10.8.15

Business Excellence

Awards

21ST Annual

PRESENTED BY

10.8.15

Business Excellence

Awards

21ST Annual

For the past 60 years, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has been the vehicle through which local businesses connect, cooperate, and create opportunities for growth and success.

Since its inception, this organization has been dedicated to the development of our community and the enhancement of our local economy.

The first incarnation of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade began in the hopeful era of poodle skirts, soda fountains and drive-in restaurants that emerged out of the ashes of the Second World War, a war in which Ajax played a key role as a centre of munitions manufacturing.

The Corporation of the Town of Ajax was founded in 1955 following the dissolution of the Improvement District of Ajax. That same year, a group of interested business people who realized the need for a Chamber of Commerce within the new town came together to make it a reality.

The first recorded executive meeting of the Ajax Chamber of Commerce was held on February 26, 1955 and on October 25th of the same year, the newly formed chamber held its inaugural

Message from the President

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade’s 2015 Business Excellence Awards.

Our Annual Business Excellence Awards provide a platform to celebrate outstanding businesses and individuals in Ajax and Pickering and to give them due recognition for a job well done.

Truly, it is no small thing to be singled out for recognition by one’s peers so all of the nominees have very good reason to be proud.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade’s board of directors to our independent panel of judges who had the daunting task of selecting tonight’s winners. Although they evaluate the submissions on a strict and rigorous set of criteria, I do not envy their job.

An evening such as this would not be possible without the valuable support of our sponsors. The generosity of each of these partners is vital to the success of the occasion and I offer my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for their commitment.

For over two decades now, we have gathered to recognize businesses and individuals that demonstrate excellence in their business operations every day. This year, we gather to celebrate not just the accomplishments of an impressive group of nominees but the 60th anniversary of the organization itself, an anniversary we share with the Town of Ajax.

Enjoy the evening and thank you for joining us for this celebration of excellence in business and 60 years of service to Ajax and Pickering.

Denise Jones, CPA, CA Collins Barrow Durham 2015 Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade President

Celebrating 60 Years

Greetings

dinner and charter night in the original Recreation Centre, then known as Rotary Hall.

It soon became apparent that the Ajax Chamber of Commerce would play an essential role in the success of the new municipality.

The Ajax Chamber of Commerce would experience ups and downs throughout the 1960s and, in 1966 construction began on Pickering Nuclear. Despite the promise of jobs and economic growth, all was not well because membership numbers started to decline by the end of that decade.

The situation looked so bleak that in 1970, the executive informed the membership of its intention to disband the Ajax Chamber of Commerce due to the decline in membership and active member involvement.

It was a classic case of not appreciating what you have until it’s gone because the Chamber was revived in 1973. It didn’t hurt that the commissioning of Pickering Nuclear A Station between 1971 and 1973 gave the local economy a much-needed shot in the arm.

The Ajax Chamber of Commerce grew rapidly after this revival and in November 1978, the group expanded to include the businesses of the then Town of Pickering and thus the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade was born.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Ajax and Pickering continued to grow at an ever-increasing pace and various members of our business community stepped up to volunteer their time by serving on our council and committees.

In 1994, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade hosted its First Annual Business Excellence Awards in order to provide the local businesses of Ajax and Pickering with a platform for much-deserved recognition. The board has hosted the Business Excellence Awards every subsequent year and, last year marked 20 years of celebrating excellence in business.

Over the years, this board has stood out among its peers in the Chamber movement winning numerous awards for the Eco Business Program, business directory, advocacy work on transportation and the outstanding contribution of some of our key people.

Today the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade employs a staff of five employees and is located in Pickering Village, Ajax at the corner of Old Kingston Rd. and Elizabeth streets.

The membership continues to grow and we host in excess of 50 events every year.

From teletype machines, to faxes, to email, to a state of the art responsive design mobile friendly web site, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has grown with this community and changed with the times. One thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on our members and making their goals, our goals.

