Posted on January 30, 2023February 16, 2023 by Assistant Editor

On January 26 the BEA 2023 finalists were announced including Bright Green Roof in the Innovation category represented from left by: Matt Citron, Steve Rivard, and Paul Coulter. Photo courtesy of Mychailo Photography.

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Home » Business » Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce Announces 2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists

Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber Of Commerce Announces 2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce recently announced details of its signature event, the Business Excellence Awards (BEA), presented by Windsor Star.

The event recognizes outstanding businesses, individuals and community groups and it will be held in person Wednesday May 17, starting at 6 p.m.

The event includes a Red Carpet Arrival, Awards Show in the Chrysler Theatre showcasing 12 categories, and an elegant dinner in the Skyline Ballroom at the St. Clair College Centre For the Arts.

Three Award winners were announced during a January 26 News Conference, hosted by BEA Chair Shelby Colarossi. The event at the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre was sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario.

The winner of the BEAs’ newest category, Business Ambassador sponsored by RBC, was announced based on independent judging of nominations submitted last Fall by Chamber of Commerce Members and the general public. The award recognizes an individual (not self-employed or an owner) who exceeds all expectations in their role within a business or organization. The individual improves company culture, promotes growth and innovation in the workplace and is a role model for their peers and community.

Keith White, Vice President and General Manager of fashion retailer FREEDS, was chosen as the inaugural Business Ambassador Award winner. For 53 years, his leadership has been a key factor in FREEDS’ success. His gregarious and jovial personality has resulted in not just a following, but also customer loyalty that spans generations, while continually inspiring the FREEDS’ team with his ongoing drive and unstoppable talent.

The 2023 Believe Windsor-Essex Award, sponsored by WFCU, goes to Lisa and Brian Schwab for on-going support of numerous not-for-profit organizations, events, and community groups, including T2B, Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and ART Windsor-Essex. The Schwabs are invested in the growth and vitality in our region through co-ownership of the Windsor Spitfires, LaSalle Vipers and Lakeshore Canadiens, the development of downtown properties, and several other local rejuvenation projects.

Renee Daudlin-Iacobelli was announced as the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Bell. The Owner and Vice President of Operations of Windsor-based Insight Advantage is a role model, mentor and business advisor to women. The Award recognizes the time and energy devoted to her profession and her community, including opening paths for other women to follow.

“It’s tradition to announce the Believe Windsor-Essex Award winner, and the ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, at the BEA News Conference in January”, states BEA Chair Shelby Colarossi. “The Business Ambassador category is new this year, and we wanted to highlight the Award by announcing the winner today. Plus, we wanted to profile Keith White, an amazing choice by the Judges as an ambassador of the FREEDS’ brand for over 50 years”.

Three Finalists in each of the remaining 9 Award categories will compete for a coveted Business Excellence Award, with winners announced in a ‘surprise reveal’ format from the Chrysler Theatre stage. The BEAs will also be broadcast live to Cogeco subscribers in Windsor and Leamington on YourTV, starting at 6 pm.

Tickets for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Excellence Awards, are now on sale at www.windsoressexchamber.org.

The list of BEA Finalists includes a diverse collection of individuals, start-ups and established companies and organizations of all sizes, spread across the Windsor-Essex Region. The complete list of Finalists, and event sponsors follows . . .

Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP

Marc Romualdi, Owner, Mercato Fresh
Jeff Gamble, Owner, What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory
David Burman, President/CEO, Mister HQ Group

Innovation

Lymphology Skincare
Bright Green Roof
CHARGE Lab (University of Windsor)

Company >26 Employees sponsored by St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology

Matthew Thibert Drugs Ltd, Shoppers Drug Mart #760, #1114, #3001
Movati Athletic
HGS Limited

New Company of the Year sponsored by Enbridge

Estate of Health Holistic Wellness Centre
RARE Butcher Shop LTD
Logic Executive Search

Pillars of Our Community sponsored by Motor City Community Credit Union

100 Women Who Care Windsor-Essex
WEST of Windsor
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest

Professional of the Year sponsored by TD Commercial Banking

Dan Topp, Criminal Defence Lawyer, Topp Law
David Cowie, Registered Massage Therapist, Loaring Physiotherapy and Health Centre
Dr. Elena Kalmantis, Owner/Founder/CEO, Loft 32 Dentistry

Company <25 Employees sponsored by Families First

Cedar Valley Selections
Brady’s Drug Store
Two Men and a Truck Windsor-Sarnia

Tourism & Hospitality sponsored by Caesars Windsor and OLG

Kona Sushi
Ure’s Country Kitchen & Mini Golf
Urban Field House

Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Libro Credit Union

Kim Crevatin, Owner, Windsor CrossFit
Lauryn Lefrancois, Executive Director, Lola’s Round Table
Dr. Aaron Nixon, Pharmacist/Owner, Main Street Pharmacy & Wellness Centre

2023 Business Ambassador Award recipient sponsored by RBC

Keith White, FREEDS

2023 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient sponsored by Bell

Renee Daudlin-Iacobelli, VP Operations & Business Development, Insight Advantage Inc.

2023 Believe Windsor-Essex Award winner sponsored by WFCU Credit Union

Lisa and Brian Schwab

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