2022 Business Excellence Awards

Presented by Windsor Star

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Chrysler Theatre & St. Clair College Centre for the Arts

Tickets on Sale: January 2022

Follow the BEAs on social media (@BEAYQG)

Nominations now open, through October 24th

Submit A Nomination

2022 Award Categories

Entrepreneur of the Year

An owner or founder who formed at least one venture, primarily responsible for the recent (last two years) performance of a privately held business that is at least three years old, who has made an outstanding contribution to their local economy, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Nominees will demonstrate company growth including sales, profitability, growth prospects, risk taking, employment creation, innovation and acceptance in the market. In addition, they will show commitment to research and development and the development of technological advances in the company’s industry sector.

New Company of the Year

A new business or an owner/manager of a business venture that is at least one year old but less than five years in business to the date of the event. Nominees will demonstrate company growth including sales, profitability, growth prospects, employment creation, innovation and acceptance in the market. In addition, they will show commitment to research and development and the development of technological advances in the company’s industry sector.

Professional of the Year

An individual professional, who is self-employed or employed in a company or organization. The person has demonstrated excellence in his or her field of business in the recent past and has demonstrated leadership and positively impacted the community. Examples include CEOs, lawyers, accountants, doctors, bankers, consultants, etc. Non-profit leaders are eligible for this award.

Tourism & Hospitality Award

Recognizes a business that has demonstrated excellence in the areas of hospitality and tourism and has played a vital role in the growth of their sector. The business should demonstrate the critical factors that have played a role in their success including employee relations, economic development economic investment, business growth, and contributions to the community. This local business goes above and beyond providing extraordinary customer service and recognizes the importance of hospitality in the area as well as serving the community. Examples include wineries, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, golf courses, etc.

ATHENA® Leadership Award

The ATHENA® LEADERSHIP Award celebrates the potential of all as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA® LEADERSHIP Award honours individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional and/or business accomplishments…women and men who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths so that other women may follow. Non-profit leaders are not eligible for this Award.

Green Innovation Award

Recognizes a business, individual or organization that exemplifies leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility while achieving economic outcomes. The nominees should demonstrate sustained reduction or improved efficiency in reducing the environmental impact of their operations; community leadership in establishing sustainability initiatives or standards that have become linked to their brand/identity; and measurable accomplishments that demonstrate effective sustainable operations. The recipient of the Green Innovation Award should enhance our natural environment for healthy living and economic vibrancy in the Windsor Essex region.

Pillars of our Community

Recognizes a registered not-for-profit organization, philanthropic organization, or person that has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural or economic well-being of the Windsor-Essex area. This nominee positively impacted the community and demonstrated best business practices. In addition, the business mission/objective/goals of the organization reflect a community need which has a clearly defined strategic plan.

Small Company of the Year (up to 25 FTE employees) | Mid-Size Company of the Year (up to 99 FTE employees) | Large Company of the Year (over 100 FTE employees)

Nominees will demonstrate their strategic goals and how they accomplished them. In addition, they will show success in company growth including sales, profitability, growth prospects, employment creation, innovation and acceptance in the market. They will also illustrate their commitment to research and the development of advances in the company’s industry sector. Please note: 3 part time employees = 1 full time employee.

Young Professional of the Year

Recognizes a standout young professional/entrepreneur who is ‘on the rise’. Nominees must be 35 years of age or under as of December 31, 2021 and will demonstrate a proven commitment to our community through outstanding scholarship and achievements and exemplary leadership and community involvement. The recipient must demonstrate innovative thinking, exemplary leadership qualities, commitment to making a difference, ability to engage and inspire others, and must act as a positive role model to his/her peers and colleagues. In addition, the recipient will demonstrate significant growth potential as a future leader in the Windsor-Essex community. Non-profit leaders are eligible for this award.

Believe Windsor-Essex Award

Recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to positive business development in spite of global market trends. The recipient has in place definite and precise goals that will result in diversity of our region and enhanced economic growth to satisfy both individual pursuit for advancement and the overall economic development of our community at large.

Submit A Nomination