The President’s Excellence Awards gala is business’s biggest night of the year!
It recognizes our local entrepreneurs and their successes, innovations, community contributions, and overall business achievements in nine award categories.
Presented by
2026 President’s Excellence Awards Recap
President’s Excellence Awards 2026 Finalists
award categories
Award sponsored by
Excellence in Business Award
Given to a for-profit business that has been operating for ten years or more, with more than 15 full-time employees.
Criteria:
The nominee has demonstrated excellence in business operations including marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, financial management, environmental practices, etc.; is clearly viewed by peers as being a leader in business excellence; has demonstrated the best aspects of the entrepreneurial spirit and has a strong track record of community involvement and support.
Award sponsored by
Excellence in Small Business Award
Given to a for-profit business that has been operating for ten years or more, with fewer than 15 full-time employees.
Criteria:
Award co-sponsored by
Excellence in Customer Service Award
Given to a business that has shown a strong commitment to outstanding customer service, customer loyalty, community involvement, and has demonstrated innovation within their sector.
Criteria:
The business is known for its exceptional customer service delivered by knowledgeable staff committed to customer satisfaction. Innovation in service delivery, conflict resolution, staff training, use of technology, and marketing set this business apart as a leader in customer service.
Award sponsored by
Emerging Business Excellence Award
Given to an innovative for-profit business that demonstrates a strong potential for growth and has been operating for no more than four years.
Criteria:
The candidate has demonstrated remarkable growth, innovation, and leadership in their industry sector during the first years of operation.
Award sponsored by
Workplace Excellence Award
Given to an organization that provides employees with a positive, healthy, and productive workplace through its innovative human resource practices.
Criteria:
Through its commitment to staff development, work/life balance, fair employment practices, implementation of diversity and inclusion policies, and employee communications, the organization provides an exceptional work environment resulting in high employee satisfaction and retention.
Criteria:
The organization must have an established reputation for delivering a high level of programs and/ or services as well as a track record of efficient and effective management and strong board governance.
Award sponsored by
People’s Choice for Community Impact Award
Recognizes a local organization/operation that has earned an engaged and loyal following, has community support, and contributes to the greater good of the community.
Criteria:
The organization must be a locally owned and operated organization/operation that gives back to their community in a meaningful way. The winner is decided by an online voting process that opens each fall.
Award sponsored by
Innovation Excellence Award
Recognizes and acknowledges a business that has demonstrated outstanding performance and achievement through innovative and creative approaches, resulting in new or improved programs, products, services or initiatives.
Criteria:
The organization must have or be creating and implementing innovative programs, practises, partnerships, policies and activities that improve and generate new ideas, techniques, tools or solutions with practical applications.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes the accomplishments and the entrepreneurial spirit of an individual in our community. Entrepreneurs create companies that: grow, and in turn, create jobs that boost the economy and inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing businesses.
Criteria:
Individuals are nominated by the public and selected by the Chamber’s Executive Committee, on the following criteria:
- Must be an individual who has been operating a for-profit business(es) for 15+ years
- Demonstrated leadership and personal commitment
- Community involvement
