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.