On behalf of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce we would like to welcome you to the 2022 Business Excellence Awards Gala.
This is the premier networking event in the Region, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their incredible contributions in making Waterloo Region a great place to live and work. Typically, we would host the evening at Bingemans with over 900 guests, but as we’re all familiar with at this point, we have had to adjust our plans to accommodate the current times. With that said, we are pleased to be proceeding with a Hybrid event this year, offering attendees the choice of attending live/in-person, or virtually from the comfort of their own home.
Although it has been another exceptionally difficult year, there is still a lot to celebrate. There are so many businesses who are breaking through barriers, using this time for positive disruption and innovation, and to foster a philanthropic mindset both locally and globally during a time of need. These efforts and contributions being made by businesses right here in our Region are not going unnoticed. We extend a congratulations to this year’s nominees, and to all the businesses who continue to push through during these uncertain times.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors and volunteers who make this annual celebration possible. Their ongoing commitment and support to this community exemplify the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that makes Waterloo Region exceptional.
We are honoured to share this evening of celebration with you all. Thank you for attending this year’s event.
Sincerely,
Ian McLean - President & CEO
Adam Smith - Chair, Board of Directors
Welcome
On behalf of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce we would like to welcome you to the 2022 Business Excellence Awards Gala.
This is the premier networking event in the Region, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their incredible contributions in making Waterloo Region a great place to live and work. Typically, we would host the evening at Bingemans with over 900 guests, but as we’re all familiar with at this point, we have had to adjust our plans to accommodate the current times. With that said, we are pleased to be proceeding with a Hybrid event this year, offering attendees the choice of attending live/in-person, or virtually from the comfort of their own home.
Although it has been another exceptionally difficult year, there is still a lot to celebrate. There are so many businesses who are breaking through barriers, using this time for positive disruption and innovation, and to foster a philanthropic mindset both locally and globally during a time of need. These efforts and contributions being made by businesses right here in our Region are not going unnoticed. We extend a congratulations to this year’s nominees, and to all the businesses who continue to push through during these uncertain times.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors and volunteers who make this annual celebration possible. Their ongoing commitment and support to this community exemplify the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that makes Waterloo Region exceptional.
We are honoured to share this evening of celebration with you all. Thank you for attending this year’s event.
Sincerely,
Ian McLean - President & CEO
Adam Smith - Chair, Board of Directors
AGENDA
6:00PM
Sun Life
Reception
7:30PM
Awards
Presentation
9:00PM
Virtual
After Party
AWARDS
Business of the Year Award
(1-10 Employees)
Business of the Year Award
(11-50 Employees)
Business of the Year Award
(Over 50 Employees)
New Business of the Year Award
(Under 2 Years)
Community Builder
of the Year Award
Employee Engagement
Award
Environment & Sustainability
Award
Health & Wellness in the
Workplace Award
Innovation
Award
Non-Profit/Charitable
Award
Service Excellence in
Hospitality & Tourism Award
Young Professional of the Year
Award
Michael R. Follett Community
Leader of the Year Award
Volunteer of the Year
Award
Sponsored by Bell Canada
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization with 1-10 full-time employees that, in the past year, has:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- Demonstrated innovative & proactive leadership within their business or industry
- Demonstrated measurable success as a business and/or as an employer
- Practiced good corporate citizenship
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
NOMINEES
Cart 2 Curb
Diana’s Divine Escape Mobile Spa
Deyjahs House of Patties Inc.
Divonify Incorporated
Esta Chocolates
Four All Ice Cream
Future Focus Inc.
Hertzberger & Associates
Jony Studios
Reeve and Company Inc.
Roxton Industries
Cart 2 Curb
Diana’s Divine Escape Mobile Spa
Deyjahs House of Patties Inc.
Divonify Incorporated
Esta Chocolates
Four All Ice Cream
Future Focus Inc.
Hertzberger & Associates
Jony Studios
Reeve and Company Inc.
Roxton Industries
Sponsored by MNP LLC
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization with 11-50 full-time employees that, in the past year, has:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Demonstrated innovative & proactive leadership within their business or industry
- Demonstrated measurable success as a business and/or as an employer
- Practiced good corporate citizenship
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
NOMINEES
Bendt Kitchens & Millwork
CertaPro Painters Waterloo
Clean & Tidy Inc.
Diva International
Driverseat
Euro Reflections
H2R Business Solutions
Hunt’s Logistics
Macho Movers Inc.
