On October 18th, 2018, the Dufferin Board of Trade celebrated the winners of the 2018 Business Excellence Awards. Business leaders from across the county gathered for the awards gala at the OAS Event Centre for an evening of celebration. A total of eight distinguished awards were presented.
The Dufferin Board of Trade received nominations from across Dufferin County. The Award winners were determined by chambers of commerce, community futures organizations, business incubators, and other business associations outside the area for impartial judging.
The Dufferin Board of Trade is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Dufferin Business Excellence Awards:
Award Categories
Business of the Year – under 10 employees | Business of the Year – 10 or more employees | Association of the Year | Emerging Business Award | Innovator Award | Young Professional of the Year | Community Builder Award | Business Citizen of the Year
Business of the year – under 10 employees – Sponsored by Meridian Credit Union
My Broadcasting Corporation
At MBC, they embrace the opportunity they have as a local broadcaster. Each day, their teams leverage the power of local radio and their local websites to help make a difference in our community. MyFM’s mandate has been to always provide a price point that every business can afford. The General Managers, News Teams, On-Air Personalities and support staff take great pride in their responsiveness to the issues and events impacting the lives of their audiences. MyFM Orangeville’s local staff in Dufferin County volunteer, show-up, sit on committees, speak at events and donate to local charities.
See Nominees
Business of the Year – 10 or more employees – Sponsored by RBC
Highland Restoration DKI
Highland Restoration DKI is an emergency disaster and general contracting firm that has been servicing the areas of Dufferin, Caledon, Wellington, and Peel Regions for over 20 years. Highland Restoration relies heavily on subtrades to service their clients. From flooring, HVAC, electrical, and insulation their staff is required to seek local contacts first, before outsourcing to other regions. Highland believes that small business is a community which transitions every walk of life, and supporting each other in our successes only helps us grow together. They are an industry leader in responsible operation, environmental sustainability, and community support. They display leadership with their commitment to training and community involvement.
See Nominees
Association of the Year – Sponsored by Carters Professional Corporation
Family Transition Place (FTP)
Family Transition Place (FTP) is an agency that provides a hub of services to serve women, children and men that have experienced abuse. Founded in 1984, the agency offers services in five main program areas: Emergency Shelter, Second Stage Housing, Transitional Support Services, Counselling (Addictions, Sexual Assault & Woman Abuse), and Youth & Community Education. Last year FTP touched the lives of 664 women, 28 men, and 74 children through direct service. FTP reached over 1,500 youth through their youth education programs in Dufferin community schools teaching kids what healthy relationships are all about, to help break the cycle of violence.
See Nominees
Emerging Business Award – Sponsored by Georgian College
Shelburne Family Chiropractic
With no investors & starting with a zero-patient base, Dr.Magder & Shelburne Family Chiropractic has rapidly grown into one of the most successful chiropractors/chiropractic clinics in Dufferin County & the province. SFC reflects the outstanding spirit & success of the Dufferin business community by partnering local, working together with local business & municipal leaders & purchasing goods for the clinic through local Dufferin businesses. Shelburne Family Chiropractic understands that to build a vibrant community, they must exemplify this spirit in everything that they do and in turn, work towards building a sustainable community built on strong economic & social relationships.
See Nominees
Innovator Award – Sponsored by Orangeville Hydro
Snapd Dufferin
Snapd Dufferin is a successful print publication in an environment where print media is floundering. The challenge owner Victoria Johansen was faced with was not to maintain status quo but to bust through with added fervor and increase access. Snapd has increased distribution by as much as 50% giving a larger audience greater access. This increase in turn impacts successful communication by advertisers. Snapd supplies affordable month-long viability in a printed format. Their Snaptix program, similar to Eventbrite or Paypal, was reintroduced and is successfully growing. This offers this community the opportunity to promote their events with streamlined ticketing, as well as full social media, print and contact event management.
See Nominees
Young Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Humber College
Phillip DeWar
Philip opened Soulyve Caribbean Kitchen over eight years ago, and in that time has driven the restaurant to heights previously unimaginable for ethnic food in Orangeville. With the expansion of Soulyve from 30 seats to over 100, the restaurant welcomes thousands of guests each year, many of whom come from outside the area. Soulyve has become a destination restaurant, and as a result, visitors get to experience all that Headwaters has to offer. Furthermore, Philip has personally employed over 200 staff members since 2009. He has brought jobs to the community and contributed a significant economic boost as a result.
See Nominees
Community Builder Award – Sponsored by Town of Orangeville
Headwaters Dental
Dr. Raj Khanuja had a vision in 2012 to start a pro bono dental clinic to help those who could not afford dental care. The project titled, “Doing Positive in my Backyard”, has grown consistently and sustained itself through tough economic times. Headwaters Dental is able to do this for a simple reason – social responsibility is part of their work culture. They have a clear commitment to social responsibility and the motivation and support to help those in need. Headwaters Dental just celebrated the 7th anniversary of the pro bono clinic and they have a sustained and long-term commitment to improving the quality of life and community well-being in Dufferin.
See Nominees
Business Citizen of the Year – Sponsored by Dufferin Board of Trade
Steve Bowles
Steve Bowles, of Auto Centre Dufferin County Inc, makes it his goal to not only operate a successful business, but also to establish a business that people identify as an image of quality service, with a high standard of accountability, respectful business practices, a respectful & ethical workplace environment, and displays a ‘pride of ownership’ that people admire. It is his top priority to shop local, whether for personal or business. Steve has been able to offer full time employment for many families over the last 20 years. Steve also volunteers time annually to the Heritage Music Festival, Pick’n In the Park, and the Santa Claus Parade float. Steve has been serving on the Shelburne Economic Development Committee for the past 8 years, and is currently acting as the Vice-Chair. Steve has had the privilege to both mentor young entrepreneurs just starting out, and also offer support & encouragement to two long time employees who worked for him and are now running their own successful automotive repair shops.
See Nominees
Sponsors
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