Biltmore Theatre double winner in Oshawa Business Excellence Awards

The Biltmore Theatre in the heart of Oshawa’s downtown was a double winner at Tuesday’s Business Excellence Awards gala in an evening marked by plenty of ‘new generation’ vibes.

The Baker Tilly Emerging Business Award was presented to the Biltmore, which was first opened in 1940 and re-opened in all its art deco splendour in the middle of the pandemic in 2021 – a perfect representation of both tradition and the new energy sweeping the city.

Theatre General Manager Jacob Hamayda made it two wins when he was named the Addison Marketing Intrapreneur of the Year.

Other 2024 award recipients include:

• The RBC Excellence in Business (30+ Employees) Award – Pinchin Inc.
• The Invest Durham Excellence in Business (1-30 Employees) Award – Teddy’s Restaurant
• The BMO Business Person of the Year – Erika Andrusiak, Durham First Aid
• The Durham College Innovation in Business Award – Oshawa Power
• The Pathwise Credit Union Not-For-Profit of the Year Award – Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
• The Neuron Mobilitry Sustainability in Business Award – 360 Eco Market
• The Courtyard by Marriott Tourism Operator of the Year Award – The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
• The G.W. McLaughlin Award (presented by Trent University Durham GTA) – Kyle Douglas (Manager, Corporate Services at CRCS DKI)

The theme for the 29th annual awards was ‘Bright,’ which chamber president Steve Conaby said highlights the “innovative minds and bright futures” driving Oshawa’s thriving business community.

“This year’s Business Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the bright ideas, bright minds, and bright futures that are shaping the business landscape in Oshawa. The achievements of all of our finalists inspire us all, and their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement paves the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said the awards are a “testament” to the dedication, resilience, and forward-thinking approaches of Oshawa’s business leaders.

“Oshawa’s business community continues to inspire us with their resilience, innovation, and curiosity. Congratulations to our 2024 nominees for their outstanding achievements and the lasting impact they have made on the great city of Oshawa.”

Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, who chairs the  Economic and Development Services Committee, agreed, saying the leaders of Oshawa’s business community “exemplify” tenacity, hard work and personal sacrifice.

“Their innovation and excellence substantially strengthen Oshawa’s business community, continue to drive job creation and diversify our economy, fueling opportunities for the success and prosperity actively creating our evolution into an exciting and dynamic metropolitan city.”

Diana Cerovich, who took over operations of the Biltmore after the death of her father Julius Kedvessey in September, 2021, and Hamayda were “beyond thrilled” to share the news of their two Business Excellence awards wins (the company was short-listed for four prizes) and gave a “huge thank you” to their “incredible staff, artists, patrons and community partners for making this possible.”

Jacob Hamayda and Diana Cerovich of the Biltmore Theatre

“We couldn’t do what we do without all of you (and) we’re just getting started.”

Oshawa Chamber CAO Jason King cited the ‘new generation vibes’ at the gala event and liked that business people can be celebrated for their achievements “without having a street already named after your family.”

“We must continue to celebrate and honour the legacy of those who got us to where we are today, but it’s also correct and valuable to acknowledge the contributions of the many new entrepreneurs and operators who are taking risks and making unbelievable sacrifices to invest in doing business in our community,” he said. “I appreciate it all, but I’m just extra glad to see us making space to celebrate so inclusively.”

For more information about the awards and detailed descriptions of each category, visit Business Excellence Awards.