It is our goal that many noteworthy and accomplished companies will be recognized and honoured with these prestigious awards.
Retail
Description
In recognition of a business or organization showing commitment to innovation and excellence in retail. This business should be one leading in exceptional retail services from daily customer interactions to overall management. This business should have outstanding reviews, foster a positive environment for clients and employees and above all, demonstrate excellence in their field.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Tourism
Description
A business who drives tourism to the Peterborough and Kawarthas area through exceptional service and product delivery. This is a business who is focused on building the area through attraction and boasts a unique flare that attracts customers.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Hospitality
Description
A business who is customer experience focused and strives to create a welcoming environment to all patrons. This is a strong partner that works well to promote their business through exceptional service and client satisfaction.
Local Focus
Description
A business who holds true to the “Love Local” first message that holds our business community together. This is a business whose core focus is to support local small businesses and strives to partner with fellow entrepreneurs to create a healthy, locally driven, business ecosystem.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Customer First
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that demonstrates exceptional customer service and ongoing employee training in that regard. They are able to provide examples of being friendly, honest, innovative, and approachable, and have community involvement. This is a business whose focus is to encourage feedback for improvement, values the customers through appreciation and strives to provide an exceptional experience in their business.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Not-For-Profit
Description
In recognition of a Not-for-Profit organization that exemplifies excellence and/or growth in programs and services, with clear community-based mission and values that align with not-for-profit standards. They lead in volunteer management (recruitment, training, recognition, etc), fundraising initiatives, transparency/disclosure, strategic partnerships, and marketing & promotion.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Skilled Trades
Description
This is a business in the skilled trades sector who is performing at top levels for customer satisfaction and exceptional product delivery. This business has what it takes to successfully build in their field, provide necessary services and delivers every time.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Employer of the Year
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that exemplifies excellence in its employee focus, which could include: job creation, diversity of hiring, training & support programs, morale initiatives, recognition & reward programs, workplace wellness, and a commitment to professional and personal development, as well as community involvement. This is an employer who focuses on creating a positive work space, supports inclusivity and encourages team work in a healthy environment. This business truly focuses on the employees because they understand that business depends on them.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Health & Wellness
Description
In recognition of a business or organization that promotes wellness and vitality in our community by providing ongoing internal training and educating and inspiring individuals and the community at large, to achieve optimal health, and has community involvement. It is their goal to foster a healthy balanced lifestyle it is engrained in their daily practices. This business promotes health and wellness in their values and they align with their statements through leading by example.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Professional Services
Description
In recognition of a business or organization showing excellence in the provision of services that are regulated by a provincial regulatory body. This business supports professional requirements for the community, business owners and the public. They pick up where their clients need them to and provides exceptional services in their field. This business knows how to support its clients through polished and refined practices.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Description
In recognition of a small business or organization, with fewer than 50 employees, showing excellence in any of the following: new or innovative product or service, quality of merchandise/customer service, job creation, growth potential, market served and community involvement. This is a business that performs at all levels. They are innovative and always creating new initiatives for their business. This business encompasses a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Requirements
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Farm Family of the Year
Description
Presented in partnership with PCFA (Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture) recognizing a farming family that celebrates supporting local, uses innovation, considers environmental stewardship, participates in community activities and/or is known for paying it forward.
Requirements
Must be located within City/County of Peterborough boundaries.
Indigenous Led Business
Description
This award recognizes an Indigenous entrepreneur who demonstrates excellence in business leadership, delivers positive and reliable customer service, and shows a meaningful commitment to the community they serve. Nominees should have a compelling story that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit through innovation, resilience, integrity, and community impact.
Requirements
The nominee must:
• be of indigenous decent and own or co-own an established business (e.g. First nations, Inuit or Metis)
• have been in business for a minimum of 2 years
Indigenous entrepreneurs operating a business within the County of Peterborough, the broader County boundaries, and the City of Peterborough are welcome to be nominated
Marketing & Promotion
Description
In recognition of a business or organization, their in-house designer, or a Marketing, Design or Communications Company who has created a multi-media, marketing, or design campaign, that has been outstanding, innovative and noticeable, raising awareness and increasing business for its client, or itself, and has community involvement. This is a business that supports marketing and promotion as their objective for success. This company will exemplify professionalism, have a unique flare for marketing and an extensive reach for promotions.
Requirements
• Project must have been completed within the last year (May 22, 2025 - May 22, 2026).
• Please include samples images of your work.
