Business Excellence Awards set to recognize 21 entrepreneurs, innovators and more

November 9, 2018 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Twenty-one large and small businesses, new and established, entrepreneurs and innovators will have their moment in the spotlight next Thursday as the Aurora Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2018 Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.
Aimed at recognizing “the best and brightest in Aurora – local businesses that have demonstrated a passion for excellence, a commitment to their community and a strong entrepreneurial spirit,” the evening will take place Thursday, November 15 at the Royal Venetian on Industrial Parkway South.
The ceremony will highlight the inspiring achievements and contributions of businesses leaders in Aurora who have made their contributions in various ways, whether coming up with a new innovation that has put the community in the forefront of their respective industries, or sharing their successes with the community at large through giving back.
“Our theme is ‘Unmasking Your Business Potential,’” says Sandra Ferri, Executive Director of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, pointing to an opera mask that is part of the evening’s logo. “Earlier this year, we put out an all-call to businesses and people are either nominated by someone or they can nominate themselves for an award. Then, once [we have their] submissions, it goes to a group of judges.
“We have seven awards this year, some of them a little bit different from last year, and we have a lot of really strong nominees. But, we have a very strong business community here and I don’t think it is too hard to come up with really talented businesses.
“What struck me is they are very diverse. We have got everything from realty to legal, to physio to education, dentists, not for profits. There is just a really broad range of big and small businesses, newly started businesses, as well as businesses that are really steeped in Aurora.”
Next Thursday’s gala will include a cocktail hour, which will afford ticket-holders the chance to mingle and network, before sitting down to dinner. The awards, each sponsored by a local business, will get underway following the meal and will include video presentations of each nominee.”
The Business Excellence Awards were brought back by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce after a five year hiatus. It was something the Chamber was keen to take off the ice, and it was warmly embraced again by the business community.
“People won’t want to miss this,” says Ms. Ferri. “It is going to be a very nice evening in an elegant setting, emceed by Lance Brown, and a really fun night where we can celebrate the excellence of business in Aurora.”

The 2018 Nominees Are:

Community Involvement:
Keller Williams Realty
Lighthouse Legal
Treefrog (Sarid Layton)

Innovators Award:
Honsberger Physio+
Stem Minds
Ten Toonies Financial Literacy
for Kids

New Business:
Aurora Borealis Orthodontics
Dos Mariachis-
Drummer’s Hangout

Non-Profit of the Year:
Neighbourhood Network
Shine Through the Rain
Welcoming Arms

Young Entrepreneur:
BioPed Footcare
Ginger’s Cupcakes & Desserts
K+A Concierge

Small Business:
Sigma Promotions
Skyview Family & Cosmetic
Dentistry
Transcend Wellness

Large Business:
Almac Industries
Cube Packaging
Prime Data
Tickets for the 2018 Business Excellence Awards are on sale now for $150 online at www.aurorachamber.on.ca, or by calling 905-727-7262. Registration closes this Monday, November 12.