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OABE gala lends prestige to hard work By Nathan Howes SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Prestige was the key word at this year's Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE) gala Wednesday for winners and nominees after a year of hard work serving the community. This was the 17th year for the gala, which recognizes exemplary models of excellence and community service by Oakville's businesses. Organized by the Rotary Club of Oakville West (RCOW) and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, the event raised approximately $40,000 with close to 400 people in attendance. Oakville resident and The Weather Network employee Chris Mei was the emcee. A total 48 businesses were nominated this year across six categories after 160 submissions were received. "I'm really excited and delighted that a number of businesses are being recognized for their generous contributions to the Oakville business community," said Wendy Rinella, Oakville Chamber of Commerce chair. "It's a great way to showcase the contributions of the Oakville business community to Oakville, as well to profile some of the wonderful businesses we have in Oakville." The Wine Ladies took home the Entrepreneur of the Year award, which recognizes an individual who personally exhibits extraordinary entrepreneurship, energy, inspiration, leadership and/or innovation in their business pursuits. The entrepreneurial team of sisters Georgia Mense-Chase and Susanne Seelig-Mense, were honoured for their work promoting food, wine and lifestyle as TV and radio personalities, columnists, event hosts, planners and marketers. "We've worked really, really hard for 10 years. We've reinvented ourselves many times over and it's just the biggest pat on the back I can imagine that people recognize all the hard work we've done," said Mense-Chase. Wednesday's gala also showcased a new award this year -- the Community Builder of the Year. It recognizes a company or individual that has demonstrated exemplary business practices, dedicated involvement and an unyielding commitment to community service and volunteer programs over a period of time. Genworth Financial Canada (GFC) took the honour. See Shining page 12 7 · Friday, March 9, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com PHOTOS BY STEVE DER GARABEDIAN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER the winners are: Wednesday at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre during the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence, from top left, Christina Anderson with Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakville talks to the media after winning the award for Restaurant/Hospitality/Tourism Provider of the Year; Melody Courtney of MEDichair Halton with the award for Service Provider of the Year; Sarah Adams of RBC presents Factory Tile Depot's Dan Welland with the award for Small Company of the Year; (from bottom left) Genworth Canada's Winsor MacDonell and Linda Belanger accept the award for Community Builder of the Year after being nominated by Anne Swarbrick (left); and, The Wine Ladies, Georgia Mense-Chase (left) and Susanne Seelig-Mense, share a toast after winning the award for Entrepreneurs of the Year. $ 399 /MO NTH LY 48 M SE H LEA ONT * 0 0 T +HS EVERYTHING YOU HOPED FOR. MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED. NOW LEASE OR PURCHASE FINANCE AS LOW AS FOR UP TO 48 MONTHS ON MOST NEW 2012 MODELS 0 % APR 2012 Lincoln MKZ V6 FWD STK. #2L015 $ PLUS GET AN ADDITIONAL 1,000 FOR ELIGIBLE COSTCO MEMBERS 570 Trafalgar Road · 905.844.3273 · www.oak-land.com *Vehicle may not be as illustrated. Total due on delivery: $694.53 + licensing. Guaranteed future value: $15,249.40+ applicable taxes. Total of all monthly charges is $22,024.80 over 48 months, inclusive of HST. Lease kilometre allowance is 16,000 kms/year for a total of 64,000 kms at end of 48 months. $0.16 + HST is charge for every kilometre driven over 64,000 kms. Owner to arrange automotive insurance. See Oak-land Ford Lincoln for complete details. Must be a member in good standing of Costco on or before Nov. 30, 2011. Costco rebate and all manufacturer's rebates applied Oak-land Lincoln