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A man is riding a bike on a hill.

And the 2018 OBAA winners are…

Announcing the 2018 Ontario Business Achievement Award Winners!

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And the 2018 OBAA winners are…

November 23, 2018

It’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 the highlights from #OBAA2018 in partnership with TLN Television and Mediaset Italia below and a full list of winners and finalists below!

TLN Television and Mediaset Italia partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for the 2018 Ontario Business Achievement Awards honouring 36 years of business excellence and innovation throughout the province. TLN Media Group host Antonio Giorgi spoke to this year’s recipients about their contributions to their respective industries and their impact on Ontario’s business framework.

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.

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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 

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WINNER: INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing

“We are truly humbled to be recognized with the 2018 OBAA Medium Business Award and we thank the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for this recognition. This award endorses our export growth and celebrates our commitment to excellence. We strive to continuously provide the best products in the industry with an individual approach to each client.” – Philip Daskal, VP of International Sales, INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing

Runner-up: Innovative Automation Inc.

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

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WINNER: Hydro Ottawa

Runner-up: Cameco

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

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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

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WINNER: Trojan Technologies

Runner-up: Ciena

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

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WINNER: Indwell

“Receiving the Leader in Accessible Employment award was a highlight of 2018. We have 500+ tenants across all our programs and it’s been a joy to see some of them thrive in employment roles with us. We’re thrilled that the contributions of those who work for Indwell and who we support through our affordable housing programs are being recognized. This award is a credit to each of our teams. We’re thankful to the Hamilton Chamber and to the OBAA for recognition at both the local and provincial level—especially as we answer calls to help create supportive affordable housing solutions in other regions across Ontario.” – Jeffrey Neven, Executive Director, Indwell

Runner-up: LINC Employment Services

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 

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WINNER: Amgen Canada Inc.

“Amgen Canada was honoured to be recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in 2018. We are proud to be part of Canada’s future and we will treasure this award. It’s a tribute that belongs to each and every Amgen staff member in Canada.”

Runner-up: WinAir

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 

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WINNER: Stathletes

Runner-up: iLobby Corp.

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.

Click here to see the photo gallery (download code: 6826).

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