The Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce has announced the 56 local businesses and non-profit or charitable organizations nominated for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards.
The chamber posted the list of nominees from Stratford, St. Marys, Perth East and Mitchell across nine categories on its Facebook page this week, ahead of the now-sold-out annual awards gala on May 4 at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford.
“This is one of the most diverse group of nominees I’ve seen in years,” said chamber general manager Eddie Matthews. “It’s all over the business map and, really, I know it sounds corny and I say this every year, it’s a great lineup of companies and businesses. … It shows you how many great businesses we have not only in Stratford but in St. Marys and in Mitchell and in Sebringville. … You look at businesses like Humphrey Fleet Service, and they’ve been around forever it seems, and then you’ve got the newer businesses like GRIT Engineering, Studio Q Designs, El Cactus (Taco Shop) – what a great spot.
“You go in and you meet these people, and they’re just delightful. Even if they don’t win, just the nomination is huge. Somebody has given you some credibility and has recognized your efforts and success, and I’m thrilled about that. I’m a big fan of all these people.”
In addition to handing out the awards and celebrating the tenacity, strength and innovation of local businesses and organizations, the chamber will also honor 2023 Business Leader of the Year Don McDougall, who was once the youngest president of Labatt Brewing and helped establish the Toronto Blue Jays as a new Major League Baseball franchise. McDougall has also been a major player in the Stratford business scene for several decades.
Congratulations to all of the 2023 Business Excellence Awards nominees.
2023 Business Excellence Awards nominees
Nonprofit/Charitable:
- A Child’s Smile
- Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA)
- Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth
- St. Marys Healthcare Foundation
- Stratford Perth Humane Society
- The Center for Employment & Learning Stratford (Avon Maitland District School Board)
- United Way Perth-Huron
Professional:
- SMT Classical Osteopathy Inc.
- GRIT Engineering Inc.
- Heaton Health, Beauty and Wellness
- James A. Rutherford Funeral Home / Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services
Service:
- Lavender and Lemon Cleaning Co.
- AIM Recycling Stratford
- Humphrey Fleet Service Inc.
- Nix Snow
- Orchard Wellness & Treatment Center
- PAWS Pet Sitting
- Pawsitive Difference Professional Pet Care
- St. Marys Optometry
- Stratford Cygnet Cooperative Preschool
- Stratford Dog Walkers
- Town Crier Marketing