Biltmore Theatre in downtown Oshawa short-listed for four Business Excellence Awards

The Biltmore Theatre in downtown Oshawa led a crowded short list for the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards with four nominations, including one for Tourism Operator of the Year.

Oshawa Power, Procure Pro and Durham First Aid were all short-listed twice.

The Biltmore Theatre first opened in 1940 while war-induced lockdowns were in place and re-opened – after several different business lives – in 2021 by local entrepreneur Julius Kedvessey while lockdowns from a world-wide pandemic were still putting a damper on the entertainment business.

Today it’s a thriving concert venue that still has the 1940s touches in the upstairs lounge, with art deco statues (including ‘Lady with Two Birds’), a sarcophagus that might or might not contain a real Pharaoh inside, a working Wurlitzer organ and a Baby Grand Piano, as well as other art deco touches from the era that conjure up images of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday sipping on martinis while awaiting their turn in the spotlight.

It’s also under ‘new’ management after Kedvessey’s sudden passing in September 2021, just a few months after the theatre’s re-opening. The new boss is his daughter Diana Cerovich, who has turned the business into a must-stop for performers heading through Durham’s Music City.

“We’re honored to have our team shortlisted in not just one, but four categories,” the Biltmore enthused on its socials. “Congratulations to all the other nominees and thank you to our fantastic Biltmore team, artists, promoters, patrons, and community for your continued support.”

The 1940s vibe upstairs lounge at the Biltmore Theatre

Cerovich is nominated for Business Person of the Year (in what looks like a tightly contested vote with five total candidates on the list), while Biltmore General Manager Jacob Hamayda is up against Susan Mercer-Tumilty, the Director of Operations and Consultant at Procure Pro, in the Intrapreneur of the Year Award.

The theatre itself has been nominated for both Tourism Operator of the Year (against Treetop Eco Adventure Park and the Robert McLaughlin Gallery) and Emerging Business of the Year against music venue neighbour Bond|St Events Centre.

Cerovich’s competition for Business Person the Year include Dina Scarcelli (Montessori Preschool and Daycare), Erika Andrusiak (Durham First Aid), Fernando Rochetta (Rocpal Kitchen and Bath Studio)  and Peter Bocking (Bocking & Grieve Ltd), who also served two years as president of the Oshawa chamber in 2022 and 2023.

Oshawa Power was nominated in the Excellence in Business Award (30-plus employees), where the utility is up against Pinchin Ltd. and Computek College, and in the Innovation in Business Award. Oshawa Power’s competition in that category is Alary Technologies.

Durham First Aid and Procure Pro are nominated against each other in the Excellence in Business (1-30 employees) category (along with Addison Marketing Solutions, Brenda Miller Wealth Management and Teddy’s Restaurant).

Other categories in 2024 Business Excellence Awards include:

Not-For-Profit of the Year – Canadian Mental Health Association Durham, Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre, Durham Community Health Centre, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Simcoe Hall Settlement House and Their Opportunity

Sustainability Award – 360 Eco Market, Aide Bodycare and Bistro 67.

Chamber CEO Jason King said there was an “exceptional number” of submissions this year, with some categories seeing as many as 30 nominations, showcasing a “strong entrepreneurial spirit” in Oshawa.

“The passion and commitment of Oshawa’s business community inspire the Chamber team every day,” King said. “Releasing this expanded shortlist helps us to further celebrate the incredible work being done to drive our city’s success and nurture community prosperity.”

Individuals and businesses on the short list are making a “significant impact on Oshawa’s growth and innovation,” he added.

The Oshawa Chamber released an expanded shortlist in 2024, allowing for broader recognition of the diverse achievements that contribute to Oshawa’s business scene.

The 2024 Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards will be held September 24 at a gala event at the Tosca Banquet Hall, with business leaders, residents and other stakeholders on hand to celebrate Oshawa’s business achievements.

To ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, Chambers from outside Durham Region adjudicated all entries.

For more details on the event visit www.oshawachamber.com