Overlap Associates
Princess Cinemas
Revera Briarfield Gardens
Simplify Supply Chain Solutions
THEMUSEUM
Bendt Kitchens & Millwork
CertaPro Painters Waterloo
Clean & Tidy Inc.
Diva International
Driverseat
Euro Reflections
H2R Business Solutions
Hunt’s Logistics
Macho Movers Inc.
Overlap Associates
Princess Cinemas
Revera Briarfield Gardens
Simplify Supply Chain Solutions
THEMUSEUM
Sponsored by Miller Thompson LLP
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization with over 50 full-time employees that, in the past year, has:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Demonstrated innovative & proactive leadership within their business or industry
- Demonstrated measurable success as a business and/or as an employer
- Practiced good corporate citizenship
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment.
NOMINEES
Axonify
Clarion Medical Technologies
Deep Trekker
Grand River Hospital
Home Hardware Stores Limited
IBI Group
Josslin Insurance
MCAP
NDI
Steed and Evans Limited
Via Rail Canada
WalterFedy
Your Neighbourhood Credit Union
Axonify
Clarion Medical Technologies
Deep Trekker
Grand River Hospital
Home Hardware Stores Limited
IBI Group
Josslin Insurance
MCAP
NDI
Steed and Evans Limited
Via Rail Canada
WalterFedy
Your Neighbourhood Credit Union
Sponsored by University of Waterloo
Awarded to a business or startup that has:
- Been in operation for less than 2 years but more than 3 months, based on the nomination closing date (started operations sometime between October 31, 2018 – July 31, 2020)
- Demonstrated proactive and innovative leadership within their business or industry
- Demonstrated measureable success, growth, or promise as a business and/or as an employer
- Practiced good corporate citizenship and made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment as an employer.
NOMINEES
A Friendlier Company
Change Lifestyle and Apparel
The Etiquette Shop
Ginger Goat
Henson Shaving
Medical Innovation Xchange
A Friendlier Company
Change Lifestyle and Apparel
The Etiquette Shop
Ginger Goat
Henson Shaving
Medical Innovation Xchange
Sponsored by Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization that, in the past year, has:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Supported charitable or not-for-profit organizations on an on-going basis
- Demonstrated a willingness to make the community better
- Demonstrated a vision of a better community and has taken steps to make it happen
- Practiced good corporate citizenship
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
NOMINEES
Ability at Work
Communitech
Digital Sabbath Film Company
Economical
Graham Mathew (GMPCA)
HIP Developments
Huron Creek Developments
KW Association of Realtors
Lerners LLP
Libro Credit Union
Lyle S. Hallman Foundation
Morty’s Pub
MTE
Token Creative Services
Top Toques
Ability at Work
Communitech
Digital Sabbath Film Company
Economical
Graham Mathew (GMPCA)
HIP Developments
Huron Creek Developments
KW Association of Realtors
Lerners LLP
Libro Credit Union
Lyle S. Hallman Foundation
Morty’s Pub
MTE
Token Creative Services
Top Toques
Sponsored by Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Provided training to improve the skills, knowledge, safety and/or performance of their workforce
- Reduced employment barriers and/or assists employees who are recent immigrants and/or employees with physical, communication or developmental challenges
- Increase productivity through innovative and creative programs or initiatives for their employees
NOMINEES
ABA Architects
Axonify
H2R Business Solutions
Highland Cannabis
MTE Consultants
Reis Informatica
Valko Team
Wilfrid Laurier University
ABA Architects
Axonify
H2R Business Solutions
Highland Cannabis
MTE Consultants
Reis Informatica
Valko Team
Wilfrid Laurier University
Sponsored by Enbridge
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Made an outstanding commitment to sustainable development
- Self-initiated environmental actions and programs beyond legislative requirements
- Found energy or waste efficiencies
- Provided environmental stewardship, education, or innovation in the past year
NOMINEES
AET Group Inc.
Arcadian Projects
Best for Bees
Borealis Grille & Bar
CHANGE Lifestyle & Apparel
Earthscape Play
Four All Ice Cream
Home Hardware Stores Limited
Joseph & Company
Kuntz Electroplating (KEI) Inc.
Peritus Environmental Consultants
Smart Choice Electronic Recycling
AET Group Inc.
