Tickets Available For Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala

Tickets are open for the 2026 Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala set for Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Kawartha Downs.

For 23 years the Business Excellence Awards has annually recognized the commitment, innovation, leadership, and resilience of the local business community. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The event celebrates outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations that help strengthen the Peterborough and Kawarthas business community.

“Every business, whether a small family-run operation or a large organization, represents people who show up every day with determination, creativity, and a commitment to making our community stronger,” said Susan Dunkley, Chamber Board Chair. “The Business Excellence Awards give us an important opportunity to recognize that hard work, celebrate the successes that often come after years of perseverance, and honour the people behind them. When our businesses succeed, our entire community benefits—and that is something worth celebrating together.

This year’s gala-style event features a full cocktail hour with appetizers provided by Fyrestoke and a cash bar. A fully catered menu is prepared and served by Chemong Lodge.

“We are so excited to bring this fresh, elevated approach to the long-standing event, and we truly can’t wait for our local business community to get behind it, grab their tickets, and show up to celebrate in a big way,” said Brenda Whitehead, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s going to be a luxurious, high-energy night showcasing the very best of our homegrown talent, grit, and generosity. A huge thank you to the sponsors and partners who help make this signature celebration possible. There are still opportunities available to be part of this night, so if you or your organization would like to get involved, reach out today. This truly is our moment to come together, cheer on our Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce neighbours, and celebrate the businesses that make Peterborough and the Kawarthas such a vibrant place to live, work, and grow.”

Tickets are available online or by calling 705-748-9771. Tickets purchased by Sept. 18 will be entered into a draw for local merchant gifts. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 8 in order to ensure adequate local supplies.

Event Details Include:

• What: 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala

• When: Thursday, October 22, 2026

• Where: Kawartha Downs

• Tickets: Premium table sponsorship (8 tickets +) $1,500

• Center table tickets: $125 each (tables of 8)

Wing table tickets $115 each (tables of 6)

• Cocktail Hour: Starts at 5:30 p.m.

• Awards Dinner: Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Food: Cocktail Appetizers by Fyrestoke

Fully Catered Dinner by Chemong Lodge

• Ticket Deadline: Oct. 8

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Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Unveil Nominees For 2026 Business Excellence Awards

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has released its nominees for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards which recognize outstanding achievement, innovation, leadership, resilience and community impact across the region's business community.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

This year's awards feature 137 unique nominees receiving 235 nominations across 18 award categories.

The 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala is on Oct. 22 at Kawartha Downs, where award winners will be announced.

“This year we eliminated the self-nomination process, and we have been truly inspired by the way our community embraced the opportunity to recognize local businesses,” said Brenda Whitehead, Chamber President and CEO. “The response speaks volumes about the incredible work being done throughout our region. We now look forward to receiving the nominees' submissions, which will allow our volunteer judges to learn more about each organization's story, accomplishments, and impact. It is inspiring to see this level of engagement, and we can't wait to celebrate these outstanding businesses and individuals in October.”

“The Business Excellence Awards are about more than recognizing success—they celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit organizations, and leaders whose passion, innovation, and dedication strengthen our communities every day,” said Susan Dunkley, Chamber Board Chair. “The number of nominations received this year demonstrates just how proud our region is of its business community. On behalf of the Board of Directors, congratulations to every nominee. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and the positive impact you continue to make across Peterborough City and County.”

The following are this year’s nominees:

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Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Announce Business Excellence Awards Recipients

The Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce handed out its 2024 Business Excellence Awards at a ceremony held at Showplace Performance Centre on Tuesday night.

Phillip Jolicoeur (middle) with his family, announced as the Business Citizens of the Year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commernce.

The awards are designed to publicly recognize and honour local businesses with a passion for excellence.

Almost 50 businesses and individuals were profiled in 22 categories, with recipients announced live on stage.

The following are the nominees and award recipients:

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Dr. Taylor Bonner

• Joe Curry

• Hillary Flood

• Dylan Radcliffe

Businesswomen of the Year

Entrepreneur

• Rosalea Terry of nectar co. (Recipient)

Organization

• Heidi Popov of Kawartha Gymnastics (Recipient)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Phillip Jolicoeur of PJ The Marketing Guy, Phillip Jolicoeur Entertainment, Photo Booth Fun (Recipient)

Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners listed)

• Ali Jammal (Trent University)

• Joylyn Johnson D Souza (Trent University)

• Swarna Latha Mareedu (Fleming College)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Ashburnham Realty (The Railyard Development)

• The Canadian Canoe Museum (Recipient)

• Holmes Riseley LLP (823 Park St. S.)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Couture Candy (Recipient)

• McLeod's EcoWater

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory (Recipient

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Green Street Inc.

