Charlottetown, PE (January 25, 2023) – Wednesday night was an evening of celebration for the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce as members of the Island business community gathered at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward for the 2023 President’s Excellence Awards.
Sponsored by Atlantic Lottery, the Awards Gala honoured finalists and winners in nine categories: Emerging Business Excellence, Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Business, Not-for-Profit Excellence, Excellence in Customer Service, Innovation Excellence, Workplace Excellence, People’s Choice for Community Impact, and Entrepreneur of the Year. Over 200 business submissions were reviewed by an independent panel of judges to select the finalists and winners in each category.
The winner of the Emerging Business Excellence Award was presented to Pegasus Biotech. Sponsored by the City of Charlottetown, this award is given to a for-profit business that has demonstrated remarkable growth, innovation, and leadership in its industry sector during the first years of operation. Charlottetown Mitsubishi and Iron Fox Games were also recognized as finalists in this category.
The Excellence in Small Business Award, sponsored by McInnes Cooper, was awarded to Stay Golden Custom. This award is given to a for-profit business that has been operating for ten years or more, with fewer than 15 full-time employees, that has demonstrated excellence in all areas of operations, embodies entrepreneurial spirit, and has a strong track record of community involvement and support. Other finalists in the category included Fuel Your Body – Healthy Meal Delivery Inc. and Berni Wood & Associates/Reel Media.
In recognition of a business that has been operating for ten years or more, with more than 15 full-time employees, while demonstrating excellence in business in all areas of operations, the Excellence in Business Award, sponsored by Scotiabank, was given to East Coast Docks. Other finalists included Confederation Bridge – Strait Crossing Bridge Limited and Dyne Holdings.
The Not-for-Profit Excellence Award, sponsored by iWave, was awarded to the Autism Society of PEI. This award recognizes the accomplishments of an organization in the not-for-profit sector that contributes to the economic, social, and/or cultural well-being of the Greater Charlottetown Area. Other finalists included the Alzheimer Society of Prince Edward Island and the Reach Foundation.
Stewart Travel Group was the recipient of the Excellence in Customer Service Award, co-sponsored by BDO Canada and Cox & Palmer, for demonstrating a strong commitment to outstanding customer service, customer loyalty, community involvement, and innovation. Island Hill Farm and the Academy of Swimming Excellence were also finalists in this category.
The recipient of the Innovation Excellence Award, sponsored by BIOVECTRA, was Kari. This award is presented to a business that has demonstrated outstanding performance and achievement through innovative and creative approaches, resulting in new or improved programs, products, services, or initiatives. The runners-up in this category were the MIQ and Liquid Gold Olive Oils & Vinegars.
The Workplace Excellence Award is given to an organization that – through its commitment to staff development, work/life balance, fair employment practices, implementation of diversity and inclusion policies, and employee communications – provides an exceptional work environment through innovative human resources practices. The Town of Stratford was recognized as the winner of this award, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada. VMG was the runner-up in this category.
By way of a public vote, the People’s Choice for Community Impact Award, sponsored by MRSB, went to Special Olympics PEI. This award recognizes a small, locally owned and operated business that has earned an engaged and loyal following, support from the community, and contributes to the greater good of the community. Other award finalists were Blooming House and the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
The 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Provincial Credit Union, was presented to Edwin Jewell for his entrepreneurial spirit, which has seen him span across industry sectors and successful ventures for over 40 years, namely with Jewell’s Country Market, Canada’s Island Garden (CIGI), and most recently Jewell’s Construction.
The President’s Excellence Awards are held annually by the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce to honour and celebrate excellence within the local business community. Nominations for the 2024 President’s Excellence Awards will open later this spring. For more information, visit www.charlottetownchamber.com.
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The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 President’s Excellence Award Winners