The suits were out, the applause was loud, and the champagne probably wasn’t cheap. The 2025 Business Excellence Awards, presented by the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and powered by sponsor Cogeco, took over Showplace Performance Centre on October 22 — a night built to shine a spotlight on the local movers, shakers, and tireless overachievers who keep the city’s economy humming.
Nearly 50 businesses and individuals were celebrated across 18 categories, with winners announced live on stage — no envelopes stolen, no wrong names read.
The Chamber also revealed its Business Citizen of the Year, a title that sounds like it should come with a sash and a key to the city. This year’s honour went to Lesley Heighway, who joins an impressive alumni club of community champions. The award recognizes not just business success, but the kind of volunteer spirit that keeps Peterborough running when the Wi-Fi’s down.
Brenda Whitehead, President & CEO of the PKCC, summed up the night:
“Celebrating firsthand the passion, dedication and creativity that fuels our local economy is an amazing experience every day, but this annual ceremony really does create highlights of pushing beyond the ordinary and inspiring us all to just do better. Individuals like Lesley, and this year’s Presidents Award recipient, Clifford Skarstedt, are to be commended for leading the way for the community. I am already eager to see what 2026 brings to us all.”
A standing ovation also goes to this year’s sponsors — Cogeco, BDC, and Scotiabank Group — for keeping the lights on and the trophies polished.
2025 Business Excellence Awards Recipients
Local Focus Sponsored by Trent University: Charlotte Products Ltd.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Sponsored by Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory: Wild Rock Outfitters
Health & Wellness Sponsored by Peterborough Regional Health Centre: Five Counties Children’s Centre
4-Under-40 in Memory of Kathy Windrem Sponsored by MNP:
Commercial Developments or Renovation Sponsored City of Peterborough: Black Rock Developments
Skilled Trades Sponsored by Charlotte Products Ltd: Just Spray It
Retail: Sponsored by RBC Royal Bank: Wild Rock Outfitters
Micro Business Sponsored by Herod Financial Services: Couture Candy
Professional Services Sponsored by Swish Maintenance Limited: OmniWorx Design
Customer First Sponsored by TD Bank Group: Trent Valley Honda
Tourism Sponsored by OLG: Egan Houseboat Rentals
Employer of the Year Sponsored by LLF Lawyers: Peterborough Humane Society
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Fleming College: Sammy’s Braids
Hospitality Sponsored by Kawartha Credit Union: Millbrook Mercantile
Marketing & Promotion Sponsored by Suzi Home Maker: Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation
Not-For-Profit Sponsored by DM Wills Associated LTD: Peterborough Humane Society
2025 Business Citizen of the Year Sponsored by BDC: Lesley Heighway
2025 Presidents Award: Clifford Skarstedt
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