One of the greatest privileges of serving as Executive Director of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC) is having the opportunity to meet the people behind the businesses and organizations that are helping shape Oshawa’s future.
Every day, I see examples of innovation, resilience, leadership, and community spirit. From entrepreneurs launching new ventures and family-owned businesses serving generations of customers, to not-for-profit organizations creating meaningful impact and employers investing in their teams, Oshawa is home to an extraordinary business community.
That is why I am pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 GOCC Business Excellence Awards. For more than three decades, these awards have recognized and celebrated the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose contributions strengthen our local economy and enhance the quality of life in our community.
The GOCC Business Excellence Awards are about more than recognition. They are about telling the stories of the people and organizations that make Oshawa a great place to live, work, invest, and do business.
When we look at past award recipients, we see powerful examples of what excellence looks like in action.
Take Teddy’s Restaurant & Deli, a past recipient of the Excellence in Business Award for organizations with 1 to 30 employees. For more than four decades, Teddy’s has been a fixture in Oshawa, serving generations of families and becoming a gathering place for the community. Their success story demonstrates that business excellence is built on consistency, exceptional customer service, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to the community they serve.
Excellence can also be found in innovation. Oshawa Power, a past recipient of the Innovation Award, continues to demonstrate how established organizations can evolve to meet the changing needs of their customers and community. Through investments in technology, infrastructure, and forward-thinking solutions, Oshawa Power is helping build a stronger and more resilient future for our city while continuing to deliver exceptional service.
While these organizations operate in very different sectors, they share something important in common. They have built trust, demonstrated leadership, and made meaningful contributions to the community. Their stories remind us that there is no single path to success. Excellence can be found in a family-owned restaurant, a utility provider, a start-up, a not-for-profit organization, or a growing business with big ambitions.
That is exactly why the GOCC Business Excellence Awards matter. They provide an opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations whose hard work often happens behind the scenes, but whose impact is felt throughout our community.
What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that they are driven by the community. Nominations come from customers, employees, business partners, colleagues, and community members who have experienced excellence firsthand. It is an opportunity for our community to shine a spotlight on those who are making a difference and whose contributions may otherwise go unrecognized.
As we launch another awards season, I encourage everyone to think about the businesses and individuals who have made a positive impact on your organization, your customers, your employees, or your community.
Who consistently goes above and beyond?
Who demonstrates leadership and innovation?
Who helps make Oshawa a stronger, more prosperous community?
These are the stories we want to celebrate.
Nominations for the 2026 GOCC Business Excellence Awards are open until August 3, 2026. Judging will take place from August 6 through August 28, and the winners will be announced at the 31st Annual Business Excellence Awards on September 29, 2026. The awards are presented in partnership with the City of Oshawa Business and Economic Development Services.
I encourage you to submit a nomination and help us recognize the outstanding businesses, organizations, and leaders that continue to drive Oshawa forward.
Together, let’s celebrate excellence in our business community.
To submit a nomination, visit oshawacc.awardify.io.