• nectar co.

• Wanderlight Alpaca Experience (Recipient)

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (winners listed)

• Scott, Paula, Jason & Shelby Cornish (Whiskey Lane Livestock)

Green Initiatives

• Camp Kawartha (Recipient)

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Dietrich Homes

Health & Wellness

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy

• Flow Spa (Recipient)

• Trent Health in Motion

Hospitality

• Levantine Grill

• Millbrook Mercantile (Recipient)

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Recipient)

• Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• OmniWorx Design

Marketing & Promotion

• Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

• Harmony for Healing

• nectar co. - The Viral Keepsake Campaign (Recipient)

Micro Business

• The Chocolate Rabbit (Recipient)

• Millbrook Mercantile

• Peterborough Disability Tax Services

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Sama Noor Yousafzai (Goodies on Mews)

Not-for-Profit

• Five Counties Children's Centre

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region – (Recipient)

• Kawartha Gymnastics

Professional Services

• Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy (Recipient)

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Holmes Riseley LLP

Retail

• Dan Joyce's Retailing Limited

• Paris Marine (Recipient)

• Shop The Lake Inc.

Skilled Trades

• R & M Smith Contracting (Recipient)

• Tom's Heating and Cooling

Tourism

• Beachwood Resort

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Recipient)

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2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists Announced; Awards Ceremony Held On Oct. 18

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have announced the finalists for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards which recognize and honour local businesses and business people that have demonstrated a passion for excellence, announced on Wednesday.

Matt Strano of Charlotte Products LTd. (left) was Business Citizen of the Year for 2022.  Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.

The award recipients are being revealed in an awards ceremony at The Venue on Oct. 18. A reception is followed by a ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre. Hosted by Megan Murphy, the event have awards handed out in 22 categories, including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year. 

“The Excellence Awards event is the Chamber’s way of shining a spotlight on the outstanding businesses and business leaders in the City and County of Peterborough,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “We encourage the community to join us in learning more about our business community at our annual celebration.”  

The following are the 2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically):

4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem (winners)

• Ashley Bonner

• Ashley Flynn

• Lauren Hunter

• Laura Montague

Businesswoman of the Year (winner)

• Nicole Truman (Fox Law Professional Corporation)

Business Citizen of the Year

• To be announced

Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners):

• Emma Olstad (Trent University)

• TBA (Fleming College)

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Key Design Inc. (Key Design Inc. Studio & Office)

• Peterborough Housing Corporation (Hunt Terraces)

• Peterborough Humane Society (Peterborough Animal Care Centre)

Customer First

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre

• The Willow Studio

Employer of the Year

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Hospice Peterborough

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Cheeks Ahoy

• Flossophy Ptbo

• Y Drive Canada

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (Winner)

• Todd & Jennifer Payne & Family (Asphodel Sheep Company)

Green Initiatives

• Cheeks Ahoy

• The Land Canadian Adventures Inc.

• Peterborough Folk Festival

Health & Wellness

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• The Spa + Clinic at Fleming College

• The Willow Studio

Hospitality

• Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites

• Nostimo By The Original Greek

• Taso's Restaurant & Pizzeria

Local Focus

• The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• New Beginnings Building Services

• Peterborough GreenUP

Marketing & Promotion

• Community Futures Peterborough

• INSPIRE: The Women’s Portrait Project

• Showplace Performance Centre

Micro Business

• OmniWorx Design

• Peterborough Currents Media Inc.

• Social Kat Media

Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year (Winner)

• Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill)

Not-for-Profit

• Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation

• Peterborough Humane Society

Stuart Harrison President's Award

• To be announced

Professional Services

• Engage Engineering Ltd.

• Fox Law Professional Corporation

• Lett Architects Inc.

Retail

• Living Local Marketplace

• Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre

• Plant Goals

Skilled Trades

• Black Rock Developments

• Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Services Inc.

