Last Thursday evening saw the return of the Dufferin Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) as well as the official announcement/transition from the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce (GDACC) to the Dufferin Board of Trade.

Designed to honour and celebrate busi- ness excellence across the county, the BEAs see local businesses recognized through the awards, celebrating their service to the community, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to export Dufferin-made products around the globe.

During the evening event, Board Chair Joe Andrews shared with attendees the new direction under the Dufferin Board of Trade, as well as their expanded mandate to support businesses and economic growth throughout Dufferin County.

The Dufferin Board of Trade plans to offer the same services as were offered under the GDACC, along with providing the expanded services designed to impact positively the economic prosperity of Dufferin County.

“I am thrilled to be able to play this important role in the community of celebrating our brightest businesses and inspiring all businesses in Dufferin to achieve excellence,” said Mr. Andrews.

The 2015 Business Excellence Awards were presented at the Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn & Suites, beginning with informal networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres from several businesses including Lavender Blue Catering, Rosemont General Store, Landman Gardens and Bakery, Fromage and the Edge Wine Bar and Grille. Din- ner was provided by Gourmandissimo and guests at the awards ceremony were enter- tained by the Humber College Jazz Trio.

The evening’s keynote address was given by Jesse Tipping, President of the Athletic Institute in Orangeville.

This year the Dufferin Board of Trade (DBOT) presented awards in eight new categories, which ranged from Global Reach to Local Economic Impact. DBOT said in a press release that they were grateful to have judging support from three regional Chambers: Guelph, Owen Sound and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chambers. Awards were sponsored by local businesses, who had the opportunity to participate in the event by presenting the winners with their awards.

The 2015 Dufferin Business Excellence Award Winners were:

• Local Economic Impact Award (sponsored by Orangeville Hydro) – Millenium 1 Solutions
• Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Meridian Credit Union) – Headwaters Dental Centre
• Global Reach Award (sponsored by the Athletic Institute) – KTH Shelburne Manufacturing
• Under 30 Award (sponsored by Humber College Orangeville Campus) – Matthew McClure
• Community Service (sponsored by Carters Professional Corporation) – Headwaters Tourism
• Sustainability (sponsored by Town of Orangeville) – Blue Mountain Plastics
• Employer of the Year (sponsored by Headwaters Tourism) – Jay-Lor Fabricating
• Dufferin Business Citizen of the Year (sponsored by DBOT) – Jesse Tipping, Athlete Institute.

“The quality of nominees and the breadth of experience and knowledge are quite amazing for a small community like ours,” said Mr. Andrews. “I am thrilled to be part of this event. I want to personally thank all the nominees for their contributions to our economy, our quality of life, and our com- munity.”