On behalf of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce we would like to welcome you to the 2021 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 all have had to do this year, we have adapted our plans to host this event virtually.
Although it has been an 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 still being made by businesses right here in our Region are not going unnoticed. We extend a congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners, and to all the businesses surviving and thriving during an uncertain time.
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.
Finally, we are honoured to share this evening of celebration with you all. Thank you for attending this year’s virtual event. We look forward to being able to safely see you in-person again soon.
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 2021 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 all have had to do this year, we have adapted our plans to host this event virtually.
Although it has been an 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 still being made by businesses right here in our Region are not going unnoticed. We extend a congratulations to this year’s nominees and winners, and to all the businesses surviving and thriving during an uncertain time.
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.
Finally, we are honoured to share this evening of celebration with you all. Thank you for attending this year’s virtual event. We look forward to being able to safely see you in-person again soon.
Sincerely,
Ian McLean - President & CEO
Adam Smith - Chair, Board of Directors
AGENDA
AGENDA
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 S.G. Cunningham Ltd.
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
CKX Training On-the-Go
Civilian Screen Printing
FABRIK Architects Inc.
FASTSIGNS
Gecko Websites
Oxford Learning Waterloo
Reeve & Company
Roxton Industries
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 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
Anytime Fitness
Clean & Tidy
Diva International Inc.
FoxNet Inc.
Jay Fencing Ltd.
The Inn of Waterloo & Conference Centre
Warm Embrace Elder Care
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 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
eSentire
Libro Credit Union
MCAP
NDI
RLB LLP
The Canadian Shield
Sponsored by Bell Canada
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
Cart2Curb Ltd.
DROM
Tapestry Hall
Sponsored by Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota
Community Builder Award
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
Activa
Anytime Fitness
Bingemans
Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation
Radisson Hotel Kitchener-Waterloo
Robert Langen Art Gallery, Wilfrid Laurier University
S.G. Cunningham
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
The Inn of Waterloo & Conference Centre
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
Driverseat
Equitable Life of Canada
Grand River Raceway
Igloo Software
McCarter Grespan Beynon Weir PC
Quarry Integrated Communications Inc.
Reid’s Heritage Homes Ltd.
Token Creative Services
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
Accelerator Centre
AET Group
Arcadian Projects
City of Kitchener
Diva International Inc.
Joseph & Company
Vertical Interiors by McIntyre
Wake Up Coffee Solutions
WalterFedy
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
Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington
EXP Services
H2R Business Solutions
Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
Igloo Software
KW Habilitation
Paris Child Care
Roxton Industries
S.G. Cunningham
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
Driverseat
FABRIK Architects Inc.
JobJunxion
Shaver Industries
TDG Marketing
The Canadian Shield
Sponsored by MTE Consultants Inc.
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
Accelerator Centre
Brain Injury Association of Waterloo-Wellington
Deafblind Ontario Services
Enactus Laurier (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Grand River Hospital Foundation
Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation
Kitchener Waterloo Counselling Services Inc.
KW Habilitation
KW Multicultural Centre
Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice
Nutrition for Learning
oneROOF
Sexual Assault Centre of Waterloo Region
Strong Start Charitable Foundation
Sponsored by Gowling WLG
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
Bingemans
Fresh Look Design
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge/Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Little Mushroom Catering
Stagevision
State & Main (Waterloo)
THEMUSEUM
Sponsored by PwC
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
Blair Forest, Wilfrid Laurier University
Elisia Neves, FABRIK Architects
Erika Siegner, Quantum Greens
Jennifer Muir, Jennifer Muir Doula Services
Jeremy Hedges, The Canadian Shield
Mackenzie Ainlay, Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation
Mandy English-Parry, TDG Marketing
Mark Dickens, RBC Dominion Securities
Matthew Simone, Igloo Software
Natalie Dumond, Natalie Dumond Coaching & Consulting
Sponsored by Equitable Life of Canada
Sponsored by Wilfrid Laurier University
SPONSORS
A special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible!
Event Sponsors
Title
Cowan Insurance Group
Reception
Manulife
Nominee Reception
BMO Financial Group
Toast
McCarter Grespan
Photo Booth
Reid's Heritage Homes
Live Entertainment
Activa
Gift
BDO Canada LLP
Gold
Sun Life
Bronze
Waterloo EDC
AWARD SPONSORS
New Business of the Year (Under 2 Years)
Bell Canada
Business of the Year (1-10)
S.G, Cunningham Ltd.
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
GHD
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
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
99.5 KFUN, 105.3 Virgin Radio
Media
CHYM 96.7, COUNTRY 106.7, 570 NEWS
Media
Waterloo Region Record
greaterkwchamber.com
TICKETS
TICKETS
FAQ
How will this year’s virtual event work?
The 2021 Business Excellence Awards Gala will be held virtually on an interactive and engaging virtual event platform called Hopin.
You’ll be able to participate remotely from a location of your choosing (home or office). 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.
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. A nominee gallery will also be featured in the Expo. At 7:00pm, we will proceed with the formal program, including award presentations. This year’s show will be broadcasted live, from remote locations due to the current stay-at-home order.
What is Hopin?
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.
What are the ticket options?
To attend the event, a general admission ticket must be purchased for each attendee. This gives you virtual access to the reception (networking, live entertainment, virtual photo booth, and more) and viewing access for the Awards Show itself.
There is an optional hospitality add-on available, for an additional fee. This includes your choice of charcuterie box (individual portions), and dessert. Full details and registration can be found here.
If you are a nominee, and looking to purchase a ticket, please email Hannah Kelly at hkelly@greaterkwchamber.com.
Why Register on Hopin?
Why Register on Hopin? 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.)
Is there a dress code?
Although we are virtual, we do still encourage you to dress for the evening in a business casual, or business formal dress-code (at least from the waist up!).
How do I access Hopin?
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.
FAQ
How will this year’s virtual event work?
The 2021 Business Excellence Awards Gala will be held virtually on an interactive and engaging virtual event platform called Hopin.
You’ll be able to participate remotely from a location of your choosing (home or office). 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.
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. A nominee gallery will also be featured in the Expo. At 7:00pm, we will proceed with the formal program, including award presentations. This year’s show will be broadcasted live, from remote locations due to the current stay-at-home order.
What is Hopin?
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.
What are the ticket options?
To attend the event, a general admission ticket must be purchased for each attendee. This gives you virtual access to the reception (networking, live entertainment, virtual photo booth, and more) and viewing access for the Awards Show itself.
There is an optional hospitality add-on available, for an additional fee. This includes your choice of charcuterie box (individual portions), and dessert. Full details and registration can be found here.
If you are a nominee, and looking to purchase a ticket, please email Hannah Kelly at hkelly@greaterkwchamber.com.
Why Register on Hopin?
Why Register on Hopin? 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.)
Is there a dress code?
Although we are virtual, we do still encourage you to dress for the evening in a business casual, or business formal dress-code (at least from the waist up!).
How do I access Hopin?
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.