• Van de Bor Paving Ltd.

Tourism

• Kawartha Country Wines

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

• Peterborough Museum & Archives

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Chamber of Commerce Announces Peterborough Business Excellence Awards

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosted its 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards online on Wednesday.

Stu Harrison has been a member of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for over 16 years. File Photo.

This is the second year the award show has been hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses and people in over 20 categories were honoured and recognized throughout Peterborough county for demonstrating excellence.

Up to three businesses and people were nominated for each category.

The Business Excellence Awards are available to watch on Youtube.

The following are the 2021 Business Excellence Awards finalists:

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd.)

• Kawartha Lakes Construction

 

Tourism

• Escape Maze Incorporated

Hospitality

• Jesse’s Tap & Grill

 

Micro Business — Fewer than 5 employees

• Jason McIntosh Auctions

 

Retail

• Avant-Garden Shop

 

Professional Services

• Pinchin Ltd.

 

Customer First

• Antoinette Bridal Boutique

 

Local Focus

• RMS Events — LIVE! at the Barn

 

Innovation/Research and Development

• OptiSolve Ltd.

Commercial Development or Renovation

• The Little Building Company

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Emily Mae’s Cookies

 

Marketing and Promotion

• Peterborough Public Health

 

Green Initiatives

• Trent University — Forensic Crime Scene Facility

 

Health and Wellness

• Canadian Family Health Counselling

Not For Profit

• New Canadians Centre

 

Employer of the Year

• Trent University

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Entrepreneur

• Christine Teixeira — Accountability Financial

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Organization

• Julia Anderson — Canadian Partnership for Women & Children’s Health

 

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• The Traynor Family (Traynor Farms)

4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Jessica Dalliday

• Faith Dickinson

• Joon Kim

• Lyle Saunders

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Sarah Moore (Fleming College)

• Mohamad Ellabban (Trent University)

New Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year

• Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Agave Designs, Faces by 2)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Tom Minicola

All finalists were asked to record a thank you video. To view those videos click here.

Chamber of Commerce to Host Peterborough Business Excellence Awards This Week

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards on Wednesday.

Stuart Harrison has been a member of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce for over 16 years. File Photo.

The event can be viewed for free online on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. by following this link.

To virtually attend the pre-show ZOOM party, obtain a copy of the event program and a $15 restaurant gift card, attendees must purchase a ticket for $30 here.

The Gala will be emceed by Deb Crossen, Wendy Smith and Cindy Windover.

This is the second year the award show has been hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our small business community has a big impact. They employ more than two-thirds of our private sector employees and spend millions of dollars in our community on taxes, wages, services, products and more. They’re often the first to step up with support when people in our community need it,” said Stuart Harrison, president and CEO, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “Our small business community has shown over the last 18 months that they are incredibly adaptable and resilient, creating opportunities and driving economic growth, even during challenging times."

Businesses and people in over 20 categories will be honoured and recognized throughout Peterborough county for demonstrating excellence.

Up to three nominees are chosen for each category.

Screenshot.

The following are the 2021 Business Excellence Awards finalists (listed alphabetically):

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd.)

• Cardinal Plumbing & Electric

• Goodwin Creations

• Kawartha Lakes Construction

 

Tourism

• The Canadian Canoe Museum

• Escape Maze Incorporated

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

 

Hospitality

• Black Honey desserts coffee catering

• Haven Brewing Company

• Jesse’s Tap & Grill

 

Micro Business — Fewer than 5 employees

• Accountability Financial

• CMD Technology Solutions Corp

• Jason McIntosh Auctions

 

Retail

• Avant-Garden Shop

• Watson & Lou

• Wild Rock

 

Professional Services

• Century 21 United Realty Inc.

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

 

Customer First

• Antoinette Bridal Boutique

• Griffin’s Greenhouses

• Morello’s Your Independent Grocer

 

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

• Living Local

• RMS Events — LIVE! at the Barn

 

Innovation/Research and Development

• Noblegen

• OptiSolve Ltd.

• PKA SoftTouch Corp.

