2026 Business Excellence Awards

Celebrating the Best in Windsor-Essex Business

What is Excellence? Each year, the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce holds its Business Excellence Awards – the premier business awards show in Windsor-Essex.

This major event highlights a variety of businesses and individuals, each exhibiting their excellence in various categories. A rigorous judging process narrows down our finalists, with the Award Recipients being recognized the night of the event.

With a red-carpet arrival, elaborate awards show, and dinner succeeding the presentation, this is a fantastic event you won’t want to miss.

Congratulations to our 2026 Finalists & Winners

ATHENA Leadership Award

Sponsored by Desjardins Business

Loretta Stoyka

Founder, ATHENA Scholarship Fund

Spirit of Community Award

Sponsored by WFCU Credit Union

The Stephanie and Barry
Zekelman Foundation

Professional Excellence Award

Sponsored by TD

  • Peter Hrastovec, Partner, Shibley Righton LLP
  • Sandra Pupatello, Senate of Canada
  • Federica Nazzani, Managing Partner, Capital Assist

Visionary Founder Award

Sponsored by University of Windsor and University of Windsor Alumni Association

  • Frank Abbruzzese, President, AlphaKOR Group Inc
  • Clare E Winterbottom (Posthumously), Founder & President, Anchor Lamina, Inc.
  • Dr Fouad Tayfour, Owner & Chief Surgeon, Windsor Laser Eye Institute

Business Legacy Award

Sponsored by St. Clair College

  • Valiant TMS, President, Sladjan Milidrag
  • Rosati Group, Co-Owner, Tony Rosati
  • Ground Effects, President, Jim Scott

Destination Windsor-Essex Award

Sponsored by OLG and Caesars Windsor

  • Wolfhead Distillery, President, Tom Manherz
  • Iron Kettle Commissary, Co-Owner, Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin
  • Cooper’s Hawk Vineyard, President, Tom O’Brien

Innovation Champion Award

Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton

  • The CHARGE Lab, University, CHARGE Lab Director, Professor Dept of Electrical & Computer Eg, Dr Nayaran Kar
  • GreenShield Canada, EVP Head of People & Culture, Nadim Kara
  • Jamieson Laboratories Ltd, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, John Doherty

Leadership in Motion Award

Sponsored by Libro Credit Union

  • Fabio Costante, CEO, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation
  • Celso Oliveira, VP Financing, SWO BDC
  • Paul St Pierre, President & CEO, Landscape Effects

Icon of Impact Award

  • Caesar’s Windsor, Director of Advertising, Scott Jenkins
  • Pernod Ricard o/a Hiram Walker & Sons, Senior Director, Joshua Reit
  • Tepperman’s, Executive Chairman, Andrew Tepperman

Award Categories

Honouring outstanding leaders who exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence, the ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates individuals like Loretta Stoyka whose unwavering commitment to supporting women, fostering community collaboration, and championing ethical leadership has inspired others and left a lasting impact on Windsor-Essex.

*This award is judged by the ATHENA® Panel

This award honours individuals and organizations whose visionary leadership and generous philanthropy have significantly strengthened the Windsor-Essex community. Their enduring commitment to social and economic betterment serves as a beacon of hope, fostering an inclusive and thriving region for all.

*This award is judged by the BEA Committee

This award recognizes a distinguished professional whose dedication, innovation, and integrity have not only advanced their own field but also uplifted the broader community. Their professionalism and proactive ambassadorship set a benchmark for excellence, driving meaningful change within both industry and region.

Celebrating bold entrepreneurs whose passion, resilience, and ingenuity have laid the foundation for enduring business success, the Visionary Founder Award honours those who have turned visionary ideas into impactful enterprises, leaving a legacy of sustainable growth and inspiration for future generations.

This award pays tribute to businesses—large or small—whose remarkable achievements, steadfast leadership, and deep ties to the community have shaped Windsor-Essex’s economic landscape. Recipients exemplify business excellence and a lasting commitment to regional growth and prosperity.

Recognizing trailblazers in tourism and hospitality, this award celebrates those who have elevated Windsor-Essex as a premier destination through innovative offerings, exceptional service, and ongoing dedication to enhancing the visitor experience—enriching the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

Celebrating organizations and leaders whose relentless pursuit of innovation has transformed industries and sparked progress, this award recognizes those whose creative thinking and long-term investments have set new standards, inspired others, and driven lasting change in Windsor-Essex and beyond.

This award spotlights former Young Professionals or Entrepreneurs of the Year whose early career promise has blossomed into a legacy of impactful leadership. Their continued drive, vision, and mentorship have contributed significantly to the advancement of their field and the broader community.

A prestigious honour recognizing a trailblazer whose remarkable achievements, visionary leadership, and transformative influence have defined the business history of Windsor-Essex. This award celebrates a lifetime of excellence, resilience, and enduring contributions that have shaped the region’s legacy.

Celebrate the 2025 Winners and Highlights

Relive the excitement of the 2025 Business Excellence Awards, and discover the
outstanding winners and finalists who set the bar for excellence.

Award Winners & Finalists

View the Honourees