On behalf of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce we would like to welcome you to our 2019 Business Excellence Awards Gala.
We are extremely proud to host over 900 attendees at the premier networking event in the Region here at Bingemans. At this event we recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their incredible contributions to making Waterloo Region a great location to live and work. We congratulate all of this year’s nominees and winners.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors and volunteers who make this annual celebration possible. Their on-going commitment and support to community service exemplify the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that makes Waterloo Region exceptional.
A huge thank you to all of you for joining us and congratulations again to all the nominees and winners of the 13 awards presented. We are honoured to share this evening of celebration.
Sincerely,
Ian McLean – President & CEO
Renata Rusiniak – Chair, Board of Directors
Evening Agenda
5:00pm BMO Nominee Reception
6:00pm Manulife Reception
7:00pm Dinner Reception
8:30pm Awards Presentation
10:00pm After Party
2019 Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner Menu
Assorted Fresh Baked Rolls & Flatbreads
With Whipped Butter
Winter Greens Salad
Frisee, Mache, Watercress, Martin’s Apple Chips, Pomegranate, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
With a Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
(V, VG, DF, GF)
7 oz Grilled Beef Tenderloin
With Maple Glazed Carrots, Roasted Asparagus, Potato Parsnip Puree, Green Beans, Zucchini Ribbons, and Baby Beets
Served with Peppercorn Demi Glaze
(GF)
Cheesecake Pairing
Chocolate Cheesecake on Chocolate Sponge with Coffee Mirror Glaze
Paired with a Miniature Lemon Cheesecake
(V)
* * * * *
*(Alternate Entrée) Cauliflower “Steak”
With Maple Glazed Carrots, Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Zucchini Ribbons, and Baby Beets
Served with a Smoked Tomato Sauce
(V, VG, DF, GF)
*(Alternate Dessert) Assorted Fruit Plate
Cantaloupe Brunoise, Raspberry and Blueberry “Crème”, Raspberry, Blackberry, Lavender, Edible Flowers,
Brandy Reduction, Mandarin, Candied Ginger, Pomegranate Seeds, and Pomelo
(V, VG, DF, GF)
*Alternate menu options are by advance notice only. Please contact Hannah Kelly (hkelly@greaterkwchamber.com) to arrange by Thursday, February 14th, 2019.
- Small 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)
- Employee Engagement Award
- Environment & Sustainability Award
- Health & Wellness in the Workplace Award
- Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism Award
- Innovation Award
- Non-Profit/Charitable Award
- Young Professional of the Year Award
- Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
Small Business of the Year Award (1-10 Employees)
Sponsored by SG Cunningham
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
- D1Zi Digital Marketing Agency
- Danval Inc.
- Descendents Brewery
- Element Hair
- Glass of Learning Inc.
- Home Care Assistance
- Journaling Through
- Kidsquad Kids Car Dealership (Nothing But Deals Inc.)
- KW Headshots
- Oak and Rumble
- Red and White Realty
- Reeve and Company Inc.
- Roxton Industries
- The Crack Specialists
- The Event Firm Inc.
- Token Creative Services
- Ultimate Vision Web & IT Solutions
Business of the Year Award (11-50 Employees)
Sponsored by Miller Thomson LLP
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 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
- Alert Labs Inc.
- Black and White Commercial Roofing
- Clean & Tidy
- Depth Training
- Dietrich Plumbing & Pump Ltd.
- Document Imaging Partners
- Driverseat Inc.
- FoxNet Inc.
- Little Mushroom Catering
- Mulrooney & Associates Incorporated
- Overlap Associates Inc.
- XCG Consulting Limited
Business of the Year Award (Over 50 Employees)
Sponsored by University of Waterloo
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 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
- Activa
- BDO Canada LLP
- Bonfire
- Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
- Josslin Insurance
- MCAP
- Northern Digital Inc (NDI)
- RLB LLP
- Waterloo Brewing Company
New Business of the Year Award (Under 2 Years)
Sponsored by Bell
Awarded to a business or startup that has:
- Been in operation for less than 2 years
- Demonstrated proactive and innovation leadership within their business or industry
- Demonstrated measurable 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
- Cellar52
- Chestnut Park
- Plan A Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting
- Wroute Inc.
Employee Engagement Award
Sponsored by Conestoga College
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
- been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- 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
- Artline Salon
- GHD
- Igloo Software
- McCarter Grespan Beynon Weir PC
- North
- Reid’s Heritage Homes
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.
Environment & Sustainability Award
Sponsored by Enbridge Gas Inc. Operating as Union Gas
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
- been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- 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.
- Alert Labs Inc.
- Blackberry Limited
- Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.
- EY
- Onyx Energy
Health & Wellness in the Workplace Award
Sponsored by Grand River Hospital
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:
- 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
- Been in operation for a minimum of two full years
Nominees
- Anytime Fitness
- BlackBerry Limited
- Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
- Parents For Community Living Kitchener-Waterloo
- S.G. Cunningham Limited
Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Sponsored by Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation
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 the entertainment industry. This business may have:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- 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 GKW area
- Demonstrated measurable success
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
Nominees
- Charcoal Group
- Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo
- Little Mushroom Catering
- Mambella’s
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Blackberry
Awarded to a business or organization that has been in operation for a minimum of one full 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
- Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.
- Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd.
- Glass of Learning Inc.
- Home Hardware
- McIntyre Group
- Powernoodle Inc.
- Salesforce Inc.
- Waterloo Accelerator Centre
- Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network
- Wroute Inc.
Non-Profit/Charitable Award
Sponsored by MTE
Awarded to an outstanding non-profit/charitable organization that has achieved excellence through any or all of:
- 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
- been in operation for a minimum of two full years
Nominees
- Recess Guardians
- Food4Kids Waterloo Wellington
- Nutrition For Learning
- RunWaterloo
- SHAD
- The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
- THEMUSEUM
Young Professional of the Year Award
Sponsored by Meridian Credit Union
This award is 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 at the deadline for nomination ballots
- is an individual who is part of a member 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
- 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
- Beisan Zubi – Communitech
- Elliot Fung – Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network
- Hannah Marie– KW Headshots by Hannah Marie
- Kendra Ross – Oak and Rumble
- Kris Ronan – Dirt Cheap
- Mohsan Abdullah – Token Creative Services
- Shelby Behling – Clean & Tidy
- Victoria Locke – unLOCKEd Company
Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award
Sponsored By: Equitable Life of Canada
Awarded to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated leadership in the development of the community and is a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and is in good standing.
In the past year this individual has demonstrated leadership in the development of the community by:
- Creating or facilitating significant solutions to meet community needs
- Inspiring others to achieve excellence
Volunteer of the Year Award
Sponsored By: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics
In the past year, this individual has:
- Demonstrated volunteer and event participation within the Chamber
- Made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership
- Donated time and energy to the Chamber
On behalf of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce we would like to welcome you to our 2019 Business Excellence Awards Gala.
We are extremely proud to host over 900 attendees at the premier networking event in the Region here at Bingemans. At this event we recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their incredible contributions to making Waterloo Region a great location to live and work. We congratulate all of this year’s nominees and winners.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors and volunteers who make this annual celebration possible. Their on-going commitment and support to community service exemplify the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that makes Waterloo Region exceptional.
A huge thank you to all of you for joining us and congratulations again to all the nominees and winners of the 13 awards presented. We are honoured to share this evening of celebration.
Sincerely,
Ian McLean – President & CEO
Renata Rusiniak – Chair, Board of Directors
Evening
Agenda
5:00pm BMO Nominee Reception
6:00pm Manulife Reception
7:00pm Dinner Reception
8:30pm Awards Presentation
10:00pm After Party
2019
Business
Excellence
Awards Gala
Dinner
Menu
Assorted Fresh Baked Rolls & Flatbreads
With Whipped Butter
Winter Greens Salad
Frisee, Mache, Watercress, Martin’s Apple Chips, Pomegranate, and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
With a Maple Mustard Vinaigrette
(V, VG, DF, GF)
7 oz Grilled Beef Tenderloin
With Maple Glazed Carrots, Roasted Asparagus, Potato Parsnip Puree, Green Beans, Zucchini Ribbons, and Baby Beets
Served with Peppercorn Demi Glaze
(GF)
Cheesecake Pairing
Chocolate Cheesecake on Chocolate Sponge with Coffee Mirror Glaze
Paired with a Miniature Lemon Cheesecake
(V)
* * * * *
*(Alternate Entrée) Cauliflower “Steak”
With Maple Glazed Carrots, Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Zucchini Ribbons, and Baby Beets
Served with a Smoked Tomato Sauce
(V, VG, DF, GF)
*(Alternate Dessert) Assorted Fruit Plate
Cantaloupe Brunoise, Raspberry and Blueberry “Crème”, Raspberry, Blackberry, Lavender, Edible Flowers,
Brandy Reduction, Mandarin, Candied Ginger, Pomegranate Seeds, and Pomelo
(V, VG, DF, GF)
*Alternate menu options are by advance notice only. Please contact Hannah Kelly (hkelly@greaterkwchamber.com) to arrange by Thursday, February 14th, 2019.
- Small 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)
- Employee Engagement Award
- Environment & Sustainability Award
- Health & Wellness in the Workplace Award
- Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism Award
- Innovation Award
- Non-Profit/Charitable Award
- Young Professional of the Year Award
- Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
Small Business of the Year Award (1-10 Employees)
Sponsored by SG Cunningham
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
- D1Zi Digital Marketing Agency
- Danval Inc.
- Descendents Brewery
- Element Hair
- Glass of Learning Inc.
- Home Care Assistance
- Journaling Through
- Kidsquad Kids Car Dealership (Nothing But Deals Inc.)
- KW Headshots
- Oak and Rumble
- Red and White Realty
- Reeve and Company Inc.
- Roxton Industries
- The Crack Specialists
- The Event Firm Inc.
- Token Creative Services
- Ultimate Vision Web & IT Solutions
Business of the Year Award (11-50 Employees)
Sponsored by Miller Thomson LLP
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 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
- Alert Labs Inc.
- Black and White Commercial Roofing
- Clean & Tidy
- Depth Training
- Dietrich Plumbing & Pump Ltd.
- Document Imaging Partners
- Driverseat Inc.
- FoxNet Inc.
- Little Mushroom Catering
- Mulrooney & Associates Incorporated
- Overlap Associates Inc.
- XCG Consulting Limited
Business of the Year Award (Over 50 Employees)
Sponsored by University of Waterloo
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 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
- Activa
- BDO Canada LLP
- Bonfire
- Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
- Josslin Insurance
- MCAP
- Northern Digital Inc (NDI)
- RLB LLP
- Waterloo Brewing Company
New Business of the Year Award (Under 2 Years)
Sponsored by Bell
Awarded to a business or startup that has:
- Been in operation for less than 2 years
- Demonstrated proactive and innovation leadership within their business or industry
- Demonstrated measurable 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
- Cellar52
- Chestnut Park
- Plan A Healthcare Staffing & Recruiting
- Wroute Inc.
Employee Engagement Award
Sponsored by Conestoga College
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
- been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- 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
- Artline Salon
- GHD
- Igloo Software
- McCarter Grespan Beynon Weir PC
- North
- Reid’s Heritage Homes
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.
Environment & Sustainability Award
Sponsored by Enbridge Gas Inc. Operating as Union Gas
Awarded to a business or organization that has:
- been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- 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.
- Alert Labs Inc.
- Blackberry Limited
- Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.
- EY
- Onyx Energy
Health & Wellness in the Workplace Award
Sponsored by Grand River Hospital
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:
- 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
- Been in operation for a minimum of two full years
Nominees
- Anytime Fitness
- BlackBerry Limited
- Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
- Parents For Community Living Kitchener-Waterloo
- S.G. Cunningham Limited
Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Sponsored by Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation
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 the entertainment industry. This business may have:
- Been in operation for a minimum of two full years
- 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 GKW area
- Demonstrated measurable success
- Made exceptional contributions by promoting community betterment
Nominees
- Charcoal Group
- Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo
- Little Mushroom Catering
- Mambella’s
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Blackberry
Awarded to a business or organization that has been in operation for a minimum of one full 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
- Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc.
- Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd.
- Glass of Learning Inc.
- Home Hardware
- McIntyre Group
- Powernoodle Inc.
- Salesforce Inc.
- Waterloo Accelerator Centre
- Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network
- Wroute Inc.
Non-Profit/Charitable Award
Sponsored by MTE
Awarded to an outstanding non-profit/charitable organization that has achieved excellence through any or all of:
- 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
- been in operation for a minimum of two full years
Nominees
- Recess Guardians
- Food4Kids Waterloo Wellington
- Nutrition For Learning
- RunWaterloo
- SHAD
- The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
- THEMUSEUM
Young Professional of the Year Award
Sponsored by Meridian Credit Union
This award is 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 at the deadline for nomination ballots
- is an individual who is part of a member 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
- 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
- Beisan Zubi – Communitech
- Elliot Fung – Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network
- Hannah Marie – KW Headshots by Hannah Marie
- Kendra Ross – Oak and Rumble
- Kris Ronan – Dirt Cheap
- Mohsan Abdullah – Token Creative Services
- Shelby Behling – Clean & Tidy
- Victoria Locke – unLOCKEd Company
Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award
Sponsored By: Equitable Life of Canada
Awarded to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated leadership in the development of the community and is a member of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and is in good standing.
In the past year this individual has demonstrated leadership in the development of the community by:
- Creating or facilitating significant solutions to meet community needs
- Inspiring others to achieve excellence
Volunteer of the Year Award
Sponsored By: Lazaridis School of Business & Economics
In the past year, this individual has:
- Demonstrated volunteer and event participation within the Chamber
- Made exceptional contributions through their involvement and leadership
- Donated time and energy to the Chamber
Special thanks to our sponsors who help make this event possible.
|
Keep the conversation going!
@GKWCC #BEAGala
Presented by:
