The Markham Board of Trade (MBT) announced the winners of the 32nd Annual Business Excellence Awards, the 10th Annual ASPIRE Awards and the Anthony Roman Award on November 22, 2023. The awards ceremony celebrated the achievements and contributions of local businesses and entrepreneurs in various categories.
Business Excellence Awards Recognize Diverse Sectors and Initiatives
The Business Excellence Awards are Markham’s annual celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and business success. Any business located in the City of Markham is eligible. Nominations for next year’s awards open early 2023, visit the MBT website for details.
The 2023 Business Excellence Awards were presented to:
- Sentient HR Services for Business Employer of Excellence. The company provides human resources solutions for the education and childcare sectors, with a focus on employee engagement and retention.
- Yellow Brick House for Community Involvement & Cultural Enrichment. The organization supports women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse, through shelter, counseling, advocacy and education programs.
- SmartONE Solutions Inc. for The Donald Cousens Conservation & Environmental Leadership Award. The company develops smart building technologies that optimize energy efficiency, security, comfort and convenience for residents and property managers.
- Spaice for Entrepreneurship. The company offers a platform that connects professionals and businesses with flexible and affordable workspaces, meeting rooms and event venues.
- Diana’s Oyster Bar & Grill for Food Service & Hospitality. The restaurant serves fresh and delicious seafood dishes, with a commitment to quality, service and sustainability.
- Veoneer Canada Inc. for Markham Global Business Excellence. The company is a leader in automotive safety systems, such as radar, vision, night vision, electronic controls and human-machine interface.
- MTFX Inc. for High Quality and Service. The company provides foreign exchange and global payment solutions for individuals and businesses, with a reputation for reliability, transparency and customer satisfaction.
- Lake Harbour Co. Ltd. for Innovation. The company manufactures precision metal components and assemblies for the aerospace, defense, medical and industrial markets, using advanced technologies and processes.
- 4S Consulting Services Inc. for Women led Business. The company provides health and safety consulting, training and software solutions for various industries, with a vision to create safer workplaces and prevent injuries.
ASPIRE Awards Celebrate Young Professionals and Leaders
The ASPIRE Awards, sponsored by Seneca College, recognize Markham’s business leaders and young professionals under the age of 40. The awards aim to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
The 2023 ASPIRE Awards were presented to:
- Payal Singh for Professional Excellence. She is the founder and CEO of YoPets, a pet care platform that connects pet owners with trusted and verified pet sitters, walkers and groomers.
- Kenneth Lo for Community Involvement. He is the chairperson of Power Unit Youth Organization, a non-profit organization that empowers youth to make positive social change through leadership development and community service.
- Olugbenga Olubanjo for Start-up. He is the founder and CEO of Reeddi, a social enterprise that provides clean and affordable energy solutions for people and businesses in underserved regions.
Anthony Roman Award Honors a Community Leader and a Successful Business Person
The Anthony Roman Award, which honors an individual who is both a community leader and a successful business person, was presented to Donald C. Hindson of Cattanach Hindson Sutton Vanveldhuizen LLP. He is a lawyer and a partner at the law firm, with expertise in corporate, commercial and real estate law. He is also a former mayor of Markham and a long-time supporter of various community causes and organizations.
Congratulations to All the Winners, Finalists and Nominees
“Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, finalists, and nominees, and a big thank you to our sponsors for their support in making this our most successful event in many years,” stated Markham Board of Trade President & CEO Chris Collucci. “I’d also like to acknowledge the awards selection committee, and their Chair Mike Essex, for their hard work in reviewing and determining the 2023 recipients.”
The awards ceremony was attended by over 500 guests, including business leaders, government officials, media representatives and community members. The event was hosted by Markham Board of Trade Board Chair Jack Ungar from RBC and featured keynote speaker Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, former CEO of MaRS Discovery District.
