Categories

Innovation 2025
Sponsored by The Municipality of Leamington
Description

The Innovation Award celebrates an individual or business in the Leamington District that demonstrates creativity, boldness, and a willingness to take risks. Many of today's groundbreaking products and services would not exist without individuals or businesses who think outside the box and challenge the status quo. This award honours those who have either introduced a new and unique business concept or applied innovative improvements to existing processes, products, or services. These innovators turn visionary ideas into profitable realities, significantly contributing to the community with their forward-thinking approach.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must have an active business or organization located within the Leamington district or surrounding area.
  2. Nominees must demonstrate leadership, creativity, boldness, and a commitment to innovation.
  3. Nominees must show a positive impact within their company, organization, and the community.
  4. This award is designed to recognize those who push boundaries and redefine success through innovation, creating lasting impact within their industries and communities.

Requirements
  • Nominees must have an active business or organization located within the Leamington district or surrounding area.
  • Nominees must demonstrate leadership, creativity, boldness, and a commitment to innovation.
  • Nominees must show a positive impact within their company, organization, and the community.
  • This award is designed to recognize those who push boundaries and redefine success through innovation, creating lasting impact within their industries and communities.
Alf Bennie Award 2025
Sponsored by Blackburn Media
Description

The Alf Bennie Award, named in honor of the first President of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, celebrates an individual who has significantly impacted the community through volunteering or other forms of active involvement. This award is given to someone whose actions—whether intentional or spontaneous—have made a positive difference in the lives of those around them. The recipient of this prestigious award has demonstrated a commitment to making our community a better place through their deeds and contributions.


Please include the following in your nomination

  1. A detailed list of ways the nominee has contributed to their community.
  2. The name of the person you are nominating (if not yourself).
  3. A clear explanation of why this person deserves to be recognized for this award.

This award honors those whose volunteerism, leadership, and community service have had a lasting and positive impact. Whether through planned efforts or acts of kindness in the moment, the recipient exemplifies the spirit of community involvement and leaves a lasting impression on the people they encounter.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must be from the Leamington district or surrounding area
  2. Nominees must be highly regarded and respected within our community.


Requirements
  • Nominees must be from the Leamington district or surrounding area
  • Nominees must be highly regarded and respected within our community.
Grow South Essex 2025
Sponsored by BMO Bank of Montreal
Description

South Essex is home to a diverse range of businesses, from greenhouses and vineyards to floriculture and fishing, producing high-quality products distributed locally, nationally, and internationally. Grow South Essex represents this innovative collective of agricultural businesses, known for their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and market reach. These businesses deserve recognition for their significant contribution to the local economy and the agricultural industry.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must have an active business located within the Leamington District or the surrounding area.
  2. Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to research and development, including the creation of new varieties, growing techniques, or processing methods that have advanced their business or the industry.
  3. Nominees must have food safety and security programs in place to ensure the quality, safety, and integrity of the products they offer.
  4. Nominees must have established marketing and/or merchandising programs that contribute to their growth and success in the marketplace.

Requirements
  • Nominees must have an active business located within the Leamington District or the surrounding area.
  • Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to research and development, including the creation of new varieties, growing techniques, or processing methods that have advanced their business or the industry.
  • Nominees must have food safety and security programs in place to ensure the quality, safety, and integrity of the products they offer.
  • Nominees must have established marketing and/or merchandising programs that contribute to their growth and success in the marketplace.
Customer Service 2025
Sponsored by CIBC
Description

The Customer Service Award recognizes an outstanding individual or business in the Leamington District within the retail and service sectors who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to customer service, business development, and excellence in client relations. This award celebrates those who consistently go above and beyond in providing high-quality service, building customer loyalty, and contributing to the positive growth of their business and the community. Whether it's through creative marketing, innovative service practices, or an outstanding reputation, this award honours those who exemplify leadership in customer service and business excellence.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must have an active business or organization located within the Leamington District or surrounding area.
  2. Nominees must demonstrate a consistent commitment to customer satisfaction, quality service, and a positive customer experience.
  3. Nominees should have a strong reputation within their industry and the community, as well as be recognized as a leader in customer service by colleagues, peers, and clients.
  4. Nominees should show initiative, enthusiasm for their business, and a willingness to continuously improve their customer service approach.

