Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce hosting Business Excellence Awards December 2

Oshawa’s business community get to dig deep into their closets for the fancy duds for the first time in two years on December 2 for the 2021 Business Excellence Awards, which will be held at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility in Ajax.

The annual event – 26 years and counting – recognizes the very best in the local business community and returns to the in-person format this year after going virtual in 2020 because of the pandemic.

There are six major prizes up for grabs at the event:

Business Person of the Year Award
Recognizes an individual who demonstrates innovations and/or outstanding achievements in, but not limited to, business success, leadership, community involvement, creative business initiatives, etc.

Business Excellence Award
The business or not-for-profit must have exceptional business achievements relating to a variety of areas, including but not limited to, customer service, new markets, products, marketing and the environment.

Next Generation Award
The nominee must be between the ages of 18 and 40, a full-time resident and/or business owner in the Greater Oshawa area for at least two years OR employed at a business of any kind; OR active as a volunteer for a non-profit organization; OR a student at a post-secondary institution in the Greater Oshawa area.

Not-For-Profit of The Year Award
Recognizes a registered Not-For-Profit/Charity organization that has exceptional community services and leadership within our community. Innovation Award The business or not-for-profit must have utilized an innovative and creative approach to integrate leading edge technology, including but not limited to, sustainability and accessibility, customer service, sales growth and contribution to the community.

Innovation
The business or not-for-profit must have utilized an innovative and creative approach to integrate leading edge technology, including but not limited to, sustainability and accessibility, customer service, sales growth and contribution to the community.

Sustainability Award
Recognizes businesses who show a dedicated approach to operating in an environmentally sustainable way including but not limited to; tracking and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, waste reduction, empowering employees and customers to live and work sustainably through green teams, environmentally friendly commute programs, etc.

Last year’s award recipients included W. Galen Weston Centre for Food; Alzheimer Society Durham Region; AI Hub, Durham College; Ontario Regiment Museum; Velcan Forest Products; Alexis Kofman; and Lakeridge Health, Durham Regional Police, Oshawa Fire Service and Region of Durham Paramedic Services