The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the nominee shortlist for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards. These awards recognize the businesses and individuals who are making a significant impact on Oshawa’s growth and innovation.
Once again, the Chamber has released an expanded shortlist, acknowledging up to six nominees in each category. This approach allows for broader recognition of the diverse achievements that contribute to Oshawa’s thriving business environment.
With an exceptional number of submissions this year, some categories saw as many as 30 nominations, highlighting the strong entrepreneurial spirit within our community. To ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, Chambers from outside the Durham Region carefully reviewed and adjudicated all entries.
“I continue to be inspired and energized by the passion and commitment that Oshawa’s business community displays,” said Isabelle Foley, Executive Director of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. “This outstanding group of organizations and business leaders helps drive the success of our city with their innovation, resilience, and commitment to building community prosperity. Please join me in congratulating our 2025 nominees!”
The shortlisted nominees for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards are:
Business Person of the Year, Presented by BMO
Diana Cerovich – Biltmore Theatre
Stacey Lepine-Fisher – Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Dina Scarcelli – DMS Montessori Preschool & Daycare Inc
Mark Snaper – Eye Candy Ads
Emerging Business, Presented by Baker Tilly
Excellence in Business (1-30 Employees), Presented by Invest Durham
Excellence in Business (31+ Employees), Presented by RBC
J.J. McGuire General Contractors
Innovation in Business, Presented by Durham College
Intrapreneur of the Year
Nicole Benedetto – The Local Buzz / Addison Marketing Solutions
Ted Peters – Alary Technologies
Not-For-Profit of the Year, Presented by TD
Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Lakeridge Community Support Services
Mosaic Non-Profit Housing / Parkview Place
Sustainability Award
Tourism Operator of the Year, Presented by Courtyard by Marriott Oshawa
The winners of each category, along with the 2025 recipient of the George W. McLaughlin Award (also known as the President’s Award), will be revealed at the 30th Annual Business Excellence Awards: The Pearl Gala on October 1 at the Harmony Event Centre in Oshawa. Taking inspiration from the traditional 30th anniversary gift – the pearl – this year’s event celebrates three decades of resilience, innovation, and leadership, reminding us that true excellence is cultivated over time, shaped by challenges, and polished through experience. The event will bring together business leaders, community members, and stakeholders to celebrate the achievements that contribute to Oshawa’s prosperity.
For more details or to purchase tickets, please visit www.oshawachamber.com or contact our team at [email protected].
About The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1928, The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce advocates for a dynamic and engaged network of businesses working together to build community prosperity for and within the Greater Oshawa Community. The Chamber provides a platform for local businesses to connect, collaborate, and succeed through advocacy, various programs, events, and initiatives.
For more information about the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.OshawaChamber.com.
