The energy was electric, the room was packed, and the celebration was unforgettable! Tonight, the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Business Excellence Awards gala, bringing together our community to honor the extraordinary businesses, organizations, and dedicated leaders who make Cornwall and Eastern Ontario shine.

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From groundbreaking startups and community pillars to visionary leaders and environmental champions, this year's winners represent the absolute best of our region's drive, passion, and resilience.

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Let's raise a glass and congratulate all of our phenomenal winners!

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Special Community Honors

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Lifetime Achievement Award: Leslie & Kevin Ouderkirk (Kids Korner)

This year’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Leslie and Kevin Ouderkirk, founders and operators of Kids Korner, in celebration of an incredible 40 years in business. For four decades, Kids Korner has been a cherished downtown staple, fostering wonder, play, and joy for generations of local children and families. Leslie and Kevin’s enduring legacy reflects decades of passion, resilience, retail excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the heart of the Cornwall community.

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Citizen of the Year: Kim Baird

The highest honor of the evening, Citizen of the Year, was awarded to Kim Baird in recognition of her extraordinary, longstanding dedication to regional volunteerism and community leadership. Known for her tireless efforts and quiet, steadfast service, Kim has made a deep impact across numerous organizations, including extensive leadership with the Cornwall Kinettes and Knox-St. Paul United Church. Her selfless spirit, hands-on community service, and compassionate leadership continue to inspire and uplift everyone around her.

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2026 Category Award Winners

• New Business Award: Relove Dress Rentals — Recognized for introducing a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to formalwear fashion by offering high-quality dress rentals for special events.
• Tourism Excellence Award: DEVFest — Celebrated for driving regional tourism, drawing thousands of visitors, and showcasing the region's vibrant community spirit and event offerings.
• Inclusion & Diversity Award: Seaway Valley Community Health Centre — Honored for its exemplary commitment to accessible healthcare services and fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all residents.
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Dominique Laroche (Play It Again Sports) — Awarded for exceptional business leadership, adaptability, and active involvement in equipping local youth and athletes.
• Small to Medium Business Award: Au Vieux Duluth — Recognized for outstanding customer service, operational excellence, and consistent contributions to Cornwall's dining scene.
• Community Impact Award (Presented by Desjardins): New Normal — Commended for innovative programming and outreach initiatives that directly enrich local lives and address key social needs.
• Young Professional Award (Presented by EOTB): Max Desrosiers (Seaway Valley Meat Cutting School) — Highlighted for his entrepreneurial vision, trade skills development, and leadership in specialized local training.
• Environmental Impact Award (Presented by CDREB): Transition Cornwall+ — Honored for spearheading local sustainability projects, urban agriculture initiatives, and climate resilience awareness.
• Large Business of the Year Award (Presented by McDougall Insurance): Longevity Acrylics Inc — Recognized for impressive manufacturing growth, job creation, quality craftsmanship, and substantial regional economic contributions.

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Congratulations once again to all of our winners, finalists, and nominees! Thank you for making Cornwall and Eastern Ontario such an incredible place to live, work, and grow.

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In addition to our winners, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to every single nominee celebrated this year. Your hard work, passion, and tireless dedication do not go unnoticed, and your remarkable achievements continue to enrich and inspire our entire community.

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