The Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce has added a new category to its business excellence program.
The OLG Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to workplaces that are inclusive, respectful and reflective of the community. The award was announced by chamber president Paul Bisanti, of Lanca Contracting Ltd., at a virtual event Wednesday to announce the business excellence award finalists.
The inaugural nominees for the new award are: Brantwood Community Services, represented by Bridget O’Neill; YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford, represented by Kyla Kumar; and Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services, represented by Michelle Bake-Murphy.
Enbridge Inc., GreenMantra Technologies Ltd and Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home and Chapel have been nominated in the Waterous, Holden, Amey, Hitchon Company of the Year Award. Paul Duesling represented Enbridge, Ben Scott represented GreenMantra and Michelle Tetreault represented Thorpe Bros. at the virtual event.
The company of the year award recognizes unusual business achievements, high standards of employee relations, a strong corporate philosophy and making a positive impact in the community.
Nominees for the Bell Community Builder Award are: Enterprise Brant, represented by Cindy Swanson; DQ Brant, represented by Ken Breau; and Modo Yoga Brantford, represented by Markus Schneider. The award recognizes an organization whose initiatives demonstrate sustained and long-term commitment to improving the quality of life in our community.
Lorraine and Frank Pedersen, owners of Alpha Micro Tech Inc., Rob Simmons, of Cozzmic Communications and Mike D’Eri, of Pynz Productions are the nominees for the Enterprise Brant Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual(s) who operates a business at their own financial risk, demonstrates product innovation and growth in sales or employment.
The winners, including the outstanding achievement award winner, sponsored by Sonoco Canada Corp., will be announced during the chamber’s business excellence awards night at the Best Western Brantford Hotel And Conference Center on May 5.
At present, attendance at the awards night will be limited to finalists, their families and sponsors. A virtual option will be available for others who wish to take part.
“Today’s announcement event illustrates the strength of our community and the impact that businesses and organizations have on our quality of life,” said Bisanti
He thanked the business excellence committee for his work.
Last year’s award winners were: Lansdowne Children’s Centre, community builder; Beauty Barn Spa, contractor; West Brant Window World, company of the year.