NEWSFLASH APRIL 2026 – Chatham-Kent Chamber BEA; Windsor Hospice Dove Pins; Empire Roofing; ONYX Engineering; Abraham Orthodontics
THE RUNDOWN
Nominations for the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce (CKCC) 138th annual Business Excellence Awards (BEA) run until April 21, 2026, at noon. The awards feature categories such as Small and Large
Business, Young Entrepreneur, Indigenous Business of the Year, and celebrating Industry, Agriculture, Community, as well as the addition of the Newcomer Entrepreneur Award, which honours businesses created in the last three years by newcomers to Canada. “The BEAs begin long before awards night — they truly start with each nomination,” says Rory Ring, CKCC President and CEO. “When you take a few minutes to nominate a business, employer, colleague, or supplier, you are not just filling out a form. You are lifting them up, validating their hard work, and sending a message to future leaders that Chatham-Kent values ambition, integrity, and community spirit.” Submit your choices on their webpage.
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County is pleased to announce the return of the Hospice Dove Pin Campaign, for the fifth year, supporting hospice patients and families across Windsor and Essex County. Made possible through the generosity of Ground Effects Ltd. and Mega Mold International, their one-inch, dove-shaped lapel pins serve as a heartfelt symbol of Hospice and the thousands of patients and families they have had the privilege of caring for in the region. Hospice Volunteers will be offering pins at more than 30 locations across Windsor Essex through the week of April 22 to 26, 2026, including various Home Hardware, Metro, Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sobeys, and Zehrs locations, as well as at Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens and Anna’s (Garden, Home & Wellness). “By wearing your Hospice Dove Pin, you’re directly supporting compassionate, high-quality care for those who need it the most, across our community,” says Katharen Bortolin, Hospice Executive Director. “We invite you to visit one of our locations, meet our dedicated volunteers, make a donation, and proudly show your support.” For a detailed list of locations where the pins are available, as well as campaign information, check online.
HALL OF FAME
Empire Roofing’s story began in Windsor Essex, and over the years the locally owned company has grown into a force in commercial and industrial roofing, earning a reputation for quality, consistency, and
long-term performance across Canada and the U.S. Recognized as Canada’s number-one TPO installer, Empire has completed landmark projects across North America, including more than 30 Amazon facilities, among them the distribution centre here in Windsor. Empire was recently recognized with Elevate’s highest contractor honours, including the President’s Club (top 1% of Elevate contractors across North America), Master Contractor, and Inner Circle of Quality, during Elevate’s annual rewards trip held February 10 to 13, 2026, at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico. For President Ken Gascoigne: “These
awards reflect the dedication and craftsmanship of our entire team. From estimating and project management to our field crews, service teams, and support staff, this recognition represents the commitment our people bring to every project.”
ONYX Engineering is proud to announce that it has once again been named to CFE Media’s 2026 System Integrator Giants List, marking the company’s sixth year on this prestigious ranking. Published by Control
Engineering and Plant Engineering magazines, the System Integrator Giants List recognizes the top 100 system integrators in North America, ranked exclusively by total system integration revenue. “As companies navigate rapid technological change and increasing global competition, modernizing and automating processes has never been more critical,” says Dino Oliva, Vice President of ONYX Engineering.
“Achieving a place on the Giants List for six years running highlights our team’s commitment to delivering highvalue, resilient automation solutions. We partner with clients every day to help them stay competitive and futureready in today’s global environment.” Working out of 2960 Jefferson Blvd. in Windsor, the company provides fullservice system integration, helping organizations modernize processes, enhance
performance, and implement advanced automation technologies. ONYX serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, food and beverage, life sciences, metal forming, petrochemical, energy, and water treatment.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO . . .
Abraham Orthodontics is officially celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade since Dr. Maxwell Abraham returned to his hometown of Leamington to redefine orthodontic care in Windsor Essex. Since its founding in 2016, the practice has grown from a specialized clinic in Leamington (185 Erie Street South) to a regional leader with a second state-of-the-art office in Chatham (729 St. Clair Street), all while
contributing millions in community value. “Celebrating 10YearsofAOmazing isn’t just about the clinical milestones; it’s about the relationships we’ve built with patients’ families and the community that fostered our growth,” says Dr. Abraham. “From the beginning, our mission was to use our platform to enhance the lives of the kids and families we treat, ensuring that world-class care is accessible, affordable, and deeply rooted in local support.” In just 10 years, the dental office has become a force for community good — investing in health, education, and youth development. Its Growing Smiles program has delivered more than $2 million in free orthodontic exams and growth assessments. Dr. Abraham and his wife, Christen, helped raise over $65,000 to bring Leamington’s first MRI to the Erie Shores Health Foundation. Their commitment to youth mental health runs just as deep, from establishing the Abraham Orthodontics Community Youth Room at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre to renewing a major partnership with Maryvale to expand local satellite mental health services.
