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And the 2018 OBAA winners are…
November 23, 2018It’s the most wonderful time of the year – time to celebrate outstanding Ontario businesses!
Since 1983, the Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs) have been the most recognized industry gala in the province with a single focus on celebrating business success. This annual event, hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), provides an opportunity to shine a light on the success of businesses built in our own backyard. This year, the OCC received over 350 nominations.
The gala, hosted by Global news anchor, Alan Carter, featured a charity auction with proceeds going to the Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC). WWC honours and supports Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families. The charity auction raised over $11,000 for this great casue!
The OBAAs also honoured the inspiring achievements of Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser, the pioneers of Ontario’s wine industry, through the very first OBAA Lifetime Achievement Award.
On November 21, hundreds of business and community leaders from across Ontario gathered at the Liberty Grand to celebrate the achievements of Ontario businesses for their achievements in innovation, entrepreneurship, and integrity. See below for a full list of winners and finalists!
Lifetime Achievement Award
The 2018 OBAAs honoured the inspiring achievements of Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser, the pioneers of Ontario’s wine industry, through our very first OBAA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond Borders, Medium Business Award
The Beyond Borders, Medium Business Award is awarded to a medium-sized business (50-500 employees) that has implemented an export strategy that has positively affected its bottom line. Sponsored by: OFX
WINNER:
Runner-up:
Corporate Citizen Award
The Corporate Citizen Award is awarded to a large business who has a sustained and long-term commitment to investing in the community in which it operates. Sponsored by: Meridian Credit Union
WINNER:
Runner-up:
LiUNA Builder’s Award
The LiUNA Builder’s Award is awarded to an outstanding CEO who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and contributions to the building industry in Ontario. Sponsored by: LiUNA
WINNER:
- John M. Beck
Executive Chairman, Aecon Group Inc.
Runners-up:
- Mauro Baldassarra
President, Starlane Home Corporation - Jim V. De Gasperis
President and Chief Executive Officer, The CONDRAIN GROUP
Mitacs Innovation Award
The Mitacs Innovation Award is awarded to a business that uses work-integrated-learning to support talent and innovation in Ontario. Sponsored by: Mitacs
WINNER:
Runner-up:
Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award
The Ontario Leader in Accessible Employment Award recognizes a business that has created an accessible work environment. This organization values the contributions of persons with disabilities and promotes the development of an inclusive workplace culture for all. Provided with the support of the Government of Ontario
WINNER:
Runner-up:
SME Business Excellence Award
The SME Business Excellence Award is awarded to an SME that exemplifies forward thinking in all aspects of their business. Sponsored by: Chambers Plan
WINNER:
Runner-up:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is awarded to a young Ontario entrepreneur who has successfully built a unique and game-changing venture. Sponsored by: Air Canada
WINNER:
Runner-up:
Congratulations to all OBAA winners!
To date over 500 businesses from across all sectors have won an OBAA. The 2018 OBAAs took place on Wednesday, November 21 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.