Finalists announced for 25th Annual Business Excellence Awards

The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 25th Annual Business Excellence Awards. These awards have been celebrating the best of the Kingston business community since 1995. The 35 finalists are considered by the Chamber to be innovative leaders and a driving force behind Kingston’s vibrant economy. 

“On behalf of the Chamber and our awards committee, congratulations to all our finalists and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination,” said Jessica Colvin, Manager, Business Development and Member Services with the Chamber. “After the difficult year businesses have had, we’re looking forward to this opportunity to celebrate our local businesses and acknowledge their successes and perseverance.”

The Business Excellence Awards were postponed last year due to COVID. With the added time, the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce – organizers of the Business Excellence Awards – took the time to revamp the event by incorporating more virtual and online components and adding a new category, Skilled Trades, the organization said in a release dated Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021.

“I am truly honoured to sponsor The Business Excellence Awards this year,” said Sandy Sheahan, a realtor with Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty. “Kingston is such a fabulous place to live, work, play and invest. Our local businesses are an essential part of what makes our city so great. As we set aside this time to celebrate the successes of our most excellent nominees, we acknowledge all of our businesses, who over these past 18 months have worked so hard to adapt, pivot and innovate. We remember those businesses, both new and old that have had to close their doors. We wish you all the best in your future adventures and endeavors! Congratulations to the nominees! We look forward to celebrating you on October 7.”

The Business Excellence Gala, where the awards will be presented to the winners, will take place Thursday, Oct. 7 beginning at 6 p.m. This year the awards will be aired live through a virtual platform, and guests will attend watch parties at restaurants and event spaces arranged by the Chamber throughout the city. The watch party locations will include a 3-course meal and champagne, and attendees will view the awards on the screen. Registration will open soon.

Full category details can be found at kingstonbusinessexcellence.ca.

List of Finalists

Business Person of the Year

• Thomas Hunter (Tommy’s)
• Brittany Thompson (Bell Media Radio)
• Stev George (Olivea)

Small Business of the Year

• Mosaic Cross-Cultural Solutions
• Pizza Pizza 705
• Kingston Spray Foam Insulation Corp.
• Specialty Trophies and Engraving
• Bronzed By B
• Kingston Frameworks
• All Ways Clean
• Transformation Training
• Linda C. Jones Affordable Art
• Academy of Learning Career College

Medium Business of the Year

• Cher-Mère Spa
• All Safety Consulting inc.
• AllCare IT
• Response I.T.

Large Business of the Year

• SnapCab
• Coppens Academy Childcare

New Business

• Daft Brewing
• Fractal Workspace
• Bespoke Skin MD
• Wise Cracks Kingston
• The Carson House

Hospitality & Tourism

• Days on Front
• Toast & Jam

Young Entrepreneur

• Mason Laframboise
• Rathi Perumal (Uyir Engineering Inc.)
• Lucy Liu (Rosemount Inn)

Social Impact

• Cogeco
• Kingston Community Health Centres
• The Lodge Coffee House

Skilled Trades

• Leduc Electrical Services Ltd
• Michelle Reid Art
• Mascon Restorations