June 23, 2016
(Niagara) – The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 13th Annual Niagara Business Achievement Awards on June 23, at the elegant Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre. The high-profile gala event, sponsored by Meridian Credit Union, is held annually to spotlight the achievements of businesses across Niagara.
“The Niagara Business Achievement Awards give us a chance to showcase some of the amazing business talent that we have here in Niagara,” says Mishka Balsom, CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “This event is our opportunity to recognize and reward outstanding performances of business excellence while continuing to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in Niagara.”
With radio personality Tim Denis of CKTB 610 hosting the evening, the event was an entertaining night of awards and celebration of Niagara’s best in business. Winners of this year’s awards were selected from a list of over 30 finalists from across Niagara. The winners, by category, were:
Business of the Year
Sponsored by Meridian Credit Union
White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa
Excellence in Business – up to 10 employees
Sponsored by St. Catharines Economic Development & Tourism Services & St. Catharines Enterprise Centre
Big Country Raw Food
Excellence in Business – 11 to 50 employees
Sponsored by Brock University
Future Access Inc.
Excellence in Business – 51 or more employees
Sponsored by Performance Mercedes-Benz
Kraun Electric
Outstanding New Business
Sponsored by Niagara College Canada
ProActive Chiropractic & Training Centre
Excellence in Technology & Innovation
Sponsored by Innovate Niagara
Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.
Excellence in Environmental Leadership
Sponsored by Horizon Utilities Corporation
Pinchin Ltd.
Excellence in Manufacturing
Sponsored by Niagara Region
Ladson Creative Millworks
Excellence in Tourism
Sponsored by CAA Rewards
Niagara Sport Commission
Excellence in International Business
Sponsored by Ridley College
WP Warehousing Inc.
Young Professional of the Year
Sponsored by Bell
Mary Jane Johnson (Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre and Foundation)
There were also four special presentations of bestowed awards, recognizing the achievement of individuals in four areas. The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Walker Industries, was awarded to Robert W.P. Welch of Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP.
The Builder of the Year Award, sponsored by Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc., is presented to a company or individual that has had a historically significant impact on the economic prosperity of the community, and went to Phil Ritchie of Keefer Developments.
The Volunteer Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Niagara Immigrant Connections Initiative, is presented to an individual demonstrating an outstanding commitment to helping build a stronger, more prosperous and vibrant community, and was awarded to Doug Smith of C.R. Smith Financial and Wise Guys.
The Community Leadership Award, sponsored by Henley Honda, is presented to an individual recognized for their leadership and the impact they have had on their community, and was bestowed to Dr. Suzanne Johnston of the Niagara Health System.
The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate all of the finalists and award winners at the 2016 Niagara Business Achievement Awards. The Chamber would also like to extend its gratitude to all of the sponsors of the event who contributed to the evening’s tremendous success.
The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is the champion for the Niagara business community. With over 1,500 members representing more than 45,000 employees, it is the largest business organization in Niagara and the third largest Chamber in Ontario. The Chamber Accreditation Council of Canada has recognized the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce with its highest level of distinction.
For more information and interviews please contact:
Mishka Balsom
CEO, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
905-684-2361 ext. 227 or mishka@gncc.ca
