2121STST Annual Annual BusinessBusiness ExcellenceExcellence AwardsAwards

10.8.1510.8.15

PRESENTED BY Message from the President Celebrating 60 Years

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade’s 2015 Business Excellence Awards.

Our Annual Business Excellence Awards provide a platform to celebrate outstanding businesses and individuals in Ajax and Pickering and to give them due recognition for a job well done.

Truly, it is no small thing to be singled out for recognition by one’s peers so all of the nominees have very good reason to be proud.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude on behalf of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade’s board of directors to our independent panel of judges who had the daunting task of selecting tonight’s winners. Although they evaluate the submissions on a strict and rigorous set of criteria, I do not envy their job.

An evening such as this would not be possible without the For the past 60 years, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has been the valuable support of our sponsors. The generosity of each of these vehicle through which local businesses connect, cooperate, and create partners is vital to the success of the occasion and I offer my opportunities for growth and success. sincere gratitude on behalf of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for their commitment. Since its inception, this organization has been dedicated to the development of our community and the enhancement of our local economy. For over two decades now, we have gathered to recognize businesses and individuals that demonstrate excellence in their The first incarnation of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade began in the business operations every day. This year, we gather to celebrate hopeful era of poodle skirts, soda fountains and drive-in restaurants that emerged out of the not just the accomplishments of an impressive group of nominees ashes of the Second World War, a war in which Ajax played a key role as a centre of munitions but the 60th anniversary of the organization itself, an anniversary manufacturing. we share with the Town of Ajax. The Corporation of the Town of Ajax was founded in 1955 following the dissolution of the Enjoy the evening and thank you for joining us for this celebration Improvement District of Ajax. That same year, of excellence in business and 60 years of service to Ajax and a group of interested business people who Pickering. realized the need for a Chamber of Commerce within the new town came together to make it a reality.

Denise Jones, CPA, CA Collins Barrow Durham The first recorded executive meeting of the Ajax 2015 Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade President Chamber of Commerce was held on February 26, 1955 and on October 25th of the same year, the newly formed chamber held its inaugural Greetings

dinner and charter night in the original Recreation Centre, then known as Rotary Hall.

It soon became apparent that the Ajax Chamber of Commerce would play an essential role in the success of the new municipality.

The Ajax Chamber of Commerce would experience ups and downs throughout the 1960s and, in 1966 construction began on Pickering Nuclear. Despite Over the years, this board has stood out among its peers in the Chamber movement winning the promise of jobs and economic growth, all was numerous awards for the Eco Business Program, business directory, advocacy work on not well because membership numbers started to transportation and the outstanding contribution of some of our key people. decline by the end of that decade. Today the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade employs a staff of five employees and is located in The situation looked so bleak that in 1970, the executive informed the membership of its Pickering Village, Ajax at the corner of Old Kingston Rd. and Elizabeth streets. intention to disband the Ajax Chamber of Commerce due to the decline in membership and active The membership continues to grow and we host in excess of 50 events every year. member involvement. From teletype machines, to faxes, to email, to a state of the art responsive design mobile friendly It was a classic case of not appreciating what you have until it’s gone because the Chamber was web site, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has grown with this community and changed with revived in 1973. It didn’t hurt that the commissioning of Pickering Nuclear A Station between 1971 the times. One thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on our members and making their goals, our and 1973 gave the local economy a much-needed shot in the arm. goals. The Ajax Chamber of Commerce grew rapidly after this revival and in November 1978, the group Today’s Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade not only continues to provide a setting for local businesses to expanded to include the businesses of the then Town of Pickering and thus the Ajax-Pickering connect, we also bat above our weight, advocating for our members locally and in Queen’s Park and Board of Trade was born. Ottawa through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on the Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Ajax and matters that mean the most to their businesses. Pickering continued to grow at an ever-increasing We are proud of the work we’ve done together and the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade looks forward pace and various members of our business community to the next 60 years of working for you and your business. stepped up to volunteer their time by serving on our council and committees.

