this company enjoys double-digit growth rates, and operates across Canada serving a niche segment of the customized apparel market. A testament to the company’s success is the fact that they employ no salespeople, with close to 45% of all its new clients coming entirely from referrals. The company’s continued investment in innovative business processes, technology solutions, new software, and machinery for embroidery, digital printing and screen printing is a key strategic success factor.
Professional Services Provider of the Year
Tino-Gaetani & Carusi, Chartered Professional Accountants
With over 20 years in business in Oakville and 20 employees, this is a firm that truly values its people, its customers and its community. By continually investing in its people and finding ways to be innovative such as offering flex hours, company automotive incentives and individual development programs the firm is able to attract and retain top talent. With a culture of continuous improvement on processes, clients are sure to have the long term relationship that they want to help them grow and prosper. Community outreach includes providing free tax preparation for underprivileged people and have had board representation on several local charities including Home Suite Hope, The Humane Society and the Oakville Community Foundation just to name a few. A true commitment to Oakville and its business and social community!
Franchisee of the Year
QSR Group Inc. (Tim Hortons and Wendy’s Franchisee locations)
This year’s recipient is the very successful owner and operator of three Tim Hortons and two Wendy’s restaurants in Oakville. It employs more than 180 people in those locations. The company is focused on delivering excellent service to its customers. It is an advocate in suggesting changes in best practices for Tim Hortons and Wendy’s franchises.
The Morris Mercanti Restaurateur of the Year
The Crêpe Kitchen
Since opening in 2009, these restaurateurs have steadily grown their business, building a loyal clientele in Oakville, as well as among tourists and visitors to the area. Key success factors in this competitive business include a focus on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients an active and fun social media presence; innovation; high quality service; attention to detail; and of course, hard work. Based on rave reviews and repeated requests from their clientele, the decision was made to bottle and sell their delicious sweet onion vinaigrette salad dressing, available in the restaurant and several local stores. They are committed to supporting many non-profit organizations, believing that giving back ensures a vibrant and strong Oakville community.
Genworth Community Builder of the Year
Ristorante Julia
This year’s recipient has consistently given back to our community and as many of you know, her philosophy is “family is whoever sits around the dinner table”. In partnership with Longo’s, Julia’s “DINNER TABLE” has now included over 2,200 people through the Kids, Families and Seniors Culinary Community. The Healthy Fam program has empowered lives and promoted nutrition and a sense of belonging, to many in need. Those who have benefited from the experience now lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Julia’s extended family table continues to grow and we thank her for her contribution to our community.
Oakville Hydro Conservation Leadership Award
Fourmark Manufacturing
A local plastics manufacturing plant providing consumer products throughout the globe, this business is constantly looking for ways to improve their energy efficiency. Fourmark has made significant changes such as retrofitting hydraulics on the molding equipment, upgrades to their refrigeration equipment and LED lighting upgrades. Combined, their projects save well in excess of 1,000,000 kWh annually.
Oakville’s Charity or Not-for-Profit Excellence Award
The YMCA of Oakville
Kyle Barber, President of the YMCA of Oakville, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. For more than 50 years, the YMCA of Oakville has played a crucial role in improving the quality of health and life for residents in Oakville. In 2016, the YMCA of Oakville provided more than $726,000 in membership assistance, including the YMCA Strong Kids campaign, to support more than 2,200 individuals and their families. The YMCA of Oakville invests in youth through the Peter Gilgan Foundation bursaries, which assist recipients with their post-secondary education and the charitable organization is a large provider of youth employment in Oakville. Through their inclusive programming, the YMCA of Oakville works to ensure that everyone in Oakville has an opportunity to succeed.
Oakville’s Business Icon Award
Bot Construction Group
Roy Bot, President of Bot Construction Group, accepted the award presented by John Sawyer, President of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. “What began as a small concrete forming company serving the local market 60 years ago, has grown to become one of Ontario’s largest privately owned and operated civil engineering and construction companies and a leader in the transportation infrastructure sector” commented John Sawyer. Bot Construction draws their workforce from the local community, and showing support for the communities in which they live and work is a longstanding tradition for the organization.
To learn more about the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence, or to nominate a business for next year, please visit www.oabe.ca or contact Karen Pomfret by phone at 905-845-6613 ext. 210 or e-mail [email protected].