This business must be located in the Peterborough City/County limits
Business Citizen of the Year
Description
In recognition of a lifetime of achievement of a member of the business community. This business exemplifies what it means to be a success in this community. Their dedication to their product or service is a platform for other business owners to strive towards.
Requirements
• Must be a resident of the Peterborough City/County Community
• Have played a significant role in the business community
• Have involvement in the broader community
As the Chamber of Commerce is a business-to-business organization, the role that a nominee for the Business Citizen of the Year Award has had in the business community is extremely important. The Chamber of Commerce also recognizes the importance of volunteerism within the broader community.
Please note: If you have nominated someone in this category in the past and they were not selected, feel free to nominate them again this year.
Please complete this form in its entirety. Nominators are strongly encouraged to provide as much detail as possible in each section, and to include supporting documentation (e.g., letters of support, newspaper articles, etc.). Unlike other categories, Business Citizen of the Year nominations will not be forwarded to those nominated for review and further completion.
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year
Description
Profiling the achievements of an immigrant entrepreneur who shows excellence in business leadership, demonstrates positive customer service and reliability, and has some involvement in the broader community. Nominees should have a compelling story that reflects the entrepreneurial spirit through innovation, resilience, integrity, and community impact.
Requirements
The Nominee must:
• Be a resident of Peterborough (City or County)
• Have been born outside of Canada.
Previous recipients are not eligible.
Previous Recipients:
2023: Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill)
2022: Faheem Mohammadzada (Brothers Pizza)
2021: Rosie Salcido-Schmidt (Faces by 2, Avocado Designs)
2020: Gill & Nick Exton of Canoe and Paddle, Stuff, and Stuff'd Bakery & Ice Cream
2019: Mohammad Alftih & Randa Kharboutly [(OMG) Oasis Mediterranean Grill]
2018: Martin Carbajal of La Mesita Restaurante
2017: Andressa Lacerda
2016: Nigina Azimova & Khaja Humayon Sidiqi of Ariyana Middle Eastern Food
Commercial Development or Renovation
Description
In recognition of either the business/property owner or the contractor for a project showing excellence in overall visual impact or distinctiveness, innovative design and/or commitment to heritage, a commitment to the environment and community involvement. This business has completed a major commercial development or renovation in the past year. This could be anything from a full build out of a new business, to a commercial development, or a renovation of an existing property.
Requirements
• The project must have been completed within the past 2 years (May 22, 2024 – May 22, 2026).
• Before & after pictures are highly recommended.
Micro Business (fewer than 5 employees)
Description
In recognition of a small business or organization that has demonstrated significant business achievement, growth, and/or other significant business milestones in the past year, as well as community involvement. This business should have fewer than 5 employees.
4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem
Description
The ‘4-under-40' Profile Program is designed to recognize individuals in our community who are under the age of 40 and who are making their mark in the Peterborough area. Their individual achievements may be recognized through business success, community involvement and/or contributions to the not-for-profit sector. We strive for balance, ensuring a diverse group of finalists to profile in terms of business niches, gender, and ethnic background. We look for compelling stories that highlight business and community leadership.
Requirements
• Individuals can be nominated by their peers. No Self Nominations
• Must be an employee or business owner in the City/County of Peterborough.
• Individuals (or their respective business) do not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 39 as of the current calendar year.
• Letters of Support are strongly encouraged and should focus on the award criteria.
• Previous recipients are not eligible.
Previous Recipients
2023: Ashley Bonner, Ashley Flynn, Lauren Hunter, Laura Montague
2022: Dr. Nicole Edgar, Michael Gallant, Chad Hogan, Caitlin Smith
2021: Jessica Dalliday (posthumous), Faith Dickinson, Joon Kim, Lyle Saunders
2020: Kemi Akapo, Waleed Dabbah, Shawn Morey, Rosalea Terry
2019: Dr. Vipin Grover, Brooke Hammer, Grace Reynolds, Nicole Truman
2018: Reem Ali, Mike D'Alessandro, Nicole Gagliardi, Andressa Lacerda
2017: Jason Chessar, Yvonne Lai, Craig Mortlock, Catia Skinner
2016: Mike Doherty, Adam Noble, Brianna Salmon, Michael VanDerHerberg
2015: Paul Bennett, Andy Curnew, Brenda Tapp, Heather Watson
2014: Robert Gauvreau, Hajni Hoss, Jason Stabler, Brenda Tapp