In 1994, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade hosted its First Annual Business Excellence Awards in order to provide the local businesses of Ajax and Pickering with a platform for much-deserved recognition. The board has hosted the Business Excellence Awards every subsequent year and, last year marked 20 years of celebrating excellence in business. Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Business Excellence Winners 1994 – 2014

1994 JPM Antrum John McLellan Contracting A Decade of Accolades AEG Sorting Systems Inc. Mapleridge Mechanical Holmes & Brakel Business Interiors Eco-Tec Inc. Ryder Logistics 2011 MacLean Hunter Cable TV Ajax Since we celebrated our 50th Anniversary a decade ago, we’ve accumulated accolades and 2002 Rand Electric The Minacs Group Ajax Animal Hospital Search Engine People reached milestones. Some achievements that make us particularly proud include: PaintPlas (1989) Inc. Compu-Image Inc. Eco-Tec Inc. Pronto Auto Repair Dealerships 2006 400+ Members Copper Kettle Chocolate Company Jack McGinnis 1995 Konica Business Technologies Canada 2012 Bayly Communications Inc. 2007 Chamber Executives of Ontario - Best Directory KX 96FM New Country Square Footage Custom Kitchens Fasson Canada Inc. & Bath Inc. The Shandex Group (Sales) 2007 500+ Members For You Two Maternity EMC Power Canada Ltd. Lenbrook Group of Companies 2003 Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. Mason Windows Ltd. Hepcoe Credit Union 2009 Local Business Award from City of Pickering 2013 Nokia Products Ltd. Holmes and Brakel Business Interiors The Mount Everest Indian Restaurant Messier-Dowty Inc. 2009 Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada (CCEC) Executive of the Year presented to 1996 John McLellan Contracting Inc. Keyscan APBOT Executive Director Kathy McKay Alderbrook Industries Ltd. Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility Nokia Products Ltd. Clearnet Inc. RBRO Solutions Inc. Ontario Power Generation 2009 600+ Members Innovative Awards Inc. ECOexecutives at the Toronto Zoo Re/Max Quality One Ltd. 2004 2010 Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Chair’s Award for our Eco Business program Simcoe Engineering Group Inc. Metal Form Products 2014 Val Marshall Travel Pickering Photo Ltd. Cup Cakes Canada 2010 OCC Richard A. Dolphin Award for Volunteerism presented to former President and 1997 Veridian Corporation Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Government Relations Committee Co-Char Joan Wideman of the Lenbrook Group Chrysler Canada Ltd. Ajax Trim Plant 2005 EnviroDad.com Howard Marten Co. Ltd. The Callery Group 2011 Environment Award from City of Pickering Hubbell Canada LP The Black Dog Pub Business Person of the Year Inotek Signs The Shandex Group (Truck) 2004 Stephen Barry, Sure-Fit Canada Lone Star Café (Pickering) 2011 Durham Business Times - Readers’ Choice Award for Best Networking Group in Durham 2006 2005 Dr. Gary Polonsky, University of Messier-Dowty Inc. Ontario Institute of Technology VoicePath Convergence 2011 Environment Community Award from the Town of Ajax 1998 Purdue Pharma 2006 Joan Wideman, Lenbrook Group of Companies Binns Designer Kitchens Inc. First Durham Insurance and Financial 2014 Canadian Chamber Competition Bronze Award | The Voice of Business Dutchmaster Nurseries Limited 2007 Patrick McNeil, 2007 Ontario Power Generation and Drew Chemical Limited Dr. Phillip (Rocky) Simmons, 2015 Durham Environmental Advisory Committee | Irene Kock Education/Communication Award IPM Hose & Fitting Proforma Synergy Eco-Tec (TIE) Binns Kitchen + Bath Design Manpower Services 2008 Anna Diduca, 2015 Ontario Chamber of Commerce Burnie Gillespie Memorial Award for excellence in chamber McDonald’s Restaurants Nelson Industrial Inc. Neighbours, Pickering management and outstanding commitment to the community through volunteer service 2008 2009 Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain, 1999 Durham Hospice Awarded to APBOT Executive Director Kathy McKay Cassidy and Co. Architectural WordSmith Media Technologists Inc. Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax 2010 Lorelei Hepburn, Environmental Factor DuPont Canada Inc. Target Recycling Services Inc. Dynamic Images Advertising Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility 2011 Jeff Quipp, Search Engine People McEachnie Funeral Home 2012 Kevin Mallory, Hubbell Canada LP 2009 Prudential Achiever Real Estate Pickering Audio Visual 2013 Don Lovisa, Durham College Spherion Workforce Architects Scientists in School 2014 Allan Arsenault, Pickering Town Centre and Tribute Communities 2000 Ashmeed Khan, Minuteman Press (TIE) Bramic Creative Business Products Ltd. 2010 Durham School of Music Indaco Manufacturing Jet Moulding Compounds Minuteman Press Our Judges