Today’s Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade not only continues to provide a setting for local businesses to connect, we also bat above our weight, advocating for our members locally and in Queen’s Park and Ottawa through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on the matters that mean the most to their businesses.

We are proud of the work we’ve done together and the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade looks forward to the next 60 years of working for you and your business.

Ajax-Pickering Board of TradeBusiness Excellence Winners 1994 – 2014

1994AEG Sorting Systems Inc.Eco-Tec Inc.MacLean Hunter Cable TV AjaxThe Minacs GroupPaintPlas (1989) Inc.Pronto Auto Repair Dealerships

1995Bayly CommunicationsFasson Canada Inc.For You Two MaternityLenbrook Group of CompaniesMason Windows Ltd.Nokia Products Ltd.

1996Alderbrook Industries Ltd.Clearnet Inc.Innovative Awards Inc. Re/Max Quality One Ltd.Simcoe Engineering Group Inc.Val Marshall Travel

1997Chrysler Canada Ltd. Ajax Trim PlantHoward Marten Co. Ltd. Hubbell Canada LPInotek SignsLone Star Café (Pickering) Messier-Dowty Inc.

1998Binns Designer Kitchens Inc.Dutchmaster Nurseries Limited Drew Chemical LimitedIPM Hose & FittingManpower Services McDonald’s Restaurants

1999Cassidy and Co. Architectural Technologists Inc.DuPont Canada Inc.Dynamic Images AdvertisingMcEachnie Funeral Home Prudential Achiever Real EstateSpherion Workforce Architects

2000Bramic Creative Business Products Ltd.Durham School of MusicJet Moulding Compounds

JPM AntrumMapleridge Mechanical Ryder Logistics

2002Ajax Animal HospitalCompu-Image Inc.Copper Kettle Chocolate CompanyKonica Business Technologies Canada Inc.KX 96FM New Country The Shandex Group (Sales)

2003Hepcoe Credit UnionHolmes and Brakel Business InteriorsMessier-Dowty Inc.KeyscanNokia Products Ltd.Ontario Power Generation

2004Metal Form ProductsPickering Photo Ltd.Veridian Corporation

2005The Callery GroupThe Black Dog PubThe Shandex Group (Truck)

2006VoicePath ConvergencePurdue PharmaFirst Durham Insurance and Financial

2007Proforma SynergyBinns Kitchen + Bath DesignNelson Industrial Inc.

2008WordSmith MediaHilton Garden Inn Toronto/AjaxTarget Recycling Services Inc. Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility

2009Pickering Audio Visual Scientists in School Tribute Communities

2010Indaco ManufacturingMinuteman Press

John McLellan ContractingHolmes & Brakel Business Interiors

2011Rand ElectricSearch Engine PeopleEco-Tec Inc.Jack McGinnis

2012Square Footage Custom Kitchens & Bath Inc. EMC Power Canada Ltd. Volkswagen Group Canada Inc.

2013The Mount Everest Indian RestaurantJohn McLellan Contracting Inc. Deer Creek Golf & Banquet FacilityRBRO Solutions Inc.ECOexecutives at the Toronto Zoo

2014Cup Cakes CanadaMonarch Kitchen and Bath CentreEnviroDad.com

Business Person of the Year

2004 Stephen Barry, Sure-Fit Canada

2005 Dr. Gary Polonsky, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

2006 Joan Wideman, Lenbrook Group of Companies

2007 Patrick McNeil, Ontario Power Generation and Dr. Phillip (Rocky) Simmons, Eco-Tec (TIE)

2008 Anna Diduca, Neighbours, Pickering

2009 Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain, Durham Hospice

2010 Lorelei Hepburn, Environmental Factor

2011 Jeff Quipp, Search Engine People

2012 Kevin Mallory, Hubbell Canada LP

2013 Don Lovisa, Durham College

2014 Allan Arsenault, Pickering Town Centre and Ashmeed Khan, Minuteman Press (TIE)

A Decade of Accolades

Since we celebrated our 50th Anniversary a decade ago, we’ve accumulated accolades and reached milestones. Some achievements that make us particularly proud include:

2006 400+ Members

2007 Chamber Executives of Ontario - Best Directory

2007 500+ Members

2009 Local Business Award from City of Pickering

2009 Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) Executive of the Year presented to APBOT Executive Director Kathy McKay

2009 600+ Members

2010 Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Chair’s Award for our Eco Business program

2010 OCC Richard A. Dolphin Award for Volunteerism presented to former President and Government Relations Committee Co-Char Joan Wideman of the Lenbrook Group

2011 Environment Award from City of Pickering

2011 Durham Business Times - Readers’ Choice Award for Best Networking Group in Durham

2011 Environment Community Award from the Town of Ajax

2014 Canadian Chamber Competition Bronze Award | The Voice of Business

2015 Durham Environmental Advisory Committee | Irene Kock Education/Communication Award

2015 Ontario Chamber of Commerce Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award for excellence in chamber management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service Awarded to APBOT Executive Director Kathy McKay

Shameir Hosein is a full time student at Durham College who is working towards completing his advanced diploma in the Computer Systems Technology program for spring, 2016. He currently works at the college as the Student Diversity, Inclusion & Transitions Assistant and is this year’s Team Leader and Director of the DC Crew Leadership Program. Mr. Hosein participates with many campus related activities and events such as, but not limited to, Convocation, First-Year Orientation and the Roger Anderson Charity Classic Golf Tournament. As a student of Durham College, Mr. Hosein is a member of the Sustainability Sub-Committee, First Generation group and the Muslim Student Association.

Donna McFarlane is a leader and innovator in communications, marketing and fundraising. After thirty years in the post-secondary education and energy sectors Donna retired in August 2013 and currently runs her own consulting company. She is a past president of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and was vice-president of the Communications, Marketing and External Relations department at Durham College where she was responsible for all communications activities. Prior to joining Durham Region’s post-secondary landscape, Ms. McFarlane was director of Public Affairs at Ontario Power Generation, representing OPG on

various industry committees at the national and international levels and responsible for building community acceptance and confidence. She holds an advanced graduate diploma in Management from Athabasca University, a Bachelor of Education and an honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Our Judges

Lynn Winterstein After over 20 years of service, Lynn retired from the City of Pickering in December 2013. As the former Manager of Marketing & Business Development, she is very familiar with our business communities. Lynn was responsible for managing the City’s economic development program, corporate marketing and the planning and implementation of business events. Ms. Winterstein was an Advisor to the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for 10 years.

A Whitby resident who takes pride in giving back to her community, she is the co-chair of the Downtown Whitby Development Steering Committee. Lynn is also a member of the fundraising team for the Who’s Your Caddy? Ladies-only golf tournament, in support of Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital.

Randy Steffan has over 20 years of communications, government affairs and stakeholder relations experience as a corporate and association executive.

His most recent position was Vice President of Government Affairs with Purdue Pharma and he spent 10 years with the Pickering-based company in progressively challenging roles. Among his accomplishments, Randy had a lead role in the development of a partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, which resulted in a grant to Purdue

under the Biopharmaceutical Investment Program to support advanced manufacturing expansion and create new jobs. He has made significant contributions to Purdue’s social responsibility agenda through strong relationships built with public research institutions such as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) – establishing the annual Purdue Distinguished Lecture and the Purdue Pharma Award in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Before joining Purdue, Randy worked in a federal government relations role with Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals in Ottawa. He is a former Vice President of a national healthcare association representing hospital executives.

Randy is an active community volunteer with a strong interest in the arts. He is currently a director of the Durham West Arts Centre Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra. Randy is a past Vice-Chair of Rx&D’s Public Affairs Strategic Advisory Team and guest member of the Editorial Board of The Ottawa Citizen. He also held various roles with Big Brothers and the Public Affairs Association of Canada.

Randy lives in Pickering with his wife, Terry and they are the parents of two adult sons.

