Haldimand County Now Accepting Nominations For Business Excellence Awards

On Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Haldimand County will host its annual Business Excellence Awards breakfast. The Mayor and Council invite residents, local business owners, representatives from Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas, and business organizations across the county to submit nominations recognizing outstanding local business achievements in 2019.

Nominations for outstanding business achievements are now being accepted in the following categories:

  • Agri-business Award – Recognizes a business that is connected to the agricultural sector or the supply chain;
  • Business Award – Presented to 2 businesses that can demonstrate growth, excellence and innovation. Awarded to one company with more than 10 employees and one company with 10 employees or less;
  • Tourism Business Award – Recognizes businesses that provide tourism experiences and promote Haldimand County as a tourism destination;
  • Real Potential Award – Recognizes outstanding young entrepreneurs and new businesses that have been in business for under 3 years;
  • Not–for-Profit Award – Recognizes outstanding leadership and organizational excellence in a registered not-for-profit or charity.

“The Business Excellence Awards are an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements and the positive growth made by businesses in our community.” explained Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division.

Individuals or organizations interested in nominating a local business are invited to do so by February 14, 2020. Nomination forms and award guidelines can be picked up at all Haldimand County offices, libraries or accessed online at BusinessHaldimand.ca. For more information please call 905-318-5932 ext. 6331.

Haldimand County Launching New Online E-Bidding System September 3

Haldimand County is making the switch to an online e-bidding system on September 3, 2019. The new system simplifies the procurement process for vendors and contractors and makes it easy to receive bid opportunities, addenda notifications, site meeting reminders, bid results & more.

The new system – called bids&tenders – provides vendors with a number of online, self-serve options. With the launch of the new system, tenders, proposals & prequalifications will be posted and available exclusively on bids&tenders free of charge. The bids&tenders system provides a custom vendor dashboard that displays all active and relevant opportunities.

At this time, there will be no change to the actual bid document submission process.

Haldimand County is offering two training sessions for vendors, with hands-on demonstrations and account setup assistance. Interested parties are asked to bring their own device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc). Vendors may choose from one of the following drop-in training sessions:

Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Time: 1p.m. OR 6p.m.
Location: Haldimand County Fire Station 4 (11 Thorburn Street, Cayuga ON N0A 1E0)

The training sessions are optional and geared towards vendors who wish to learn more about bids&tenders features or require help setting up their account. There is no cost to attend and no RSVP is required. Anyone seeking further information about the bids&tenders system or Haldimand County procurement practices may e-mail purchasing@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County Business Excellence Award Winners Announced

On Wednesday, April 10, Haldimand County’s business community gathered at the Fisherville District Lions Community Centre to attend the eleventh annual Business Excellence Awards. This year, the awards breakfast and networking session drew over 100 business owners.

The annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast provides an opportunity for Council to connect with and thank Haldimand County business owners for all they do to make Haldimand County a great place to live. During the early morning gathering, Mayor Ken Hewitt addressed those in attendance and thanked business owners for providing good quality jobs to Haldimand County residents and supporting the community in so many ways. Mayor Hewitt also spoke of the momentum the business community continues to build, and how their efforts are contributing to Haldimand County’s overall prosperity.

The event also highlighted and celebrated the Business Excellence Award nominees and winners. 23 companies were nominated this year for outstanding business achievements. “Haldimand County is very fortunate to have a successful business community and it was no surprise that we received so many outstanding nominations,” stated Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Council would like to congratulate both nominees and recipients and thank them for their contributions to the community,” he added.

Business Excellence Award Nominees:

Caledonia Business Improvement Area

Christa by Design

Chuck & Peter Hogeterp – Sales Representatives RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.

Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc.

Debb’s Cuisine on Queen

Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation

Erie Mutual Insurance Company

Fisherville Hotel & Tavern

Flyers Bakery and Café Inc.

G’s Hairstyling

Ideal Roofing Plus

Julia’s Bistro & Catering

K9 Fun Zone

LVW Creative Barracks

My Sweet Sweet World

Personal Care Clinic

Pine Ridge Gardens

Purple Haven Lavender Farm

The Cabin Wellness Clinic

The New You Salon and Spa

The Reeve Bed and Breakfast

Toronto Motorsports Park

U Save Lawn Services

2018 Business Excellence Award Winners

Agri-Business Award Winner

Pine Ridge Gardens – Pine Ridge Gardens grows quality greenhouse flowers year round in Dunnville. Their flowers are sent to many major centres in Canada and the United States including New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and various locations in Eastern Canada. In the past three years the company has increased its crop growth by 40%, while simultaneously lowering their carbon footprint.

Business Award Winner (10 employees and under)

Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc. – Since 2002 Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc. in Cayuga has been providing a customized friendly, caring and confidential approach towards filling dental staffing needs. The agency provides temporary and permanent staff for dental offices, while also providing job opportunities for many dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental receptionists who want to supplement their income.

Business Award Winner (Over 10 employees)

Erie Mutual Insurance Company – Erie Mutual Insurance Company in Dunnville was founded in 1871 and originally formed on the strong roots of the farming community in Haldimand County. Farmers helping farmers. Today, they continue to grow and build on the value of providing insurance protection that exceeds their members’ expectations with a customer experience unsurpassed in the insurance industry.

Not-For-Profit Award

Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation – The Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation, established in 1974, has continuously raised funds through the tremendous support of their generous donors, to take care of the hospital and other health care institution needs in Haldimand County. Currently, 15 members of the community reside on the Board of Directors that govern the Foundation and accept the challenge to raise the bar higher in support of the Hospital.

Tourism Business Award

Toronto Motorsports Park – Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga is a multi-purpose motorsports facility and has been the home of Drag Racing since the 50’s. In 2003 TMP expanded, adding a road course circuit to their drag strip making them the only facility of it’s kind in Eastern Canada. Since then, they have further expanded their offering to include major events, weekly race programs, training sessions, an exotic car and drag race experience and corporate outings.

Mayor’s Award of Distinction

Chuck & Peter Hogeterp – Sales Representatives, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc. – Peter & Chuck Hogeterp own a personal Real Estate business that operates under the Remax Escarpment Realty Inc Hamilton umbrella, but is based out of Cayuga. The pair have been in the Real Estate business since 2002, while focusing initially on Haldimand they have since expanded their business into neighbouring counties and cities, all the while supporting countless Haldimand County charities, initiatives and organizations.

Youth Entrepreneur Award

LVW Creative Barracks – LVW Creative Barracks in Dunnville has been attracting regional artists to Haldimand County since 2015.  They are known for partnering with local Haldimand businesses and organizations to offer artistic and experiential events truly unique to the community.  Operating as a social enterprise, they focus on positive social and environmental impacts, creating a safe and welcoming community space in downtown Dunnville.

Haldimand County Business Community Invited To Excellence Awards Breakfast

Haldimand County Council has extended an invitation to all local business owners and representatives from business organizations to attend the upcoming Business Excellence Awards Breakfast. This year’s free breakfast and networking event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Fisherville Community Centre (7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.)

The event will feature an address by Mayor Ken Hewitt along with a recognition ceremony to announce Business Excellence Award winners. Exceptional local businesses will be recognized in the following categories:

  • Agri-Business
  • Business – over 10 employees
  • Business – 10 employees and under
  • Not-for-profit
  • Tourism
  • Youth Entrepreneur Award (Under 30 years of age) sponsored by Grand Erie
    Business Centre

“This event is a great opportunity for business owners to connect and network with one another,” explained Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division. She added, “The event highlights and recognizes local business leaders excelling and inspiring others in our communities.”

Any members of the business community who wish to attend may call 905-318-5932 ext. 6331, e-mail opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or sign up online via www.BusinessHaldimand.ca. RSVPs must be received by Friday, April 5, 2019.