 

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Cambium

• Central Smith

• The Little Building Company

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• acorn30

• Emily Mae’s Cookies

• Social Kat Media

 

Marketing and Promotion

• acorn30

• Central Smith

• Peterborough Public Health

 

Green Initiatives

• Green Street

• Lockside Trading Company

• Trent University — Forensic Crime Scene Facility

 

Health and Wellness

• Canadian Family Health Counselling

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• Peterborough Public Health

Not For Profit

• New Canadians Centre

• Peterborough Humane Society

• YMCA of Central East Ontario

 

Employer of the Year

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

• Trent University

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Entrepreneur

• Brenda Ibey — Avant-Garden Shop

• Carlye Mongraw — Shaw Computer Systems Inc.

• Christine Teixeira — Accountability Financial

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Organization

• Julia Anderson — Canadian Partnership for Women & Children’s Health

• Joëlle Favreau — YWCA Peterborough Haliburton / Nourish Project

• Gail Moorhouse — Community Futures Peterborough

 

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• The Traynor Family (Traynor Farms)

4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Jessica Dalliday

• Faith Dickinson

• Joon Kim

• Lyle Saunders

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Sarah Moore (Fleming College)

• Mohamad Ellabban (Trent University)

New Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year

Congratulations to this year’s recipient!

• Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Agave Designs, Faces by 2)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Recipient to be announced at the awards ceremony on Oct. 20

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Finalists Announced for 2021 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce has released the finalists for the 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards on Wednesday.

President and CEO of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Stu Harrison delivers his Business Beat with StoosNews every Monday on PTBOCanada. Screenshot.

Businesses and people in over 20 categories will be honoured and recognized throughout Peterborough county for demonstrating excellence.

Up to three nominees are chosen for each category.

The award ceremony will be done virtually for a second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Oct. 20.

The following are the 2021 Business Excellence Awards finalists (listed alphabetically):

SKILLED TRADES (sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd.)

• Cardinal Plumbing & Electric

• Goodwin Creations

• Kawartha Lakes Construction

 

Tourism

• The Canadian Canoe Museum

• Escape Maze Incorporated

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

 

Hospitality

• Black Honey desserts coffee catering

• Haven Brewing Company

• Jesse’s Tap & Grill

 

Micro Business — Fewer than 5 employees

• Accountability Financial

• CMD Technology Solutions Corp

• Jason McIntosh Auctions

 

Retail

• Avant-Garden Shop

• Watson & Lou

• Wild Rock

 

Professional Services

• Century 21 United Realty Inc.

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

 

Customer First

• Antoinette Bridal Boutique

• Griffin’s Greenhouses

• Morello’s Your Independent Grocer

 

Local Focus

• Lang Pioneer Village Museum

• Living Local

• RMS Events — LIVE! at the Barn

 

Innovation/Research and Development

• Noblegen

• OptiSolve Ltd.

• PKA SoftTouch Corp.

 

Commercial Development or Renovation

• Cambium

• Central Smith

• The Little Building Company

 

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• acorn30

• Emily Mae’s Cookies

• Social Kat Media

 

Marketing and Promotion

• acorn30

• Central Smith

• Peterborough Public Health

 

Green Initiatives

• Green Street

• Lockside Trading Company

• Trent University — Forensic Crime Scene Facility

 

Health and Wellness

• Canadian Family Health Counselling

• Euphoria Wellness Spa

• Peterborough Public Health

Not For Profit

• New Canadians Centre

• Peterborough Humane Society

• YMCA of Central East Ontario

 

Employer of the Year

• Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory

• Pinchin Ltd.

• Trent University

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Entrepreneur

• Brenda Ibey — Avant-Garden Shop

• Carlye Mongraw — Shaw Computer Systems Inc.

• Christine Teixeira — Accountability Financial

 

Businesswoman of the Year — Organization

• Julia Anderson — Canadian Partnership for Women & Children’s Health

• Joëlle Favreau — YWCA Peterborough Haliburton / Nourish Project

• Gail Moorhouse — Community Futures Peterborough

 

Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

• The Traynor Family (Traynor Farms)

4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Jessica Dalliday

• Faith Dickinson

• Joon Kim

• Lyle Saunders

 

Business Student Leadership Prizes

• Sarah Moore (Fleming College)

• Mohamad Ellabban (Trent University)

New Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year

Congratulations to this year’s recipient!

• Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Agave Designs, Faces by 2)

Business Citizen of the Year

• Recipient to be announced at the awards ceremony on Oct. 20

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