Program

6:15 p.m. Welcome and O Canada - Dan Carter

APBOT Celebrates 60 Years of Service Video

Introduction of the Head Table - Dan Carter

President’s Opening Remarks Toast and Grace - Denise Jones

6:45 p.m. Dinner

Greetings and Emerging Entrepreneur Presentations Mayors of Ajax and Pickering

Hall of Distinction Award Presentation - Kathy McKay

8:00 p.m. Greetings from Presenting Sponsor - Collins Barrow

Greetings from Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Diversity Champion Presentation - Region of Durham

8:15 p.m Awards Presentation

Selection Process & Comments from Judging Panel Safran Messier-Bugatti-Dowty and Shameir Hosein

Acknowledgement of Nominees - Durham College

Business Excellence Award (1-9 Employees) - RBC Royal Bank

Business Excellence Award (10-49 Employees) - TD Business Banking

Business Excellence Award (50+ Employees) - Bell

Sustainability Champion Award University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Not for Profit Award - OLG Slots at Ajax Downs

Business Person of the Year Award - Veridian Connections

8:45 p.m. Presentation to Young Singers - Hubbell Canada LP

Closing Remarks - Denise Jones

Our Master of Ceremonies

Dan Carter

Dan Carter has played a significant role as a supporter,

leader and community champion for mental health

issues, education and better opportunities for all. He

has established a number of community initiatives,

including the Hope Centre for Learning at the Oshawa

Community Health Centre, the annual Day of Hope and

Leadership and the Isobel Carter Youth Fund.

Dan is a television broadcaster, professional speaker and author. In

June 2011, Dan was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws from the

University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Dan is president of Durham Regional Non Profit Housing Corporation and

in 2014, was elected as a Regional and City Councillor for Oshawa.

About tonight’s band

Two for the Show

Many years in the professional making, Two For The Show have perfected

the perfect night out for anyone-anywhere-anytime! With their brand of

humour mixed with fabulous versions of all eras of popular music: Rock-

Reggae-Dance-Country-Old-New, you’ll hear it all!

Cat-Tec Inc.

Cat-Tec Inc. was founded in 1998 on the principle of becoming a trusted IT advisor for small businesses. We have grown to provide IT services in Uxbridge, Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and in and around the GTA. Our mission is to serve entrepreneurs, primarily heading small and medium businesses that appreciate the value and importance of information technology and utilize it to gain a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create a second-to-none IT experience for clients and ensure that their IT infrastructure makes the maximum possible contribution to their productivity and profitability.

CHUCK-IT Removal Services

CHUCK-IT offers convenient, affordable & responsible Removal | Moving | Bin Rental services to residential and commercial customers in Durham Region and the surrounding area. We are family owned and operated since 2007; priding ourselves on the attention to detail and the relationships, we have built within our community. We work diligently to help you regain your space and go the extra mile to recycle and dispose of your stuff in a responsible manner. Let us take care of the job with prompt & reliable services that will exceed your expectations.

Glover & Associates

Darryl Glover is Senior Counsel and owner of Glover & Associates. Prior to law, Darryl obtained his BA in psychology (bilingual French) at Glendon College of York University. He worked in social work and teaching for challenged youth and received several community service honours including two awarded by the Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario before obtaining his Real Estate Broker's license. After a successful career selling and managing, Darryl returned to school to pursue his law degree at Queens. Darryl articled for the Crown Attorney before venturing out on his own to form his full service law firm. Darryl is pleased with the growth of the firm over the years and is proud to be working with such a dedicated and hard-working group. He is a member of the many professional associations.

Business Excellence 1-9 Employees:

Phoenix Enterprises

Donna and Bobby Anderson formed Phoenix Enterprises in May 2006. With a handful of loyal clients and a great supplier network, we knew that we could make Phoenix grow into a successful business in the Durham Region. With the main focus on Fundraising Products and Promotional Ad Specialty, we had a winning combination of being able to provide customers with the items they needed for their own successes. We are happy to report that nearly 10 years later, we continue to grow in our business and continue to make our customers happy.

