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2022 Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award Finalists

The countdown is now on towards the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce 2022 Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star.

The Premier Business Event of the Year, recognizing companies, organizations and individuals for their business excellence, takes place Thursday May 19, 2022 at the Chrysler Theatre and St. Clair College Centre For The Arts at 6 pm.

This year marks a return to an in-person format; the 2020-21 Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) were presented virtually due to COVID-19 regulations on public gatherings.

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BEA Committee Chair Jason Toner
emceed the Watch Party

Finalists in 10 different Business Excellence Awards categories, as well as two winners, were announced January 27 during a Watch Party, hosted by BEA Committee Chair Jason Toner, and sponsored by Media Street Productions.

Details were also announced on a new format for the BEA program, ticket sales and a new community voting component.

The impressive list of 29 Award Finalists includes a cross section of new and established businesses and community minded business professionals not just in Windsor, but across Essex County, from Lakeshore to Harrow. The complete list of Finalists and Winners is below.

The Pillars Of Our Community Award, sponsored by Motor City Community Credit Union, will feature a public voting component, a first in the 31-year history of the BEAs. People can vote (once per e-mail address) for their favourite Finalist: Ms. Janet Brown of Windsor Public Library, John Muir Branch, Build A Dream, or Fight Like Mason Foundation, at www.windsoressexchamber.org. Community voting is open until February 27 at 11:59pm and accounts for 25% of the judging total.

While the Finalists in the 10 categories will have to wait until Awards Night to hear their name announced, two BEA 22 Award winners were revealed during the Watch Party.

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Federica Nazzani, recipient of the
2022 ATHENA Leadership Award

Federica Nazzani, Founder and Managing Partner of Capital Assist (Valuation) Inc., was named the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Bell. The Award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to positive business development despite global market trends and honours individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional and business accomplishments.

Nazzani was selected as the recipient by the volunteer ATHENA Leadership Award Judging Committee for her success in business as the Founder of a female-led company, as well as her mentorship, and extensive volunteer work. In 2015, Nazzani was honoured with a Business Excellence Award in the Professional of the Year category.

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Van Niforos, winner of the
Believe Windsor-Essex Award

The owner of The Penalty Box Restaurant, Van Niforos, was announced as the winner of the Believe Windsor-Essex Award, sponsored by WFCU Credit Union. This prestigious Award rrecognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to positive business development despite market trends.  The recipient has in place definite and precise goals that will result in diversity of our region and enhanced economic growth to satisfy both individual pursuit for advancement and the overall economic development of our community at large. 

Niforos is a long-time business owner who believes in supporting local suppliers and utilizing local products, and the Chicken Delight has become a culinary favourite. He successfully altered the restaurant’s business model at the beginning of the global pandemic and was not only able to retain his current staff, he also opened a second Windsor location. He is a strong, yet low-profile, community supporter especially within minor sports and at the University of Windsor.

The 2022 Business Excellence Awards will showcase the companies, organizations, and professionals who have achieved success and overcome numerous challenges before and during a global pandemic and who are well positioned to continue contributing to the economic strength and diversity of our region for years to come.

2022 Business Excellence Awards Finalists are as follows . . .

Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP

  • Goran Todorovic, Broker/Owner, Team Goran, RE/MAX Care Realty
  • Markie Tuckett, President/Designer, Timber and Plumb Kitchens and Cabinetry
  • Ryan Wise, CEO, Mosquito Man

Green Innovation sponsored by University of Windsor & University of Windsor Alumni Association

  • Contents Processing Centre
  • Green Heart Catering
  • Green Sun Rising

Large Company of the Year sponsored by St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology

  • Max Die Group
  • Red Sun Farms

Mid-Size Company of the Year sponsored by RBC Royal Bank

  • LFX Supply Centre
  • Sequel Tool and Mold
  • Windsor Chapel Funeral Home

New Company of the Year sponsored by Enbridge

  • SPARK Pediatric Services
  • Wedding in the Woods
  • Windsor Creative

Pillars of Our Community sponsored by Motor City Community Credit Union

  • Janet Brown, Windsor Public Library, John Muir Branch
  • Build A Dream
  • Fight Like Mason Foundation

Professional of the Year sponsored by TD Commercial Banking

  • Dr. Nadia Al-Aasm, Dentist/Owner, Cabana Dental
  • Fiona Coughlin, Executive Director, CEO, Habitat For Humanity Windsor-Essex
  • Dr. Phillip Olla, CEO, Audacia Bioscience

Small Company of the Year sponsored by Families First

  • Absolute Comfort Control Services
  • JEM Glamorganic Spa and Academy
  • RARE Butcher Shop

Tourism & Hospitality sponsored by Caesars Windsor and OLG

  • F+B Hospitality Group
  • The Grove Hotel and The Grove Bike Co.
  • Wolfhead Distillery

Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Libro Credit Union

  • Frazier Fathers, Institutional Strategic Planning Project Manager/Independent Consultant/Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Windsor and Community Policy Solutions
  • Jordyn Severin, Owner and Lead Instructor, Marie-Rose Music Studio
  • Sawyer Telegdy, Owner/Trainer/Nutritional Coach, The Shred Shop Wellness Complex

Tickets for BEA 22 are now on sale at www.windsoressexchamber.org. Tickets, either individual or in tables of 10, include the Awards Show in the Chrysler Theatre followed by an elegant dinner at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. The BEAs will also be shown live to Cogeco subscribers on YourTV starting at 6 p.m., with several encore broadcasts to follow.

Congrats to the two winners and all finalists from your friends at Biz X magazine!