Shameir Hosein is a full time student at Durham College who is Randy Steffan has over 20 years of communications, government working towards completing his advanced diploma in the Computer affairs and stakeholder relations experience as a corporate and Systems Technology program for spring, 2016. He currently works at the association executive. college as the Student Diversity, Inclusion & Transitions Assistant and is this year’s Team Leader and Director of the DC Crew Leadership Program. His most recent position was Vice President of Government Affairs with Mr. Hosein participates with many campus related activities and events Purdue Pharma and he spent 10 years with the Pickering-based company such as, but not limited to, Convocation, First-Year Orientation and the in progressively challenging roles. Among his accomplishments, Randy Roger Anderson Charity Classic Golf Tournament. As a student of Durham had a lead role in the development of a partnership with the Ontario College, Mr. Hosein is a member of the Sustainability Sub-Committee, Ministry of Research and Innovation, which resulted in a grant to Purdue First Generation group and the Muslim Student Association. under the Biopharmaceutical Investment Program to support advanced manufacturing expansion and create new jobs. He has made significant contributions to Purdue’s social responsibility agenda Donna McFarlane is a leader and innovator in communications, through strong relationships built with public research institutions such as the University of Ontario marketing and fundraising. After thirty years in the post-secondary Institute of Technology (UOIT) – establishing the annual Purdue Distinguished Lecture and the education and energy sectors Donna retired in August 2013 and currently Purdue Pharma Award in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Before joining Purdue, Randy worked in a runs her own consulting company. She is a past president of the Ajax- federal government relations role with Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals in Ottawa. He is a former Pickering Board of Trade and was vice-president of the Communications, Vice President of a national healthcare association representing hospital executives. Marketing and External Relations department at Durham College where Randy is an active community volunteer with a strong interest in the arts. He is currently a director she was responsible for all communications activities. Prior to joining of the Durham West Arts Centre Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Ontario Philharmonic Orchestra. Durham Region’s post-secondary landscape, Ms. McFarlane was director Randy is a past Vice-Chair of Rx&D’s Public Affairs Strategic Advisory Team and guest member of Public Affairs at Ontario Power Generation, representing OPG on of the Editorial Board of The Ottawa Citizen. He also held various roles with Big Brothers and the various industry committees at the national and international levels and responsible for building Public Affairs Association of Canada. community acceptance and confidence. She holds an advanced graduate diploma in Management from Athabasca University, a Bachelor of Education and an honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Randy lives in Pickering with his wife, Terry and they are the parents of two adult sons. and English from Wilfrid Laurier University. Lynn Winterstein After over 20 years of service, Lynn retired from the City of Pickering in December 2013. As the former Manager of Marketing & Business Development, she is very familiar with our business communities. Lynn was responsible for managing the City’s economic development program, corporate marketing and the planning and implementation of business events. Ms. Winterstein was an Advisor to the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for 10 years.