Plumbers Supply

Plumbers Supply is designed specifically for the needs of designers, architects, plumbers, property directors, hvac technicians and facilities managers. Serving the industry since 1962 in the supply and repair parts business, our goal is to be the Canadian source for all plumbing parts, fixtures, tools and genuine O.E.M. and non-O.E.M. replacement parts. Our experts source the world to locate products that are unique and of the highest quality, including the Penguin Toilet, with Overflow Protection and introducing in 2015 – the amazing SWISS ECO TAP. With over 3,000 ft² of display space, and 30,000 ft² of inventory, Plumbers Supply is the one stop location for all experts and customers needing expert service.

Total Tire Pickering

Total Tire Pickering provides its customers with high quality name brand tires, alloy wheels, and tire and wheel accessories at great prices. We put our customers first and always stand behind our product. Our 5000+ sq. location is equipped with a state of the art showroom and top of the line equipment. With more than 20 years of experience, your decision to trust Total Tire Pickering is an easy choice. Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.

P I C K E R I N G1698 Bayly Street Unit #1 Pickering, Ontario L1W 1L9

www.totaltirepickering.com(905) 831-T IRE (8473)

Business Excellence 10-49 Employees:

Alternative & Plan “B” Eyewear

Alternative & Plan "B" Eyewear have been operating in Ajax, ON since 2006. We currently offer 10 unique eyewear collections across North America. All design, production and marketing is handled in-house. Our product development is primarily focused on building exceptional, problem-solving eyewear. We utilize advanced technology and proprietary techniques to create unique designs. Alternative & Plan “B” Eyewear believe in taking a grassroots approach to all that we do, with an emphasis on customer service and supporting independent eye care practitioners. Building eyewear to solve problems and meet our customer needs, we believe that people and product make the difference.

Amra Plastic Moulders Inc.

Amra Plastic Moulders Inc. is a custom injection molded parts producer, specializing in complex small to medium sized parts. The company was established in June 1998 with the aim of creating a quality custom injection molding facility. Amra Plastic Moulders is in compliance with ISO/TS 16949 and has successfully implemented a quality management system. It is our mission to consistently conduct business in a manner that promotes continuous improvement in all manufacturing and service related activities promoting greater efficiency and competitive position in the marketplace. We aim to maintain our reputation as an industry leader in technology, quality, price and delivery.

The Mortgage Centre

At The Mortgage Centre-Durham, formed in 1993, we consider ourselves innovators within the industry. We are champions for positive and progressive change within a constantly evolving market place. Currently we have 25 registered mortgage brokers, agents and staff, offering visionary leadership within our industry. Some accomplishments include building a strong relationship/partnership with Mortgage Centre Canada, Mortgage Centre franchises and a community recognized brand within the Durham Region. We are a successful Mortgage Brokerage with a leadership style that fosters our agents to manage their independent mortgage business in a professional, ethical manner. Our commitment to the mortgage industry is definitely a community asset.

The Royal Ashburn Golf Club

Owned and operated by the Paterson and Eng family since 1962, The Royal Ashburn Golf Club is one of the top 50 ranked public golf courses in Canada. Offering a world class golf experience, a public restaurant with Butler’s Pub & Grill as well as in-house catering for banquets, meetings, weddings and golf tournaments, The Royal Ashburn is a full service facility. Since 1962, the club has been a “work in progress” as improvements and refinements have been made annually to provide their guests and golfers with a warm and welcoming experience. Welcome to a better experience!

We work for you, not the lenders.

Business Excellence 50+ Employees:

Ontario Power Generation

Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering Nuclear station is one of the world’s largest generating stations with six operating reactors and a total output of 3,100 megawatts, enough to serve 1.5 million people. For over 45 years, Pickering has been an important part of the Ontario electricity system and Durham Region, contributing over 750 terawatt hours in its lifetime, enough electricity to power the entire province for five full years at current consumption. Pickering produces approximately 14 per cent of Ontario’s electricity annually. Approximately 3,000 people work at Pickering Nuclear including support employees, 63 per cent of whom call Durham Region home.

