The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the recipients of the 42nd annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards, presented by RBC Royal Bank, at a sold-out gala held at Carmen’s Event Centre on Wednesday, April 1. This year’s event marked the largest OBAAs to date, welcoming a sold out crowd of more than 650 attendees in celebration of local business excellence.  Outstanding Business Achievement Award recipients were selected by an independent panel of judges based on criteria including entrepreneurship and innovation, employee relations, promotion of Hamilton, excellence in community engagement, and alignment with organizational mission and values.  To view the photo gallery from the event, click here.

Earlier this year, the Chamber announced Joseph Mancinelli as Hamilton’s Citizen of the Year and Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports, as Executive of the Year. These honours were formally recognized during the evening’s celebrations.  A special Tourism Champion of the Year recognition was also presented to Oak View Group and Hamilton Urban Precinct Entertainment Group for their leadership in the opening of TD Coliseum, a milestone investment in Hamilton’s visitor economy and downtown revitalization.  In addition, a special Recognition of Service Award was presented to Norm Schleehahn, Director of Economic Development for the City of Hamilton, in honour of his 35 years of dedicated service to the community, ahead of his retirement later this spring.  “Each year, the OBAAs celebrate the people and organizations driving Hamilton forward,” said Greg Dunnett, President & CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s recipients reflect the strength and momentum of our business community, and it’s incredible to see more than 650 leaders come together for our largest celebration yet.”  2026 Award Recipients  Hamilton Citizen of the Year Joseph Mancinelli | LiUNA’s International VP, Canadian Director and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada  Hamilton Executive of the Year Ian Hamilton | President & CEO, HOPA Ports  Century Award (100+ Years in Business) Ross & McBride LLP  Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Award Keetup Publishing House  Large Business Award (50+ employees) AIM Recycling Hamilton  Mid-Sized Business Award (10–50 employees) TradePort International  Small Business Award (1–10 employees) Open Road Systems Inc.  Not-for-Profit Organization Award Hamilton Food Share  Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Under 40) MINA Medical Marketing  The Chamber extends its congratulations to all finalists and recipients for their outstanding contributions to Hamilton’s business community and continued commitment to excellence.

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