A Whitby resident who takes pride in giving back to her community, she is the co-chair of the Downtown Whitby Development Steering Committee. Lynn is also a member of the fundraising team for the Who’s Your Caddy? Ladies-only golf tournament, in support of Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital. Program

6:15 p.m. Welcome and O Canada - Dan Carter Our Master of Ceremonies

APBOT Celebrates 60 Years of Service Video Dan Carter Introduction of the Head Table - Dan Carter Dan Carter has played a significant role as a supporter, President’s Opening Remarks leader and community champion for mental health Toast and Grace - Denise Jones issues, education and better opportunities for all. He 6:45 p.m. Dinner has established a number of community initiatives, including the Hope Centre for Learning at the Oshawa Greetings and Emerging Entrepreneur Presentations Mayors of Ajax and Pickering Community Health Centre, the annual Day of Hope and Leadership and the Isobel Carter Youth Fund. Hall of Distinction Award Presentation - Kathy McKay Dan is a television broadcaster, professional speaker and author. In 8:00 p.m. Greetings from Presenting Sponsor - Collins Barrow June 2011, Dan was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws from the Greetings from Ontario Chamber of Commerce University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Diversity Champion Presentation - Region of Durham Dan is president of Durham Regional Non Profit Housing Corporation and 8:15 p.m Awards Presentation in 2014, was elected as a Regional and City Councillor for Oshawa. Selection Process & Comments from Judging Panel Safran Messier-Bugatti-Dowty and Shameir Hosein About tonight’s band

Acknowledgement of Nominees - Durham College Two for the Show Business Excellence Award (1-9 Employees) - RBC Royal Bank Many years in the professional making, Two For The Show have perfected Business Excellence Award (10-49 Employees) - TD Business Banking the perfect night out for anyone-anywhere-anytime! With their brand of Business Excellence Award (50+ Employees) - Bell humour mixed with fabulous versions of all eras of popular music: Rock- Reggae-Dance-Country-Old-New, you’ll hear it all! Sustainability Champion Award University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Not for Profit Award - OLG Slots at Ajax Downs

Business Person of the Year Award - Veridian Connections

8:45 p.m. Presentation to Young Singers - Hubbell Canada LP

Closing Remarks - Denise Jones Business Excellence 1-9 Employees:

Cat-Tec Inc. Phoenix Enterprises Cat-Tec Inc. was founded in 1998 on the principle of becoming a trusted IT advisor for small Donna and Bobby Anderson formed Phoenix Enterprises in May 2006. With a handful of loyal businesses. We have grown to provide IT services in Uxbridge, Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, clients and a great supplier network, we knew that we could make Phoenix grow into a successful and in and around the GTA. Our mission is to serve entrepreneurs, primarily heading small and business in the Durham Region. With the main focus on Fundraising Products and Promotional Ad medium businesses that appreciate the value and importance of information technology and Specialty, we had a winning combination of being able to provide customers with the items they utilize it to gain a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create a second-to-none IT experience for needed for their own successes. We are happy to report that nearly 10 years later, we continue to clients and ensure that their IT infrastructure makes the maximum possible contribution to their grow in our business and continue to make our customers happy. productivity and profitability.

Plumbers Supply

CHUCK-IT Removal Services Plumbers Supply is designed specifically for the needs of designers, architects, plumbers, property directors, hvac technicians and facilities managers. Serving the industry since 1962 in the supply CHUCK-IT offers convenient, affordable & responsible Removal | Moving | Bin Rental services to and repair parts business, our goal is to be the Canadian source for all plumbing parts, fixtures, residential and commercial customers in Durham Region and the surrounding area. We are family tools and genuine O.E.M. and non-O.E.M. replacement parts. Our experts source the world to locate owned and operated since 2007; priding ourselves on the attention to detail and the relationships, products that are unique and of the highest quality, including the Penguin Toilet, with Overflow we have built within our community. We work diligently to help you regain your space and go the Protection and introducing in 2015 – the amazing SWISS ECO TAP. With over 3,000 ft² of display extra mile to recycle and dispose of your stuff in a responsible manner. Let us take care of the job space, and 30,000 ft² of inventory, Plumbers Supply is the one stop location for all experts and with prompt & reliable services that will exceed your expectations. customers needing expert service.