Requirements
  • Nominees must have an active business or organization located within the Leamington District or surrounding area.
  • Nominees must demonstrate a consistent commitment to customer satisfaction, quality service, and a positive customer experience.
  • Nominees should have a strong reputation within their industry and the community, as well as be recognized as a leader in customer service by colleagues, peers, and clients.
  • Nominees should show initiative, enthusiasm for their business, and a willingness to continuously improve their customer service approach.
Positive Professional 2025
Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank
Description

The Positive Professional Award recognizes individuals in professions such as law, healthcare, accounting, and other fields who demonstrate a strong commitment to building a positive and supportive community. These professionals distinguish themselves by delivering exceptional services while also making a lasting, meaningful impact on their local communities.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees should have a strong reputation for professionalism, ethics, and a customer-first approach. They are recognized as leaders in their field by colleagues, peers, and clients.
  3. Nominees must demonstrate active engagement in their community. This includes being a team player, serving as a mentor, and contributing to community development in meaningful ways.
  4. Nominees should showcase how they make a lasting, positive difference in the community through their work and personal efforts.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees should have a strong reputation for professionalism, ethics, and a customer-first approach. They are recognized as leaders in their field by colleagues, peers, and clients.
  • Nominees must demonstrate active engagement in their community. This includes being a team player, serving as a mentor, and contributing to community development in meaningful ways.
  • Nominees should showcase how they make a lasting, positive difference in the community through their work and personal efforts.
Hospitality & Tourism 2025
Sponsored by Point Pelee National Park
Description

The Hospitality and Tourism award recognizes a business that has demonstrated excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry, contributing significantly to the growth of the sector. The nominee should show a clear track record of success in areas such as employee relations, economic development, investment, business growth, and community involvement. This local business goes above and beyond by providing exceptional customer service and understanding the vital role hospitality plays in the region while also supporting the local community.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees should demonstrate enthusiasm for promoting Leamington and the surrounding area as a destination for visitors and tourists.
  3. Nominees should have a reputation for being welcoming, helpful, and committed to enhancing the visitor experience.
  4. Nominees must show initiative and passion for their business, continually striving to improve customer experiences and service delivery.
  5. Nominees should actively support the local economy by promoting other local businesses and fostering community collaboration.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees should demonstrate enthusiasm for promoting Leamington and the surrounding area as a destination for visitors and tourists.
  • Nominees should have a reputation for being welcoming, helpful, and committed to enhancing the visitor experience.
  • Nominees must show initiative and passion for their business, continually striving to improve customer experiences and service delivery.
  • Nominees should actively support the local economy by promoting other local businesses and fostering community collaboration.

Excellence in Food Service 2025
Sponsored by TD Canada Trust
Description

The Excellence in Food Service Award celebrates independent business owners, franchise owners, and organizations within the food service industry that consistently deliver outstanding catering, meal services, and customer experiences. These businesses not only meet their customers' needs but also actively support the growth of other local businesses within the community.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees should demonstrate a strong, ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, high-quality service, and providing a positive experience for all customers.
  3. Nominees should have an excellent reputation with both customers and the local business community, being recognized as leaders in their field.
  4. Nominees must show initiative and enthusiasm for their business, continuously working to enhance the customer experience and improve service delivery.
  5. Nominees should actively contribute to the local economy by promoting other businesses in the area.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees should demonstrate a strong, ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction, high-quality service, and providing a positive experience for all customers.
  • Nominees should have an excellent reputation with both customers and the local business community, being recognized as leaders in their field.
  • Nominees must show initiative and enthusiasm for their business, continuously working to enhance the customer experience and improve service delivery.
  • Nominees should actively contribute to the local economy by promoting other businesses in the area.
sponsor logo
TD Canada Trust
Young Professional of the Year 2025
Sponsored by Cogeco
Description

The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional young professional or entrepreneur who is "on the rise" and making a significant impact in their field. Nominees must be 35 years old or younger at the time of nomination and demonstrate a proven commitment to the community through outstanding achievements, innovation, and involvement. The recipient must exhibit strong leadership, a passion for making a difference, and the ability to inspire and engage others. They should also be a positive role model for their peers and colleagues, with clear potential for continued growth and leadership within the community.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of nomination.
  3. Nominees must approve and accept their nomination and submit the required nomination questions.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of nomination.
  • Nominees must approve and accept their nomination and submit the required nomination questions.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2025
Sponsored by Community Living Essex County
Description

Nominees in this category have shown a strong commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their organization's culture. This dedication is reflected in leadership engagement, equitable hiring and advancement practices, robust anti-discrimination and accommodation policies, diverse leadership representation, and ongoing training that extends beyond compliance to build cultural competency, address unconscious bias, and foster allyship. Additionally, they prioritize psychological safety, flexible and inclusive benefits, and may also demonstrate their commitment through partnerships with diverse suppliers, equity-driven philanthropy supporting marginalized communities, and industry leadership in DEI.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must have a business in the Leamington district or surrounding area
  2. Nominees must demonstrate commitment from leadership and management on DEI initiatives
  3. Nominees must demonstrate workplace programs that foster an inclusive and welcoming environment (eg policies that support work-life balance, accessibility and accommodations) 

Requirements
  • Nominees must have a business in the Leamington district or surrounding area
  • Nominees must demonstrate commitment from leadership and management on DEI initiatives
  • Nominees must demonstrate workplace programs that foster an inclusive and welcoming environment (eg policies that support work-life balance, accessibility and accommodations) 
Business Excellence 50+ Employees 2025
Sponsored by WFCU Credit Union
Description

The Business Excellence Award for 50+ Employees recognizes larger businesses that significantly contribute to the economic growth and vitality of our community. This award highlights organizations that excel in innovation, product or service quality, and overall business impact while fostering a positive workplace culture, promoting community involvement, and embracing sustainable practices. Nominees should demonstrate strong leadership, a commitment to continuous improvement, and an ability to create lasting value for customers, employees, and the local community.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees must have 50 or more employees at the time of nomination.
  3. Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and support local initiatives.
  4. Nominees should be known for their welcoming, helpful nature and dedication to enhancing the customer experience.
  5. Nominees must show initiative, innovation, and passion for their business, continuously striving to improve both customer experiences and service delivery.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees must have 50 or more employees at the time of nomination.
  • Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and support local initiatives.
  • Nominees should be known for their welcoming, helpful nature and dedication to enhancing the customer experience.
  • Nominees must show initiative, innovation, and passion for their business, continuously striving to improve both customer experiences and service delivery.
INNOVATE | HER (Women in Business) 2025
Sponsored by Insight Advantage
Description

The Innovate Her Award celebrates the achievements of women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in their careers or businesses. This award recognizes women who have made a significant impact in their field through creative problem-solving, breakthrough ideas, and the ability to inspire and empower others. Nominees for this award should be trailblazers in their industry, breaking barriers, leading with vision, and driving positive change in their communities.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization or hold a leadership position within a business or organization in the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees should show a proven track record of innovative thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to bring new ideas to life.
  3. Nominees must exhibit strong leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and empower others, particularly other women, in their field or community.
  4. Nominees should be involved in initiatives that make a positive impact on the local community, advocating for social change, mentorship, and women's advancement.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization or hold a leadership position within a business or organization in the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees should show a proven track record of innovative thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to bring new ideas to life.
  • Nominees must exhibit strong leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and empower others, particularly other women, in their field or community.
  • Nominees should be involved in initiatives that make a positive impact on the local community, advocating for social change, mentorship, and women's advancement.
Small Business Excellence 1-9 Employees 2025
Sponsored by Invest WindsorEssex
Description

