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Chamber recognizes entrepreneurship, growth and community at Business Excellence Awards

October 29, 2026   ·   0 Comments

Sandra Farran was 60-years-old when she decided to start a new chapter in her own life.

In the two years since she opened Saltbox Café on Wellington Street East, she has turned a historic Aurora building not only into a business but a thriving community hub.

On Thursday night, she was recognized with the New Business Award by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards.

“I think everybody here has acknowledged just how wonderful it is to do business in Aurora, how much the community steps up and just makes that part of their business is really incredible,” she said, accepting the award from the stage at the Royal Venetian Mansion on October 22. “This is for anybody who maybe has a sister or a brother, but particularly a grandmother, an older aunt… I just want to encourage anyone who feels that it is too late that it is never too late. It’s hard world, you have to be prepared for that, but it’s also extremely rewarding, and I truly believe that there’s so much potential in all of us.”

The potential of the business community, and those who are a part of it, were celebrated before a packed house as local businesses, groups, and individuals were rewarded in the fields of Non-Profits, Top Employer, Retail, Women-Led Businesses, and New Business.

“As Chair of the Board, this is one of my favourite events because it gives us the opportunity to recognize the incredible businesses, organizations, the individuals, the operations who make Aurora such a great place to live, work, and do business,” said David Olesen of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. “What became very clear through [the nomination] process is just how fortunate we are in Aurora to have such exceptional people operating businesses and being a part of our community here in Aurora. So, to all of our nominees and our finalists, a huge thank you for choosing Aurora as a home and a place to run your business.

“Being recognized by your peers and your community is an achievement in and of itself. I hope that each of the nominees who are here tonight took a moment to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. Whatever the outcome of this evening, always know that your hard work, your leadership, your contributions deserve to be celebrated every single day. You are all part of what makes Aurora’s business community, and Aurora itself, an incredibly strong community.”

These sentiments were shared by Aurora Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alison Mumford, who said it’s a time to recognize “excellence, innovation, leadership, and perhaps most importantly, people who have mastered the art of running a business while making it look suspiciously easy.”

Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MPP Michael Parsa, Mayor Tom Mrakas, Ward 4 Councillor Michael Thompson, Ward 6 Councillor Harold Kim, and a number of Council candidates who were in contention in Monday night’s municipal election.

In his remarks, Mayor Mrakas said the businesses and organizations in the room that evening “make this community stronger and more dynamic.”

“It’s not just through the services and products you provide, it’s also through creating thousands of good jobs, supporting local families, and giving back to so many important charitable initiatives,” he said. “The truth is that I don’t think the average person appreciates just how much it takes to run a successful business and everything that you deal with every day, from dealing with rising costs to looking after your employees and adapting to an economy that seems to be consistently changing. Running a business isn’t a regular nine-to-five. I know from experience there are so many early mornings, late nights, and calls at all hours. It takes incredible courage and determination to do what you do, and I want you to know how grateful I am for everything that you contribute to our community.

“I’ve said this many times before, but all of you also play a huge role in continuing to attract new investment to Aurora. When I talk to entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to establish themselves here, they look at the success of our existing businesses as evidence that they too can succeed in Aurora. While I know that there are still plenty of challenges for many of you, especially as we continue to navigate this ongoing trade war, there’s also so much to look forward to…. I again want to thank all of you for your hard work, for taking risks, putting in the long hours, and persevering even when things get difficult, for your charitable work that helps support so many of our most vulnerable residents, and for simply helping make Aurora the amazing place it is.”

This year’s nominees and honourees were:

NON-PROFIT AWARD – Celebrating the valuable contributions non-profit organizations make to the community of Aurora, recognizing community service and leadership:

Community living Central York

Hope House Hospice (WINNER)

Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers

Yellow Brick House

TOP EMPLOYER – This award recognizes an organization that prioritizes its people by fostering positive workplace culture and investing in employees’ wellbeing, growth and engagement:

Almac Industrial Systems

Apple Self Storage (WINNER)

Highland GM

Microtel Inn & Suites

RETAIL AWARD – Recognizing a retail business that delivers an exceptional customer service experience:

The Glitter Hub (WINNER)

KIBO Natural Body Care Products

Our Dog & Co.

Sweet Dutchess Kitchen & Café

WOMEN-LED BUSINESS

A4 Group Construction Services

The Car Girls

Monaco Interiors

The Social Pup (WINNER)

NEW BUSINESS AWARD – Recognizing a new business that has demonstrated early success, innovation, and a strong potential for long-term growth within its first three years of operation:

Game Day Men’s Health

LK Laser Aesthetics

Saffron Restaurant

Saltbox Café (WINNER)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Bessie Correa Real Estate – Re/Max (WINNER)

Billyard Insurance Group

Dekade Clothing

Elliott Raben Productions

Filly & Co

The Hive Wellness Collective

Ivish Interiors

Love 4 Dogs

Sheldon Stanleigh – Re/Max

Swiss Chalet

Thrive Gymnastics

Westview Golf

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AWARD
Anthony Garramone (WINNER)

Artistica Ballroom Dance

Royal Rose Art Gallery

St. Andrew’s College

A long-time community volunteer, Garramone was recognized for his work with the Town of Aurora, Aurora Cultural Centre, the Chamber, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Independent Order of Oddfellows, and CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors), among other organizations.

“I love Aurora, I love giving back, I love volunteering for the community,” said Garramone. “Thank you for this award. It’s an honour to receive it and, to my late friend Harvey who inspired me, this is for you.”

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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