VanDusen Chevrolet Buick GMC

In February 2014, Jim VanDusen completed an asset purchase of Bob Myers Chevrolet and purchased the land, buildings and equipment. The new dealership was named VanDusen Chevrolet Buick GMC. The dealership property is 6.5 acres on the corner of Westney and Bayly in Ajax with a 35,000 sq. feet imaged facility. It employees approximately 65 employees and has annual sales of approximately $35 million. As a growing business, their goal is to build strong, sustainable long term relationships - generated by an outstanding employee culture, high customer enthusiasm and by genuinely caring for our community. Since the takeover 1 ½ years ago, new and used vehicle sales volume has soared over 200%. Net profits rose by 256% in the first year and is on pace to exceed 2014’s growth by another 600% in 2015.

Business Excellence Not-for-Profit/Charity)

Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax Pickering

As Ajax-Pickering's leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, as both individuals and citizens. For over forty years in Ajax-Pickering, Big Brothers Big Sisters has made a positive difference in the lives of youth through a variety of mentoring programs. These are offered on both a one-to-one and group basis, both in school and outside of school. Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that changing the course of young lives changes the course of our community’s future. That it can lead to a reduction in poverty and unemployment, to safer schools and neighbourhoods and to a renewed optimism for growth. That it can even lead to change on a broader, more far-reaching scale.

Grandview Children’s Centre

Established for over 60 years in Durham Region, the pediatric experts at Grandview Children's Centre provide outpatient rehabilitation and treatment services to children and youth with special needs aged 0 to 19 and their families. As the only children's treatment centre in the region, the work of Grandview has broad impact in our community, changing lives daily. Every year, 5,000 Grandview Kids rely on our services and supports, but 2,000 more are waiting for service, with some waiting up to two years. Thank you for considering Grandview Children’s Centre for a 2015 Business Excellence Award.

Business Excellence Not-for-Profit/Charity)

Habitat for Humanity Durham Inc

Habitat for Humanity Durham is a charitable, faith and community-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Our mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting home ownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Our values are housing for all, human dignity, partnership, faith in action, and diversity and inclusiveness. We are a member of Habitat for Humanity Canada and part of a worldwide network that spans 100 countries. Internationally Habitat for Humanity has built over 300,000 homes and is now building a new home every 21 minutes.

Scientists in School

Scientists in School focuses on nurturing scientific curiosity and developing 21st century skills in youth to support their success. With 660,000 children in Ontario and Alberta inspired through our classroom and community workshop program in 2014-15, our reach is far beyond any other Canadian science education charity, fueling incredible impact for our mission. Since 1989, Scientists in School has been providing experiential science enrichment programs that give children and youth the opportunity to: question intelligently; learn through discovery; connect scientific knowledge to their world; become excited about science, math, technology, and engineering; and have their interest in careers in those fields piqued.

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, Ontario Chapter

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest all Canadian wish granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. For more than 30 years, Children’s Wish has worked tirelessly to grant heartfelt wishes to more than 22,000 children and their families. Children’s Wish was started in Ajax by a dedicated volunteer, Laura Cole. This year, Children’s Wish expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes with the help of volunteers and generous donors; that is approximately three wishes each and every day. Each wish is the child’s most heartfelt wish, and carefully structured to meet the particular needs of the child and their family.

Sustainability Champion Award:

Energy Matters

Energy Matters has been involved in a variety of innovative environmental projects since 1982 that engage others in simple yet effective ways to make a difference. Highlights include: developing Pickering’s first curbside recycling program; helping launch the Blue Box; setting up the first Olympics recycling program at Atlanta in 1996; managing Toronto’s unique Conservation Store; developing and delivering North America’s inaugural Green Roofs 101 course; working with First Nation communities to improve their housing and setting up a national organization to accredit renovators and warranty their energy retrofit work. Gail Lawlor, president is also a founding member and director of Durham Sustain Ability, a local organization that provides pathways to a sustainable future.

