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OABE celebrates top businesses in Oakville by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 3 | Friday, March 25, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The top businesses in town were in the spotlight Wednesday (March 23) at the 21st annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE). In partnership with the Rotary Club of Oakville West (RCOW), the Oakville Chamber of Commerce hosted the gala at the Oakville Conference Centre. The event, which had a sold-out crowd of 573 people, celebrated the contributions of local companies and donated a portion of ticket sales to RCOW's youth programs. "Every year there are all these new businesses, that most of us have not heard of, that are doing amazing things in the town and they're bringing economic vibrancy. It's wonderful," said Kerry Colborne, Oakville Chamber chair. "We also get the opportunity to raise a lot of scholarship dollars for the Rotary fund. It's a winwin for the town." Tough decisions to make As head of the OABE judging panel, Colborne said selecting winners is always difficult, as some categories this year were "very, very tough." With 55 nominees, recipients were selected in nine categories -- Large Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Professional Services Provider of the Year, The Morris Mercanti The Oakville Chamber of Commerce held its annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence Gala at the Oakville Conference Centre Wednesday, March 23. Pictured are the winners across numerous categories that included the Business Icon award that went to Shred-it. | photo by James Hoggett - special to the Beaver demonstrating exemplary business practices and community involvement. Tracey Fischer, executive assistant and HR specialist, said one of its "big initiatives" is supporting Food for Life, which uses Lakeside's warehouse to store food and receives financial aid. Proud moment "Community involvement is the basis of our entire structure. It's a matter of giving back and it's the circle of life. What you give, you get back," said Fischer, who was excited and "really proud" to win the award. Denninger's, which offers gift baskets, catering services and fresh meals, went home with the Oakville Hydro Conservation Leadership Award for participating in energy conservation programs offered by the accolade sponsor and demonstrating innovation and leadership in reducing energy use. Mary Aduckiewicz, CEO, said the award is important because Denninger's is focused on its guiding principles, which include carbon footprint and environmental stewardship, as they are top-of-mind. "Whether it's a company or an individual, how we run our houses... we're all stewards of this planet. We have to make sure we're here for the long term and we have to do everything possible in order to conserve," said Aduckiewicz. see Shred-it on p.13 Restaurateur of the Year, Genworth Community Builder of the Year, RBC Small Business of the Year, Bell Mid-size Business of the Year, Franchisee of the Year and Oakville Hydro Conservation Leadership Award. Lakeside Logistics Inc., a transportation management firm, garnered the Genworth Community Builder of the Year award for New Patients Are ALWAYS Welcome CUSTOM A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Do you have: · Evening & Weekend Appointments Available · Female Dentist Available · Same Day Appointments · Same Day Emergency · Walk-in Service · Family & Cosmetic Dentistry · Insurance Billed Directly · Digital X-Rays Call today to book your appointment Dr. Manchanda Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com 627 Lyons Lane, Suite 100 www.doctor4teeth.com Oakville, ON 905-339-1666