P I C K E R I N G 1698 Bayly Street Unit #1 Pickering, Ontario L1W 1L9 (905) 831-TIRE (8473) www.totaltirepickering.com Glover & Associates Darryl Glover is Senior Counsel and owner of Glover & Associates. Prior to law, Darryl obtained Total Tire Pickering his BA in psychology (bilingual French) at Glendon College of York University. He worked in social work and teaching for challenged youth and received several community service honours including Total Tire Pickering provides its customers with high quality name brand tires, alloy wheels, and two awarded by the Prime Minister and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario before obtaining his Real tire and wheel accessories at great prices. We put our customers first and always stand behind Estate Broker's license. After a successful career selling and managing, Darryl returned to school to our product. Our 5000+ sq. location is equipped with a state of the art showroom and top of the pursue his law degree at Queens. Darryl articled for the Crown Attorney before venturing out on his line equipment. With more than 20 years of experience, your decision to trust Total Tire Pickering own to form his full service law firm. Darryl is pleased with the growth of the firm over the years is an easy choice. Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost and is proud to be working with such a dedicated and hard-working group. He is a member of the importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of many professional associations. our business is from repeat customers and referrals. Business Excellence 10-49 Employees:

Alternative & Plan “B” Eyewear We work for you, not the lenders.

Alternative & Plan "B" Eyewear have been operating in Ajax, ON since 2006. We currently offer 10 unique eyewear collections across North America. All design, production and marketing is handled The Mortgage Centre in-house. Our product development is primarily focused on building exceptional, problem-solving At The Mortgage Centre-Durham, formed in 1993, we consider ourselves innovators within the eyewear. We utilize advanced technology and proprietary techniques to create unique designs. industry. We are champions for positive and progressive change within a constantly evolving Alternative & Plan “B” Eyewear believe in taking a grassroots approach to all that we do, with an market place. Currently we have 25 registered mortgage brokers, agents and staff, offering emphasis on customer service and supporting independent eye care practitioners. Building eyewear visionary leadership within our industry. Some accomplishments include building a strong to solve problems and meet our customer needs, we believe that people and product make the relationship/partnership with Mortgage Centre Canada, Mortgage Centre franchises and a difference. community recognized brand within the Durham Region. We are a successful Mortgage Brokerage with a leadership style that fosters our agents to manage their independent mortgage business in a professional, ethical manner. Our commitment to the mortgage industry is definitely a community asset.

Amra Plastic Moulders Inc.

Amra Plastic Moulders Inc. is a custom injection molded parts producer, specializing in complex small to medium sized parts. The company was established in June 1998 with the aim of creating a quality custom injection molding facility. Amra Plastic Moulders is in compliance with ISO/ TS 16949 and has successfully implemented a quality management system. It is our mission The Royal Ashburn Golf Club to consistently conduct business in a manner that promotes continuous improvement in all Owned and operated by the Paterson and Eng family since 1962, The Royal Ashburn Golf Club is manufacturing and service related activities promoting greater efficiency and competitive position one of the top 50 ranked public golf courses in Canada. Offering a world class golf experience, in the marketplace. We aim to maintain our reputation as an industry leader in technology, quality, a public restaurant with Butler’s Pub & Grill as well as in-house catering for banquets, meetings, price and delivery. weddings and golf tournaments, The Royal Ashburn is a full service facility. Since 1962, the club has been a “work in progress” as improvements and refinements have been made annually to provide their guests and golfers with a warm and welcoming experience. Welcome to a better experience! Business Excellence 50+ Employees: Business Excellence Not-for-Profit/Charity)

Ontario Power Generation Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax Pickering

Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering Nuclear station is one of the world’s largest generating As Ajax-Pickering's leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates stations with six operating reactors and a total output of 3,100 megawatts, enough to serve 1.5 life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, million people. For over 45 years, Pickering has been an important part of the Ontario electricity as both individuals and citizens. For over forty years in Ajax-Pickering, Big Brothers Big Sisters system and Durham Region, contributing over 750 terawatt hours in its lifetime, enough electricity has made a positive difference in the lives of youth through a variety of mentoring programs. to power the entire province for five full years at current consumption. Pickering produces These are offered on both a one-to-one and group basis, both in school and outside of school. Big approximately 14 per cent of Ontario’s electricity annually. Approximately 3,000 people work at Brothers Big Sisters believes that changing the course of young lives changes the course of our Pickering Nuclear including support employees, 63 per cent of whom call Durham Region home. community’s future. That it can lead to a reduction in poverty and unemployment, to safer schools and neighbourhoods and to a renewed optimism for growth. That it can even lead to change on a broader, more far-reaching scale.

