Categories
It is our goal that many noteworthy and accomplished companies will be recognized and honoured with these prestigious awards.
4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem
Description
The ‘4-under-40' Profile Program is designed to recognize individuals in our community who are under the age of 40 and who are making their mark in the Peterborough area. Their individual achievements may be recognized through business success, community involvement and/or contributions to the not-for-profit sector. We strive for balance, ensuring a diverse group of finalists to profile in terms of business niches, gender, and ethnic background. We look for compelling stories that highlight business and community leadership.
Requirements
• Individuals can be nominated by their peers or through self nomination.
• Must be an employee or business owner in the City/County of Peterborough.
• Individuals (or their respective business) do not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 39 as of the current calendar year.
• Letters of Support are strongly encouraged and should focus on the award criteria.
• Previous recipients are not eligible.
Previous Recipients
2023: Ashley Bonner, Ashley Flynn, Lauren Hunter, Laura Montague
2022: Dr. Nicole Edgar, Michael Gallant, Chad Hogan, Caitlin Smith
2021: Jessica Dalliday (posthumous), Faith Dickinson, Joon Kim, Lyle Saunders
2020: Kemi Akapo, Waleed Dabbah, Shawn Morey, Rosalea Terry
2019: Dr. Vipin Grover, Brooke Hammer, Grace Reynolds, Nicole Truman
2018: Reem Ali, Mike D'Alessandro, Nicole Gagliardi, Andressa Lacerda
2017: Jason Chessar, Yvonne Lai, Craig Mortlock, Catia Skinner
2016: Mike Doherty, Adam Noble, Brianna Salmon, Michael VanDerHerberg
2015: Paul Bennett, Andy Curnew, Brenda Tapp, Heather Watson
2014: Robert Gauvreau, Hajni Hoss, Jason Stabler, Brenda Tapp
Business Citizen of the Year
Description
In recognition of a lifetime of achievement of a member of the business community.
Requirements
• Must be a resident of the Peterborough City/County Community;
• Has played a significant role in the business community; and
• Has involvement in the broader community.
As the Chamber of Commerce is a business-to-business organization, the role that a nominee for the Business Citizen of the Year Award has had in the business community is extremely important. The Chamber of Commerce also recognizes the importance of volunteerism within the broader community.
Please note: If you have nominated someone in this category in the past and they were not selected, feel free to nominate them again this year.
Please complete this form in its entirety. Nominators are strongly encouraged to provide as much detail as possible in each section, and to include supporting documentation (e.g., letters of support, newspaper articles, etc.). Unlike other categories, Business Citizen of the Year nominations will not be forwarded to those nominated for review and further completion.
Business Student Leadership Prizes
Description
This award was established on behalf of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce as a way to recognize exceptional business leadership potential in a post-secondary student. Part of the Chamber mandate is to encourage young people who are interested in the world of business. The Peterborough Business Excellence Awards is the perfect venue to award this prize, which will recognize student excellence and foster responsible leadership and business prosperity for our future. An annual $1,000 prize, and a PKCC one-year Student Associate Membership, will be awarded to one student from both Fleming College and Trent University.
Requirements
The recipient will have:
• completed at least 12 credits in the School of Business at Trent University or be in their final year in the Business Program at Fleming College;
• demonstrated great potential to be a leader in business;
• displayed academic excellence, but not necessarily held the top mark; and
• exhibited initiative beyond the boundaries of academics.
Open to Canadian or International students.
This category is not open to public nominations. Recipients are selected by their respective schools.
Businesswoman of the Year - Organization
Description
Recognizing a businesswoman in the community showing excellence in professional and personal leadership, as well as significant achievement. (Note: previous recipients are ineligible)
Requirements
The nominee must:
• be an employee, working in a business or non-profit organization, holding a formal or informal leadership role; and
• have an impact on the organization in some way.
Previous recipients are not eligible.
Businesswoman of the Year- Entrepreneur
Description
Recognizing a businesswoman in the community showing excellence in professional and personal leadership, as well as significant achievement.
Requirements
The nominee must:
• own or co-own an established business; and
• have an active role in running the business.
Previous recipients are not eligible.
Commercial Development or Renovation
Description
In recognition of either the business/property owner or the contractor for a project showing excellence in overall visual impact or distinctiveness, innovative design and/or commitment to heritage, a commitment to the environment and community involvement. The project should serve as a showcase for the skilled trades, as well as a model to the community.
