Windsor, ON (May 15, 2025) — The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Business Excellence Awards, presented by the Windsor Star. The winners were revealed during a celebratory evening at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts in the Chrysler Theatre on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
“The Business Excellence Awards celebrate the very best of our local business community,” said Tal Czudner, Chair of the Board. “Time and again, Windsor-Essex businesses have proven their strength and resilience, especially in challenging economic times. We grow stronger together.”
“Honouring outstanding businesses and professionals is vital to recognizing the innovation, dedication, and perseverance that define our region,” added Andrea Hotham, Chair of the Business Excellence Awards Committee. “These individuals and organizations continue to shape Windsor-Essex into the thriving, dynamic business community it is today.”
“The Business Excellence Awards shine a light on where we’re headed as a region,” said Ryan Donally, President and CEO of the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce. “In a time marked by uncertainty, it’s important to pause and celebrate the resilience of our business community. This event recognizes the trailblazers, risk-takers, and rising stars who are redefining success and driving Windsor-Essex into the future.”
2025 Business Excellence Award Recipients:
Innovation Award
(Sponsored by University of Windsor and University of Windsor Alumni Association)
o Accu-Label Inc.
o Joe Sleiman, President
Company of the Year (26 or More FTE)
(Sponsored by St. Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology)
o Families First
o Jennifer Wells, Marketing Manager
Company of the Year (25 or Less FTE)
(Sponsored by Families First)
o Melt Body Health
o Monica Borrelli, Owner
New Company of the Year
(Sponsored by AlphaKor)
o NextGen Mold Technologies
o Dennis Goggin, President
Pillars of Our Community
(Sponsored by Motor City Community Credit Union)
o Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA)
o Luciana Rosu-Sieza, Executive Director
Professional of the Year
(Sponsored by TD Commercial Banking)
o Dr. Barry Emara, MD, FRCS(C)
o Barry Y. Emara Medicine Prof. Corp., President & Director
Business Ambassador of the Year
(Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank)
o Jason Toner
o Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Tourism & Hospitality Award
(Sponsored by Caesars Windsor and OLG)
o Scarehouse Windsor
o Shawn Lippert, Co-Owner
Young Professional of the Year
(Sponsored by Libro Credit Union)
o Katharen Bortolin
o The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County, Executive Director
ATHENA Leadership Award*
(Sponsored by Desjardins)
o Helga Reidel [Retired] – Former CEO, Enwin Utilities Ltd.
o Accepted by Dr. Alex Reidel (son), on behalf of Helga Reidel
Believe Windsor-Essex Award*
(Sponsored by WFCU Credit Union)
o Colleen & Richard Peddie
o Black Dog Entertainment
Entrepreneur of the Year*
(Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton)
o Michael Piccioni
o CanAm Currency Exchange, Founder
*Award recipients were announced during the 2025 BEA Media Conference, held in January at the Windsor Yacht Club.
Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners on their outstanding achievements and contributions to our business community.