Veridian Connections Inc.

Veridian Connections is one of Ontario’s largest and best performing electricity distributors. The company’s 230-plus employees focus on providing reliable, efficient and sustainable energy solutions and services, while maintaining the highest standards in health and safety in the workplace and the communities it serves. Veridian is committed to providing healthy financial returns to its shareholders – the City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville. For more information about Veridian and the benefits it brings to its community partners, visit www.veridian.on.ca.

Business Person of the Year:

Edward Lam, A1 Automotive Connection

Edward Lam is an entrepreneur and a business leader. He started A1 Automotive Connection in 1999 and has grown it to become one of the most referred car maintenance and repair companies in Durham Region. This is attributed to Lam’s extremely high level of customer service and hassle free business model: He picks up the cars for expert repair and returns them. Previously, Lam worked for 30 years as a licensed mechanic and collision specialist. He is a Big Brother, and a member of

the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.

Corette Miller, new initiatives hr consulting inc.

Corette brings over 15 years’ experience as a human resources professional to large and small corporations throughout North America. Her clients include public and private sector, from manufacturing and food services, to health-care technology. Corette helps clients learn about and deal with Ministry of Labour issues, employee retention, performance issues and other HR challenges that can cause fines and penalties or damage their reputations. She also builds proactive HR

strategies to develop teams and increase business productivity and success. A big part of Corette’s role is educating employers and business-owners. Her seminars range from basic to advanced, from beginner overviews to issue-focused. Previous seminar participants have valued Corette’s fresh, plain-language presentations and her practical, straight-talking approach to HR. In her spare time, Corette is active in the Ajax/Pickering Big Brother & Sisters Association. Corette was recently a guest on the Rogers TV show “User’s Guide to Small Business”.

Mary Roy, Mary Roy & Team – Re/Max First Realty Ltd

Mary is the founder and team leader of Mary Roy and Team. Mary was first licensed in 1987 and joined RE/MAX in 1994. On average, Mary has sold over 100 homes a year and is ranked in the top 1% of Realtors in Durham and the GTA. Mary also owned and operated her own successful Re/Max Franchise for over 5 years before turning her attention to building the team and focusing 100% of her attention on her clients. Mary has a true passion for people and strives to exceed the

expectations of all those around her. One of Mary's greatest beliefs is to “Under-Promise & Over-Deliver” and this is reflected in everything she does. Mary speaks English, Portuguese and Italian!

John G. Smith, Wordsmith Media

John G. Smith founded Wordsmith Media Inc. in 2003 with a commitment to providing words that work. Since then, his company’s award-winning content and communications guidance has supported clients as diverse as magazines, manufacturers, insurers, trade associations, and more. This year the business secured the rights to publish Private Motor Carrier, a national magazine supporting private fleets. Smith has also been actively involved in his community, serving

roles including co-chair of the Ajax Community Fund Grants Task Force, president of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (2009), chair of the United Way campaign (2008), and member of Rouge Valley’s MRI campaign.

ANNUAL TITLE SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSORS

WINE SPONSOR

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORSJacquelynn Tanner, Sales Rep, Sutton Group-Heritage Realty Inc. Brokerage

Johnson Inc.Astley Gilbert Ltd.; Kwik Signs; Pelican Events & Catering; Pickering Town Centre; Sevans Designs

LIGHTING SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade20th Annual Business Excellence Awards

Young Singers is a dynamic community choral program for youth in the Durham Region under the direction of founder Anna Lynn Murphy and accompanied by Lois Craig. Now in their 24th season, “Excellence in life through excellence in music” has empowered hundreds of young people ages 6 to 20. In addition to their community appearances, these proud Canadian choral ambassadors

toured Ireland in March. They also traveled to China in 2013 at the invitation of the Chinese government where they appeared on National television. Past tours included Western & Atlantic

Canada, England and an appearance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville!

Our Not-For-Profit Recipient

10.8.15

Business Excellence

Awards

21ST Annual

Design and printing compliments of Astley Gilbert