Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce Announces Details for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards

The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2026 Business Excellence Awards (BEAs), the “Premiere” event of the year, honouring the region’s business leaders and their lasting contributions. Partnering with Libro Credit Union as Presenting Sponsor, the Chamber aims to champion innovation, growth, and a vibrant Windsor-Essex economy for generations to come.

Set for Thursday, May 14, 2026, the BEAs will honour current trailblazers and past winners across nine categories, highlighting the legacy of excellence that shapes Windsor-Essex. The Chamber and BEA Committee’s mission is clear: celebrating achievements, honour history, and inspire future leaders.

Commemorating 35 years of the BEAs and 150 years of the Chamber, the event at Caesars Windsor features a red-carpet welcome, dynamic reception, a high-energy Awards Show at The Colosseum, and an Afterglow Celebration in the Augustus Ballroom to honour visionaries, past and present. These enhancements reflect the Chamber’s dedication to recognizing leaders and building prosperity for the region.

This year’s celebration will also shine a spotlight on two exceptional honourees whose achievements reflect both the enduring legacy and the forward momentum at the heart of the event. The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented to Loretta Stoyka, a trailblazer whose vision and advocacy have empowered emerging leaders throughout Windsor-Essex. Loretta’s legacy includes championing the ATHENA Award, founding the ATHENA Scholarship Fund, and inspiring progress in local leadership.

Additionally, the Spirit of Community Award will honour The Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation for their transformative philanthropy and dedication to strengthening Windsor-Essex. Their generosity and leadership set the standard for community engagement and inspire future generations.

Finalists in seven additional categories will be recognized, with winners revealed live on stage. Thanks to a creative partnership with Kelly Blais and Media Street Productions, this year’s awards bring new energy to a tradition of excellence.

Tickets for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards, presented by Libro Credit Union, go on sale Friday, January 30, 2026, at WEChamber150.ca. Organizations are invited to be part of this milestone celebration and explore sponsorship opportunities to connect with Windsor-Essex’s business legacy and future. Follow the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce on social media for the latest updates as we honor the region’s business legacy and champion its future.