Arcadian Projects
Best for Bees
Borealis Grille & Bar
CHANGE Lifestyle & Apparel
Earthscape Play
Four All Ice Cream
Home Hardware Stores Limited
Joseph & Company
Kuntz Electroplating (KEI) Inc.
Peritus Environmental Consultants
Smart Choice Electronic Recycling
Sponsored by Walterfedy
Awarded to a business or organization that has achieved health and wellness in the workplace, mindful of the workplace as a determinant of health. The award recognizes employers that provide strategies, initiatives, policies and/or programs that promote, support, and enhance a healthy workplace and the efforts of workers to remain healthy at work and beyond:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Demonstrate leadership and innovation in workplace health and wellbeing with measures supporting both physical and mental health
- Provide exercise opportunities for employees while at work
- Promote awareness of a healthy lifestyle
- Protect employees through a safe physical environment
NOMINEES
Accelerator Centre
Allianz Assistance
Kuntz Electroplating Inc
Manulife
OCAS
Sekond Skin Society
Valko Financial Ltd.
Accelerator Centre
Allianz Assistance
Kuntz Electroplating Inc
Manulife
OCAS
Sekond Skin Society
Valko Financial Ltd.
Sponsored by GHD
Awarded to an outstanding business or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to providing top-quality customer service and guest experience in hospitality, tourism, and/or the entertainment industry. This business may have:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
- Exceeded customer expectations in the hospitality and service industry, and offers a superior-quality product or service
- Been a key player in increasing awareness of the Greater KW area
- Demonstrated measurable success
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
NOMINEES
A Friendlier Company
ApplyBoard
Cart2Curb
ChefDtv
eHealth Centre of Excellence
Emmetros
Food Bank of Waterloo Region
A Friendlier Company
ApplyBoard
Cart2Curb
ChefDtv
eHealth Centre of Excellence
Emmetros
Food Bank of Waterloo Region
Sponsored by Equitable Life of Canada
Awarded to a business or organization that has been in operation for a minimum of one year, and has created, invented or developed an innovative product or process, that has resulted in significant and measurable increase in revenue or job creation; productivity or quality; reduction in costs; and/or improvements in service, in the following areas:
- New product(s)
- Technology
- Management
- Manufacturing processes
- Customer service
NOMINEES
Anishnabeg Outreach
Brain Injury Association of Waterloo
Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington
Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo
COMPASS Refugee Centre
Hospice of Waterloo Region
Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation
KW Habilitation
KW Humane Society
oneROOF
rare Charitable Research Reserve
Ronald McDonald House Charities
THEMUSEUM
United Way Waterloo Region
Women That Give
YMCA of Three Rivers
Anishnabeg Outreach
Brain Injury Association of Waterloo
Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington
Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo
COMPASS Refugee Centre
Hospice of Waterloo Region
Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation
KW Habilitation
KW Humane Society
oneROOF
rare Charitable Research Reserve
Ronald McDonald House Charities
THEMUSEUM
United Way Waterloo Region
Women That Give
YMCA of Three Rivers
Sponsored by MTE Consultants Inc.
Awarded to an outstanding non-profit/charitable organization that has achieved excellence through:
- Demonstrated innovative and proactive leadership within the organization or non-profit sector
- Implemented initiatives that have resulted in significant and measureable outcomes benefiting the overall services of the organization
- Developed the skills, knowledge and performance of its organization and volunteers
- Has been in operation for a minimum of two consecutive years (as of October 30, 2020)
NOMINEES
Apollo Cinema
Canoeing the Grand
Centre in the Square
Charcoal Steak House
Fresh Look Design
Janet Lynn’s Bistro
Kitchener Market
Proof Kitchen & Lounge
S&V Uptown
The Grand Mehfil Inc.
The Grazing Table
Apollo Cinema
Canoeing the Grand
Centre in the Square
Charcoal Steak House
Fresh Look Design
Janet Lynn’s Bistro
Kitchener Market
Proof Kitchen & Lounge
S&V Uptown
The Grand Mehfil Inc.
The Grazing Table
Sponsored by Gowling WLG
Awarded to an individual under the age of 40 who has tackled the challenges of entrepreneurship and/or has demonstrated professional growth and success in their respective field of work. This individual:
- Is under the age of 40 (as of October 30, 2020)
- Is an individual who is part of a Member Business in good standing
- Has demonstrated leadership within their workplace and/or within the community
- Has contributed to the community through active participation in community initiatives
- And/or has demonstrated entrepreneurial ability and innovation in any of the following areas:
- New product(s) and/or customer service initiatives
- Technology
- Management and/or processes
NOMINEES
Adam Cole, The Prohibition Warehouse, and Kentucky Bourbon & Barbecue Waterloo
Allan Cayenne, Peak Realty Ltd.