The small business sector plays a vital role in shaping our community, representing a diverse range of enterprises that contribute to local growth and prosperity. This award recognizes a small business that demonstrates excellence in areas such as innovation, product or service quality, and overall business impact.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees must have 9 or fewer employees at the time of nomination.
  3. Nominees should have a strong commitment to community service.
  4. Nominees should be known for their welcoming, helpful nature and dedication to enhancing the visitor experience.
  5. Nominees must show initiative and passion for their business, constantly striving to improve customer experience and service delivery.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees must have 9 or fewer employees at the time of nomination.
  • Nominees should have a strong commitment to community service.
  • Nominees should be known for their welcoming, helpful nature and dedication to enhancing the visitor experience.
  • Nominees must show initiative and passion for their business, constantly striving to improve customer experience and service delivery.
Small Business Excellence 10-50 Employees 2025
Sponsored by Hydro One
Description

Medium-sized businesses play a key role in driving economic growth and innovation in our community. This award recognizes businesses that excel in various areas, such as innovation, product or service quality, and overall business impact, while fostering a positive workplace culture and community involvement.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees must have between 10 and 50 employees at the time of nomination.
  3. Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and support local initiatives.
  4. Nominees should be known for their welcoming, helpful nature and their dedication to enhancing the customer experience.
  5. Nominees must show initiative, innovation, and passion for their business, consistently striving to improve both customer experiences and service delivery.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees must have between 10 and 50 employees at the time of nomination.
  • Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and support local initiatives.
  • Nominees should be known for their welcoming, helpful nature and their dedication to enhancing the customer experience.
  • Nominees must show initiative, innovation, and passion for their business, consistently striving to improve both customer experiences and service delivery.
Collaboration is Key (Partnership & Community) 2025
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Leamington
Description

The Collaboration is Key award recognizes a business that exemplifies the power of partnership and community involvement. This award honours a business that has gone above and beyond in creating meaningful partnerships, supporting local initiatives, and contributing positively to the Leamington and surrounding community. The ideal nominee consistently collaborates with other organizations, demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility, and actively gives back through volunteering or other impactful means.

Requirements:

  1. Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Nominees must demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration and community engagement.
  3. Nominees must show evidence of partnerships with other businesses, non-profits, or community organizations.
  4. Nominees should actively contribute to local initiatives, volunteerism, or charitable activities that benefit the broader community.

Requirements
  • Nominees must operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Nominees must demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration and community engagement.
  • Nominees must show evidence of partnerships with other businesses, non-profits, or community organizations.
  • Nominees should actively contribute to local initiatives, volunteerism, or charitable activities that benefit the broader community.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Impact Award 2025
Sponsored by Thomson Guardian Pharmacy
Description

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to how a business operates responsibly and ethically in three key areas:


  1. Environmental: How the business impacts the planet (e.g., energy use, waste management, emissions).
  2. Social: How the business treats people (e.g., employees, customers, and the broader community).
  3. Governance: How the business is run (e.g., leadership, ethics, and transparency).


The Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Impact Award recognizes a business, organization, or individual that demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable practices. This award celebrates those who make a measurable impact through environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and initiatives that promote long-term ecological sustainability. Nominees should show a clear dedication to minimizing their environmental footprint, integrating green practices into their operations, and contributing positively to the future of our planet.

Requirements:

  1. Operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  2. Demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact.
  3. Show innovation in areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, or the development of eco-friendly products or services.
  4. Actively participate in initiatives that educate, inspire, or involve the community in sustainability efforts.

Requirements
  • Operate an active business or organization within the Leamington District or surrounding areas.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact.
  • Show innovation in areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, or the development of eco-friendly products or services.
  • Actively participate in initiatives that educate, inspire, or involve the community in sustainability efforts.
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