Business Excellence Awards Breakfast Date Announced, Call For Nominations Continue

Haldimand County’s annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast has been set for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Fisherville Community Centre (7:30 a.m.). The awards celebrate successful, innovative businesses and business leaders who drive the local economy and make a difference in their communities. Nominations will be accepted until February 15, 2019.

Mayor and Council will be presenting awards for the following categories: Agri-Business, Business – over 10 employees, Business – 10 employees and under, Not-for-Profit, Tourism and Youth Entrepreneurship – under 30 years of age (sponsored by the Grand Erie Business Centre).

“Haldimand County is home to many exceptional businesses, and these awards provide a great opportunity to recognize their impact”, said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Division. “The Awards Breakfast is not only a chance to celebrate local business achievements, but an opportunity for the business community to network and share experiences with one another,” she added.

All business owners across Haldimand are invited to attend the Business Excellence Awards Breakfast and can RSVP by calling 905-318-5932 ext. 6331, e-mailing opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or registering online via BusinessHaldimand.ca. Nomination forms can be downloaded at BusinessHaldimand.ca and returned by e-mail, fax or dropped off at any Haldimand County office.

Haldimand County Now Accepting Nominations for 2018 Business Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for Haldimand County’s Business Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding business achievements throughout 2018. Award categories include: Agri-Business, Business (over 10 employees and under 10 employees), Tourism, Youth Entrepreneur and Not-for-Profit.

“The Business Excellence Awards provide the community with an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge outstanding local businesses,” explained Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

The awards will be presented by Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt and Council on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 during the annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast at the Fisherville Community Centre.

The nomination package can be accessed via BusinessHaldimand.ca or picked up at any County office or library. Completed forms may be submitted in person at any County office or e-mailed to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, February 15, 2019.

Anyone seeking additional information may call the County’s Economic Development & Tourism division at 905-318-5932 ext. 6331.

‘We Make It Here’ Video Showcases Career Opportunities in Haldimand

A second video in the We Make It Here series has just been released. The videos showcase local employers and demonstrate the many job opportunities that exist at local manufacturing businesses in Haldimand. The videos are the result of a partnership project between the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, 3 local businesses, school boards and Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division.

The newest We Make it Here video offers a behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing career opportunities at three local businesses including: BJ Take Inc. (a commercial and industrial lighting company in Dunnville), Cayuga Displays (a food display manufacturer in Cayuga), and Stelco (Nanticoke’s fully integrated steel plant). The video provides employee perspectives on career opportunities at three featured businesses and an overview of the products they manufacture. Schools and employment services use the videos to provide students and job seekers with a glimpse of today’s modern manufacturing practices, and inform them of industry career pathways.

We Make it Here showcases the importance of the manufacturing sector in Haldimand County,” stated Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division. “We were thrilled to partner with the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, local businesses and other key partners on this project. We hope this video will provide both students residents and businesses with an improved understanding of the employment and business opportunities that exist locally.”

Manufacturing is the largest industry in Haldimand County’s economy by employment and makes up approximately 16% of the labour force (Haldimand County’s Community Profile 2018). “The manufacturing sector in Haldimand County is vibrant and diverse and a key component of the local economy,” stated Romanuk. These businesses create and develop unique products that are exported throughout the world and even into space.

 

Haldimand County Hosting Small Business Week Celebration

On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Haldimand County will celebrate Small Business Week at the Caledonia Lions Club from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Small Business Week is a national celebration that recognizes Canadian entrepreneurs, their successes and community contributions.

The Caledonia Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this year’s celebration in partnership with the Haldimand Business Network. All Haldimand County business owners  are invited to attend the event, which includes a complimentary breakfast and keynote speaker (Steve Fenton, President of Battlefield International). The event is free of charge, but attendees are asked to pre-register online.

“This breakfast is an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate the numerous contributions local entrepreneurs and business owners provide to our communities,” said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism. “The event also gives local businesses a chance to network, collaborate and learn from one another,” she added.

Business owners who wish to attend the celebration event may register on-line via BusinessHaldimand.ca or by phone (905-318-5932 ext. 6331). The deadline to register is October 12th.