Requirements
• The project must have been completed within the past 2 years (May 22, 2022 – May 22, 2024).
• Before & after pictures are highly recommended.
Customer First
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that demonstrates exceptional customer service and ongoing employee training in that regard. They are able to provide examples of being friendly, honest, innovative, and approachable, and have community involvement.
Employer of the Year
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that exemplifies excellence in its employee focus, which could include: job creation, diversity of hiring, training & support programs, morale initiatives, recognition & reward programs, workplace wellness, and a commitment to professional and personal development, as well as community involvement.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Description
In recognition of a small business or organization, with fewer than 50 employees, showing excellence in any of the following: new or innovative product or service, quality of merchandise/customer service, job creation, growth potential, market served and community involvement.
Farm Family of the Year
Description
In recognition of a farm family demonstrating good farming practices, an interest in the farming community, and interest and participation by the family in its operation.
Green Initiatives
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that shows commitment to environmental sustainability through tangible and measurable steps.
Health & Wellness
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that promotes wellness and vitality in our community by providing ongoing internal training and educating and inspiring individuals and the community at large, to achieve optimal health, and has community involvement.
Hospitality
Description
In recognition of an accommodation and/or food business or organization demonstrating commitment to excellence in hospitality/customer service, staff knowledge, quality and consistency of product, signage, marketing & promotion, accessibility, and community involvement.
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year
Description
Profiling the achievements of an immigrant entrepreneur who shows excellence in business leadership, demonstrates positive customer service and reliability, and has some involvement in the broader community. We look for compelling stories that embody the entrepreneurial spirit.
Requirements
The Nominee must:
• Be a resident of Peterborough (City or County); and
• Have been born outside of Canada.
Previous recipients are not eligible.
Previous Recipients:
2023: Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill)
2022: Faheem Mohammadzada (Brothers Pizza)
2021: Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Faces by 2, Avocado Designs)
2020: Gill & Nick Exton of Canoe and Paddle, Stuff, and Stuff'd Bakery & Ice Cream
2019: Mohammad Alftih & Randa Kharboutly [(OMG) Oasis Mediterranean Grill]
2018: Martin Carbajal of La Mesita Restaurante
2017: Andressa Lacerda
2016: Nigina Azimova & Khaja Humayon Sidiqi of Ariyana Middle Eastern Food
Local Focus
Description
In recognition of a business or organization with significant local focus in their enterprise, be it through utilizing local products or services, and/or selling or showcasing local products as well as their community involvement.
Marketing & Promotion
Description
In recognition of a business or organization, their in-house designer, or a Marketing, Design or Communications Company who has created a multi-media, marketing, or design campaign, that has been outstanding, innovative and noticeable, raising awareness and increasing business for its client, or itself, and has community involvement.
Requirements
• Project must have been completed within the last year (May 22, 2023 - May 22, 2024).
• Please include samples images of your work.
Micro Business (fewer than 5 employees)
Description
In recognition of a small business or organization that has demonstrated significant business achievement, growth, and/or other significant business milestones in the past year, as well as community involvement.
Not-For-Profit
Description
In recognition of a Not-for-Profit organization that exemplifies excellence and/or growth in programs and services, volunteer management (recruitment, training, recognition, etc), fundraising initiatives, transparency/disclosure, strategic partnerships, and marketing & promotion; and is innovative.
Professional Services
Description
In recognition of a business or organization showing excellence in the provision of services that are regulated by a provincial regulatory body, such as legal, medical, financial, real estate, etc. Judges' considerations include: business growth, market development, customer service, professionalism and integrity, marketing and promotion, and community involvement.
Retail
Description
In recognition of a business or organization showing commitment to innovation and excellence in retail, including: staff knowledge, consideration of merchandising, store design and/or online presence, customer service, marketing & promotion and community involvement.
Skilled Trades
Description
In recognition of a business or organization showing excellence, which could include: trade skills development, quality craftsmanship, outstanding service, excellence in innovation in product or service, sustainable financial performance or market/product development and community involvement. The skilled trades include a variety of occupations, such as chef, hairstylist, carpenter, plumber, electrician, and arborist.
Tourism
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in attracting tourists to the Peterborough and the Kawarthas area. Considerations include: guest services, marketing/unique promotions, quality of facilities, signage, and staff/volunteer knowledge.