VanDusen Chevrolet Buick GMC Grandview Children’s Centre

In February 2014, Jim VanDusen completed an asset purchase of Bob Myers Chevrolet and Established for over 60 years in Durham Region, the pediatric experts at Grandview Children's purchased the land, buildings and equipment. The new dealership was named VanDusen Chevrolet Centre provide outpatient rehabilitation and treatment services to children and youth with special Buick GMC. The dealership property is 6.5 acres on the corner of Westney and Bayly in Ajax with needs aged 0 to 19 and their families. As the only children's treatment centre in the region, the a 35,000 sq. feet imaged facility. It employees approximately 65 employees and has annual sales work of Grandview has broad impact in our community, changing lives daily. Every year, 5,000 of approximately $35 million. As a growing business, their goal is to build strong, sustainable long Grandview Kids rely on our services and supports, but 2,000 more are waiting for service, with term relationships - generated by an outstanding employee culture, high customer enthusiasm and some waiting up to two years. Thank you for considering Grandview Children’s Centre for a 2015 by genuinely caring for our community. Since the takeover 1 ½ years ago, new and used vehicle Business Excellence Award. sales volume has soared over 200%. Net profits rose by 256% in the first year and is on pace to exceed 2014’s growth by another 600% in 2015. Business Excellence Not-for-Profit/Charity) Sustainability Champion Award:

Habitat for Humanity Durham Inc Energy Matters

Habitat for Humanity Durham is a charitable, faith and community-based organization working for Energy Matters has been involved in a variety of innovative environmental projects since 1982 that a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Our mission is to mobilize volunteers engage others in simple yet effective ways to make a difference. Highlights include: developing and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting home ownership as a means Pickering’s first curbside recycling program; helping launch the Blue Box; setting up the first to breaking the cycle of poverty. Our values are housing for all, human dignity, partnership, faith in Olympics recycling program at Atlanta in 1996; managing Toronto’s unique Conservation Store; action, and diversity and inclusiveness. We are a member of Habitat for Humanity Canada and part developing and delivering North America’s inaugural Green Roofs 101 course; working with First of a worldwide network that spans 100 countries. Internationally Habitat for Humanity has built Nation communities to improve their housing and setting up a national organization to accredit over 300,000 homes and is now building a new home every 21 minutes. renovators and warranty their energy retrofit work. Gail Lawlor, president is also a founding member and director of Durham Sustain Ability, a local organization that provides pathways to a sustainable future.

Scientists in School

Scientists in School focuses on nurturing scientific curiosity and developing 21st century skills in youth to support their success. With 660,000 children in Ontario and Alberta inspired through our classroom and community workshop program in 2014-15, our reach is far beyond any other Canadian science education charity, fueling incredible impact for our mission. Since 1989, Veridian Connections Inc. Scientists in School has been providing experiential science enrichment programs that give children and youth the opportunity to: question intelligently; learn through discovery; connect scientific Veridian Connections is one of Ontario’s largest and best performing electricity distributors. The knowledge to their world; become excited about science, math, technology, and engineering; and company’s 230-plus employees focus on providing reliable, efficient and sustainable energy have their interest in careers in those fields piqued. solutions and services, while maintaining the highest standards in health and safety in the workplace and the communities it serves. Veridian is committed to providing healthy financial returns to its shareholders – the City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville. For more information about Veridian and the benefits it brings to its community partners, visit www.veridian.on.ca.

