Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce

38th Annual
Business Excellence Awards

& 54th Citizen of the Year Gala

Nominations are officially closed and finalists have been selected. Join over 300 regional leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners to celebrate the innovation and resilience driving Cornwall forward.

Date & Time
Thursday, Nov 6th
Doors open 5:00 PM
Location
Best Western Parkway
Conference Centre • Cornwall
Program
Plated Dinner & Awards
11 Honours Presented Live
Attire
Business Formal
Black-tie optional
Official 2026 Title Partner

Presented by Cogeco

The Chamber proudly recognizes Cogeco as our primary gala partner. Their visionary leadership, steadfast investment in our region's commercial vitality, and enduring dedication to community excellence make this milestone evening possible.

Explore Cogeco
Location Partner Best Western Parkway Inn
Best Western Parkway Inn Logo
Reception Partner Kawartha Financial Services
Kawartha Financial Services Logo
Community Partner St. Lawrence College
St. Lawrence College Logo
Advertising Sponsor Black Maple Audit, Accounting and Advisory
Advertising Sponsor Logo
Advertising Sponsor Trophee Filion Trophies
Advertising Sponsor Logo
Join Our Partners

Partner With Us for the Annual Business Excellence Awards

Put your brand in front of hundreds of local business leaders, community stakeholders, and engaged professionals. Explore our custom partnership packages to elevate your organization's visibility across Cornwall and the surrounding region.

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Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce

Award Categories & Finalists

Recognizing the businesses, visionaries, and community pillars driving regional growth and leadership.

Category 01 54th Citizen of the Year

Citizen of the Year

Since 1972, this historic distinction represents our community's highest individual honour, recognizing exemplary leadership, volunteerism, and regional impact.

Single Laureate Honour Recipient unveiled live during the gala finale.
Presented by
Category 02 Lifetime Honour

Lifetime Business Achievement

Honouring longstanding leaders whose multi-decade commitment to business excellence, mentoring, and community investment has made an enduring mark.

Single Honouree Award Celebrated in a special honorary presentation.
Presented by
Category 03 30+ Staff

Large Business of the Year

Recognizing established employers providing vital regional economic stability, high employment standards, and market excellence.

2026 Finalists
Bourgon Construction
Longevity Acrylics
The St Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
Presented by
Category 04 < 100 Staff

Small to Medium Sized Business

Celebrating businesses operating for at least one year that serve as the backbone of the Canadian economy and our community.

2026 Finalists
Au Vieux Duluth
Crush Lane
Welch LLP
Presented by
Category 05 Innovation

Entrepreneur of the Year

Honouring an individual who turned bold vision into reality through agility, risk-taking, and decisive business leadership.

2026 Finalists
AquaOmega
Play it Again Sports
Viva Cancun
Presented by
Category 06 1-5 Years

New Business of the Year

Recognizing an emerging venture demonstrating rapid traction, customer satisfaction, and exceptional early growth.

2026 Finalists
Maverick’s Donuts
Relove Dress Rental
See Way More
Presented by
Category 07 35 & Under

Young Professional of the Year

Celebrating an inspirational leader or entrepreneur aged 35 and under who exhibits qualities that inspire our business community.

2026 Finalists
Harbers Greenhouses and Forestry
Seaway Valley Meat Cutting School
The NovelTea Co.
Presented by
Category 08 Destination

Tourism

Recognizing restaurants, cultural attractions, or hospitality innovators elevating Cornwall and SDG as a viable destination.

2026 Finalists
Devfest
LouLou Lavender
Mohawk Journeys
Presented by
Category 09 Stewardship

Environmental Impact

Demonstrating leadership towards enhancing the community’s ability to respond to and solve regional environmental challenges.

2026 Finalists
Justin Rodrick, Pure City Project
Transition Cornwall+
Presented by
Category 10 Workplace

Inclusion & Diversity

Prioritizing diversity and celebration of human differences in the workplace and throughout the broader community.

2026 Finalists
Katherine Perry, Adappt Apparel
Seaway Valley Community Health Centre
Seaway Valley Soccer Club
Presented by
Category 11 Community

Community Impact

Recognizing an extraordinary organization, initiative, or event accomplishing meaningful accomplishments that benefit the entire area.

2026 Finalists
Amy Malyon, Beyond 21
New Normal, Franny Seale & Cody Taylor
Nurse Next Door
Presented by
Gala Reservations

Join the Celebration

Secure your seat for an unforgettable evening celebrating regional impact, resilience, and community excellence. Tickets are first come, first served.

Official Gala Admission

Gala Ticket

Individual seats and full tables of 8 are available for community members, partners, and supporters.

  • Welcome cocktail & networking reception
  • Three-course gourmet plated gala dinner
  • Admission to all 11 live award presentations
  • Evening commemorative program booklet
$100 / Ticket
Plus Applicable HST Tickets on-sale Friday, October 2nd Full tables seat 8 guests
Plated Dinner Selections Selected during online checkout
Table Service: Warm dinner rolls, plus freshly brewed coffee and tea served with dessert.
Option 1: Standard Dinner (GF / Halal)
Starter: Baby Spinach & Spring Mix Salad With feta cheese, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and trail mix topped with raspberry vinaigrette.
Main: Stuffed Chicken Supreme Stuffed with caramelized onion and spinach, topped with roasted red pepper sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and rainbow carrots.
Dessert: New York Cheesecake Topped with chef's in-house berry coulis.
Option 2: Vegan / Lactose-Free / Allergies
Starter: Baby Spinach & Spring Mix Salad With red onion, cherry tomatoes, and trail mix topped with raspberry vinaigrette (dairy-free).
Main: Roasted Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Topped with roasted red pepper sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and rainbow carrots.
Dessert: Vibrant Fruit Salad Fresh assortment of seasonal sliced fruit.
Looking to reserve multiple tables or arrange payment via corporate invoice? Contact Chamber Team or call (613) 933-4004.

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Exclusive Discounts
Group Medical Plans
Chamber Newsletters
Sponsorship Opportunities
Member Events
Exclusive Discounts
Group Medical Plans
Chamber Newsletters
Sponsorship Opportunities
Member Events