Armen Bakirtzian, Medical Innovation Xchange
Cecelia Johnson, Ce Food Experience
Jennifer Seberras, Simplify Supply Chain Solutions Inc.
Joschka Sawatzky, Ignite Group
Kayli Dale, A Friendlier Company
Lindsay Coulter, Lindsay Coulter Photography
Maddie Campbell, Canadian Student Leadership Association
Mary Beth Kennedy, Hiway Flowers
Mifrah Abid, Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo
Shirley Luu, Kitchener Public Library
Spencer Nechacov, RBC Royal Bank of Canada
Teri Patrick, The Social Acre
Adam Cole, The Prohibition Warehouse, and Kentucky Bourbon & Barbecue Waterloo
Allan Cayenne, Peak Realty Ltd.
Armen Bakirtzian, Medical Innovation Xchange
Cecelia Johnson, Ce Food Experience
Jennifer Seberras, Simplify Supply Chain Solutions Inc.
Joschka Sawatzky, Ignite Group
Kayli Dale, A Friendlier Company
Lindsay Coulter, Lindsay Coulter Photography
Maddie Campbell, Canadian Student Leadership Association
Mary Beth Kennedy, Hiway Flowers
Mifrah Abid, Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener Waterloo
Shirley Luu, Kitchener Public Library
Spencer Nechacov, RBC Royal Bank of Canada
Teri Patrick, The Social Acre
Sponsored by Wilfrid Laurier University
Sponsored by PwC
SPONSORS
A special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible!
Event Sponsors
Title
Cowan Insurance Group
Reception
Sun Life
Nominee After Party
BMO Financial Group
Toast
Grant Thornton LLP
Ambiance
Reid's Heritage Homes
Celebration
McCarter Grespan
Gift
BDO Canada LLP
Gold
CIBC
Bronze
Waterloo EDC
AWARD SPONSORS
New Business of the Year (Under 2 Years)
Bell Canada
Business of the Year (1-10)
MNP LLP
Business of the Year (11-50)
Miller Thomson LLP
Business of the Year (Over 50)
University of Waterloo
Community Builder of Year
Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota
Employee Engagement
Conestoga Collage Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Enviroment & Sustainability
Enbridge
Healthy & Wellness in the Workplace
WalterFedy
Innovation
Scotiabank
Michael R. Follet
Equitable Life of Canada
Non-Profit/Charitable
MTE Consultants Inc.
Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Gowling WLG
Volenteer of the Year
Wilfrid Laurier University
Young Professional of the Year
PwC
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Creative Marketing
Token Creative Services
Hospitality
Bingemans
Sound Events
StageVision
Event Decor
Décor & More
Now & Always Special Event Décor
Print & Awards
Westmount Signs & Printing
Photography
Adamski Photography
Media & Host
CTV Kitchener
Media
98.5 CKWR
Media
91.5 The Beat
107.5 Dave Rocks
Media
BOUNCE 99.5
105.3 Virgin Radio
Media
CHYM 96.7
COUNTRY 106.7
570 NEWS
Media
Waterloo Region Rural Post
A special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible!
Event Sponsors
Title
Cowan Insurance Group
Reception
Sun Life
Nominee After Party
BMO Financial Group
Toast
Grant Thornton LLP
Ambiance
Reid's Heritage Homes
Celebration
McCarter Grespan
Gift
BDO Canada LLP
Gold
CIBC
Bronze
Waterloo EDC
AWARD SPONSORS
New Business of the Year (Under 2 Years)
Bell Canada
Business of the Year (1-10)
MNP LLP
Business of the Year (11-50)
Miller Thomson LLP
Business of the Year (Over 50)
University of Waterloo
Community Builder of Year
Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota
Employee Engagement
Conestoga Collage Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Enviroment & Sustainability
Enbridge
Healthy & Wellness in the Workplace
WalterFedy
Innovation
Scotiabank
Michael R. Follet
Equitable Life of Canada
Non-Profit/Charitable
MTE Consultants Inc.
Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Gowling WLG
Volenteer of the Year
Wilfrid Laurier University
Young Professional of the Year
PwC
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Creative Marketing
Token Creative Services
Hospitality
Bingemans
Event Production
StageVision
Media
Décor & More
Now & Always Special Event Décor
Print & Awards
Westmount Signs & Printing
Photography
Adamski Photography
Media & Host
CTV Kitchener
Media
98.5 CKWR
Media
91.5 The Beat, 107.5 Dave Rocks
Media
BOUNCE 99.5
105.3 Virgin Radio
Media
CHYM 96.7
COUNTRY 106.7
570 NEWS
Media
Waterloo Region Rural Post
TICKETS
GALLERY
FAQ
The 2022 Business Excellence Awards Gala will be held as a HYBRID event.
For those who wish to attend VIRTUALLY from the comfort of your own home or office, you will experience the event on an interactive and engaging virtual event platform called Hopin. This is NOT another webinar! Here’s what you can expect:
- During the Reception, you’ll be able to enjoy and partake in live entertainment sessions, group networking discussions, one-on-one conversations, a virtual photo booth, and more. This is unique programming for virtual attendees only!
- A nominee gallery will be featured in the Expo.
- The formal program, including award presentations, will be streamed live into the virtual platform from Bingemans. You will be able to interact with other attendees during this time.
- Following the formal program, additional virtual entertainment will be available for the BMO Nominee After Party!
- You can also add-on to your virtual experience by pre-ordering a meal to enjoy at home during the show.
*The platform does use your video & audio (“Zoom” style) in several areas, so please be prepared to turn on your camera and connect your audio.
For those who wish to attend LIVE (in-person) at Bingemans, you can enter the lottery for your chance to receive access to tickets to the live event. Due to the capacity restrictions, tickets are extremely limited. Please refer to the “Lottery System” question in the FAQ for full details. If you receive access to the LIVE (in-person) tickets, here’s what you can expect on-site:
- During the Reception, you’ll be able to enjoy and partake in networking, passed hors d’oeuvres, open bar (including a signature cocktail), access to the Spin Booth, and more. This is unique programming for in-person attendees only!
- A delicious 3-course dinner (including wine), as you enjoy casual conversation with the other guests at your assigned table.
- A prime view of the Main Stage for the live formal program, including award presentations. *Please note, for any award winners who are participating virtually, their award acceptance speeches will be done live from their viewing location.
- Following the formal program, the bar will re-open for the BMO Nominee After Party!
To attend the event (virtual OR live), a ticket must be purchased for each attendee.
Virtual Tickets:
This gives you virtual access to the reception (networking, live entertainment, virtual photo booth, and more) and viewing access for the Awards Show itself.
- Members: $45 + HST
- Future Members: $60 + HST
- Hospitality Add-on (optional): pricing & details coming soon!
Live Tickets:
- Member Pricing: $225 + HST
- Future Member Pricing: $275 + HST
*Includes dinner & beverages.
Nominee Tickets:
You have the same ticket options as above, but to access the nominee pricing, please book your tickets directly with Chamber Staff by emailing beanominee@greaterkwchamber.com.
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
Details coming soon!
We encourage you to dress for the evening in business casual, or business formal attire. We recommend the same for virtual attendees (at least from the waist up!).
Details coming soon!
Hopin is a virtual events platform where attendees can learn, interact, and connect with others. At this time, most of our virtual events will be hosted on Hopin. Same popular events. Brand new experience.
In Hopin, you can network with others through chat windows and 1-on-1 video conversations in the Networking tab, watch our Main Stage for announcements, join in on group networking and brainstorming in our Sessions tab and explore our exhibitors in the Expo tab. This platform allows you to video chat with attendees, so please be prepared to have your audio & video on.
To watch a video on how the platform works and an explanation of each of the features, please click this link.
The event will be hosted on Hopin and requires you to set-up a profile in advance (which acts as your virtual business card). By registering prior to the event, it will make for a smooth login process on the event date. As you attend the event, you can virtually connect with people and booths. At the end of the event, your new connections will receive your virtual business card. You can find your connections by going to your profile. They will be organized by event. (Please Note: The image you add as your profile picture must be less than 2MB.)
Once you are registered for the event through our website, the link and password to access the Hopin event will be sent to you via email from the Chamber's Events Team (at least 5 business days prior to the event). Please remember to open the link in a Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox web browser. Unfortunately, this platform does not operate in Internet Explorer.