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, Ontario Chapter

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada is the largest all Canadian wish granting charity dedicated to granting wishes to Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. For more than 30 years, Children’s Wish has worked tirelessly to grant heartfelt wishes to more than 22,000 children and their families. Children’s Wish was started in Ajax by a dedicated volunteer, Laura Cole. This year, Children’s Wish expects to grant over 1,000 new wishes with the help of volunteers and generous donors; that is approximately three wishes each and every day. Each wish is the child’s most heartfelt wish, and carefully structured to meet the particular needs of the child and their family. Business Person of the Year:

Edward Lam, A1 Automotive Connection Mary Roy, Mary Roy & Team – Re/Max First Realty Ltd

Edward Lam is an entrepreneur and a business leader. He started A1 Mary is the founder and team leader of Mary Roy and Team. Mary Automotive Connection in 1999 and has grown it to become one of the was first licensed in 1987 and joined RE/MAX in 1994. On average, most referred car maintenance and repair companies in Durham Region. Mary has sold over 100 homes a year and is ranked in the top 1% of This is attributed to Lam’s extremely high level of customer service Realtors in Durham and the GTA. Mary also owned and operated her and hassle free business model: He picks up the cars for expert repair own successful Re/Max Franchise for over 5 years before turning her and returns them. Previously, Lam worked for 30 years as a licensed attention to building the team and focusing 100% of her attention on mechanic and collision specialist. He is a Big Brother, and a member of her clients. Mary has a true passion for people and strives to exceed the the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade. expectations of all those around her. One of Mary's greatest beliefs is to “Under-Promise & Over- Deliver” and this is reflected in everything she does. Mary speaks English, Portuguese and Italian!

Corette Miller, new initiatives hr consulting inc. John G. Smith, Wordsmith Media

Corette brings over 15 years’ experience as a human resources John G. Smith founded Wordsmith Media Inc. in 2003 with a professional to large and small corporations throughout North America. commitment to providing words that work. Since then, his company’s Her clients include public and private sector, from manufacturing and award-winning content and communications guidance has supported food services, to health-care technology. Corette helps clients learn clients as diverse as magazines, manufacturers, insurers, trade about and deal with Ministry of Labour issues, employee retention, associations, and more. This year the business secured the rights to performance issues and other HR challenges that can cause fines and publish Private Motor Carrier, a national magazine supporting private penalties or damage their reputations. She also builds proactive HR fleets. Smith has also been actively involved in his community, serving strategies to develop teams and increase business productivity and success. A big part of Corette’s roles including co-chair of the Ajax Community Fund Grants Task Force, president of the Ajax- role is educating employers and business-owners. Her seminars range from basic to advanced, Pickering Board of Trade (2009), chair of the United Way campaign (2008), and member of Rouge from beginner overviews to issue-focused. Previous seminar participants have valued Corette’s Valley’s MRI campaign. fresh, plain-language presentations and her practical, straight-talking approach to HR. In her spare time, Corette is active in the Ajax/Pickering Big Brother & Sisters Association. Corette was recently a guest on the Rogers TV show “User’s Guide to Small Business”. The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade 20th Annual Business Excellence Awards Our Not-For-Profit Recipient

PRESENTING SPONSOR

ANNUAL TITLE SPONSORS Young Singers is a dynamic community choral program for youth in the Durham Region under the direction of founder Anna Lynn Murphy and accompanied by Lois Craig. Now in their 24th season, “Excellence in life through excellence in music” has empowered hundreds of young people ages 6 to 20. In addition to their community appearances, these proud Canadian choral ambassadors toured Ireland in March. They also traveled to China in 2013 at the invitation of the Chinese government where they appeared on National television. Past tours included Western & Atlantic Canada, England and an appearance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville!

EVENT SPONSORS

LIGHTING WINE SPONSOR SPONSOR

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS Jacquelynn Tanner, Sales Rep, Sutton Group-Heritage Realty Inc. Brokerage Johnson Inc. Astley Gilbert Ltd.; Kwik Signs; Pelican Events & Catering; Pickering Town Centre; Sevans Designs 21 ST Annual Business Excellence Awards

10.8.15

Design and printing compliments of Astley Gilbert