2024 Business Excellence Awards

Business of the Year

Recognizes a local business for noteworthy accomplishments, long-standing contributions to Dufferin County, and significant community involvement. This business demonstrates best business practices, is a leader amongst local business, and has:

• been in business longer than two years;
• champions “Thinking Local” within the organization, and to the community;demonstrated innovate and pro
• active leadership;
• made exceptional contributions to our community’s wellbeing; and
• practiced good corporate citizenship.

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Businessperson of the Year Award

This award is presented to a local business person that has shown leadership, community involvement and is a pioneer and mentor in the business community. A business leader who:

• sets an example of positive leadership;
• projects a positive image in the community;
• works to motivate and encourage other entrepreneurs;
• promotes a positive image of Dufferin County and/or its people;
• actively contributes to the growth of the community, and support of local initiatives; and
• has been active in the community for a minimum of five years.

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Inclusivity Champion Award

This Award recognizes a local business or non-profit in our community who has policies and practices of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those having physical or mental disabilities or belonging to other minority groups. Some ways this organization demonstrates their inclusivity may include:

• being an active participant in the Level Up Dufferin program as an LGBTQ+ Safe Space &/or Accessible Business. (optional, but recommended);
• educating and training their staff and volunteers on DEI;
• setting an example of inclusivity best practices for other local organizations to follow;
• ensuring employees and customers are clearly aware of their inclusivity efforts; and
• creating new and innovate ways to promote DEI in our community.

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Responsible Business Award

Recognizes a local business or non-profit who demonstrates both social and environmental responsibility in their business practices.  This organization is committed to making life better by being a good steward of the environment, a good employer, and a good business. Some ways this organization demonstrates their responsibility may include:

• being an active participant in the Level Up Dufferin program as Socially Responsible &/or Environmentally Responsible (optional, but recommended);
• taking tangible steps towards bettering our environment and our society. Steps which may include:
• paying a living wage, having clear and inclusive hiring practices, changing to more earth-friendly products, implementing a local purchasing policy, etc.
• this business may have, or be working towards obtaining, “B Corp” status, or other similar status

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Innovation Award

Awarded to a business or organization that is a trailblazer of our local business community, striving ahead to achieve remarkable results. Innovators are committed, determined, and skilled game-changers in their industry, and have:

• created, invented or developed an innovative product or process that has had a significant impact on the local community;
• made innovative improvements in their products, processes, technology, management, or customer service;
• been a socially responsible, engaged member of the local business community; and
• been in operation for a minimum of two years.

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Community Builder Award 

Honours a for-profit business that demonstrates outstanding community involvement and embraces the notion of giving back, with community investments that have resulted in an improved quality of life in our region, and increased community well-being.  The Community Builder:

• invests in the lives of others and actively contributes to making Dufferin a great place to live and work;
• has initiatives that demonstrate a sustained and long‐term commitment to improving the quality of life and community well-being in Dufferin;
• has policies and practices that demonstrate accountability and responsibility to the community; and
• actively supports existing community building programs, or establishes new programs and initiatives.

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Chairman’s Award

This is awarded at the discretion of the Chair of the DBOT Board of Directors. Nominations are not accepted for this award.