The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced details of its signature event, the Business Excellence Awards (BEAs), presented by Windsor Star.
‘The Premier Business Event of the Year’, recognizing outstanding businesses, individuals and community groups, the 2025 Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) will be held in person Thursday May 15th, starting at 6:00pm. The event includes a Red Carpet Arrival, Awards Show in the Chrysler Theatre showcasing 12 categories, and an elegant dinner in the Skyline Ballroom at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.
Three Award winners were announced during today’s News Conference, hosted by BEA Committee Chair Andrea Hotham. The event at the Windsor Yacht Club was sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario.
The recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award was announced as Helga Reidel. Helga’s most recent role was as the CEO of Enwin but has also served as CAO for the City of Windsor, Vice President Finance at WFCU Credit Union and Controller/ Manager Human Resources with the Greater Essex County District School Board. Throughout a career that has benefitted financial, utility and MUSH institutions (Municipalities, Universities, School Boards and Hospitals), Helga has championed and mentored countless employees, students and women – empowering them to achieve their goals and build successful careers. In her private life, Helga serves on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards of directors, where she safeguards social services, health care, education, financial development, diversity and community building.
The recipient of the 2025 Believe Windsor-Essex Award, sponsored by WFCU, was announced as Colleen and Richard Peddie, owners of Black Dog Entertainment. Colleen and Richard Peddie embody the spirit of entrepreneurialism through their company. Through Black Dog Entertainment and its various businesses including Evelyn’s Candy House and River Book Shop, they have committed to revitalizing and bringing vibrancy to the core of Amherstburg, providing that community feeling while protecting the history and architecture of our community.
The recipient for the Entrepreneur of the Year is Michael Piccioni, Founder of CanAm Currency Exchange. Michael proudly holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor and Masters of Business Administration from Wayne State University. His journey in the financial sector spans over two decades on both the Canadian and American side of the border. CanAm Currency Exchange offers efficient foreign exchange services to individuals and businesses in Canada and the US. Catering to travelers, CanAm Currency Exchange provides access to over 100 foreign currencies and specializes in aiding Windsor-Essex residents employed in the US.
Three Finalists in each of the remaining 9 Award categories will compete for a coveted Business Excellence Award, with winners announced in a ‘surprise reveal’ format from the Chrysler Theatre stage. The BEAs will also be broadcast live to Cogeco subscribers in Windsor and Leamington on YourTV, starting at 6:00 pm.
The list of BEA Finalists includes a diverse collection of individuals, start-ups and established companies and organizations of all sizes, spread across the Windsor-Essex Region representing a variety of sectors and industries. A list of the Finalists can be viewed on our website here.
Events details will be featured in the BEA Official Program that will printed and distributed by Windsor Star at a later date. There will also be a digital version.
Tickets for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star, are now on sale at www.windsoressexchamber.org. Individual and group tickets are available, as are several sponsorship opportunities.
Follow the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce on social media for event updates and information.