The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the nominees and finalists for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards, a tradition that shines a spotlight on the people and organizations shaping the region’s economy and community life.
The winners will be announced at the annual Excellence Awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 22nd, where businesses and individuals from across the region will come together to celebrate achievement, innovation, and community spirit.
“These awards are a true demonstration of businesses, organizations, and individuals who help make the Peterborough Region a great place to live, work, and enjoy,” says Chamber President & CEO Brenda Whitehead. “We congratulate every nominee and cannot wait to celebrate the 2025 recipients.”
Local Focus
Recognized for their community impact are Community Pin, Duff Acres, Heeling Souls K9 Training, Lakefield Farmers Market, Moving Media Canada, Sanctuary Flower Fields, Splash Pool & Spa, Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness, and the Peterborough Axe Club. Finalists include Charlotte Products Ltd, KawarthaNOW, and OmniWorx Design.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Nominees demonstrating boldness and innovation include BALL Real Estate, Black Rock Developments, Kawartha Family Chiropractic, Moon & Bloom, Pawz & Company, Shelbys Legendary Shawarma, Shelby-Leonard Watt, Splash Pool & Spa, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, and The Wellness Project. The finalists are JMD Hospitality, Peterborough Axe Club, and Wild Rock Outfitters.
Health & Wellness
Acknowledging those making an impact on health and well-being: Cormack Chiropractic Care, Ewyn Studios, Jodi-Lee Nutrition & Wellness, Kawartha Hypnosis, Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation, K9 in Motion Wellness, Moon & Bloom, and Stonehouse Holistics. Finalists are Dr. Meagan McLaren/Health Foundations, Dr. Nicole Loucks/Kawartha Family Chiropractic, and Five Counties Children’s Centre.
4-Under-40 (in Memory of Kathy Windrem)
Young leaders recognized this year include Adeilah Dahlke, Alexis Mills, Amy Muir, Angelique Vasilaros, Ashley Bonner, Ian Marshall, Meagan McLaren, Megan Flemming, Michael Riseley, Rebecca Schillemat, and Toria Silvera.
Commercial Development or Renovation
Nominees include Fire Station 2, with finalists Black Rock Developments, East City Dental, and Forest Hill Lodge.
Skilled Trades
Nominees include The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association and Ralph’s Paving Ltd, with finalists Black Rock Developments, Cardinal Home Services, and Just Spray It.
Retail
Nominees include Couture Candy, Hard Winter Bakery, Millbrook Mercantile, SOS Save Our Soles, and The Neighbourhood Vintage. The finalists are Dan Joyce’s Retailing Limited, Monaghan Lumber, and Wild Rock Outfitters.
Micro Business
Nominees include A River of Yarn, Blackwood Developments, Charlotte Jewelers Ltd, Linklater Administration, Matthews & Associates, Meg Nimigon Training, and Team Fido Dog Training. Finalists are Couture Candy, Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association, and Smash Courts.
Professional Services
Nominees include Baker Tilly KDN LLP, EarSense Audiology & Hearing Aids, Harbr Human Resources, Passageway Law LLP, Nurse Scrap Metal, Securities Canada Inc, and Splash Pool & Spa. Finalists are Kawartha Drainscape, Matthews & Associates, and OmniWorx Design.
Customer First
Nominees include Black Rock Developments, Green Street, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma, Smash Courts, SOS Save Our Soles, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, and Village Pet Food & Supply. Finalists are Monaghan Lumber, Paris Marine, and Trent Valley Honda.
Tourism
Nominees are The Friends of Hope Mill and Forest Hill Lodge. Finalists include Egan Houseboat Rentals, Sanctuary Flower Fields, and Shorelines Casino Peterborough.
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year
Nominees are AAA Best Driver and Sammy’s Braids.
Hospitality
Nominees include Fees Landscaping, Hanoi House, The Imperial Tandoor, and The Vine. Finalists are Agave by Imperial, Kawartha Gymnastics, and Millbrook Mercantile.
Marketing and Promotion
Nominees include Aaron Robitaille Design, Be Your Brand Phillip Jolicoeur, EcoVue Consulting & Services, Frolic Design, Harmony for Healing, and Otonabee Conservation. Finalists are KawarthaNOW, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, and PTBO Home, Garden & Cottage Show.
Not-for-Profit
Nominees include Canopy Support Services, Kawartha Gymnastics, Lakefield Youth Unlimited, Ontario Wastewater Association, and YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. Finalists are Five Counties Children’s Centre, Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation, and The Peterborough Humane Society.
Employer of the Year
Nominees include BDC, EcoVue Consulting Services, Extreme Clean Professional Services, My Broadcasting Corp, Pawz & Company, Ricart Branded Promo & Apparel, and Securities Canada. Finalists are Charlotte Products Ltd, The Peterborough Humane Society, and Trent Valley Honda.
Business Citizen of the Year
Nominees include Drew Merrit, Lesley Heighway, Monika Carmichael, Shelby Leonard-Watt, and Tammy Blair.
The 2025 event promises not just recognition, but a celebration of the entrepreneurial drive, creativity, and commitment that continue to define Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
