Finalists announced for Newmarket chamber's excellence awards

Winners will be awarded at a ceremony in October

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce President Chris Emanuel (right) with Councillor Bob Kwapis and Bonnie from Community Living, one of the nominees, at the event announcing the finalists on June 7. Facebook/Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce has announced the local businesses and people that are finalists in the annual Business Excellence Awards.

"It's just to give recognition to people that poured their heart and soul into their business, and to really also highlight excellence," said chamber president Chris Emanuel.

He said other businesses can look to the award finalists as an example and learn from them, adding that "rising tides raise all boats."

A judging panel reviewed nominations to select three finalists for each category, with four finalists in one of the categories.

"We're very fortunate to have such wide-ranging businesses and it will be a very difficult job for the judges to pick a winner with such a great cross-section there," Emanuel added.

This year, there are three new award categories: leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion, business leader of the year, and startup of the year.

Moving forward, Emanuel said the judges will look at all the finalists and have in-depth interviews with each one before deciding who the winners will be. The awards will then be given out at a ceremony in October.

"It's an opportunity to just celebrate, especially during what's been a challenging few years," he said.

The finalists are:

Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion