Congratulations to the 2015 Outstanding Business Achievement Award winners!

· by Huzaifa Saeed

Hamilton, ON, March 9th – The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the 2015 Outstanding Business Achievement announced at a sold-out gala dinner on March 8th, 2016 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre.

Click here for an audio recording of the event.
Click here for photos from the event


Small/Medium/Large Business of the Year: These awards were presented to a profit-centred private business organization, whose business achievement made an outstanding contribution to Hamilton in 2015.


Small (1-10 employees)

Winner: Moonray Studios

For almost a decade, Moonray has worked with national broadcasters and independent producers to create great second screen experiences primarily geared to young kids. As an independent new media producer located in Hamilton, Ontario, Moonray successfully blends seasoned understanding of digital technology with a unique and creative approach to interactive entertainment.

Dr. Disc

Dr. Disc first opened its doors to music lovers in downtown Hamilton in 1991. The store’s formula was a unique one: concentrating on selling both new and seond-hand music (especially hard to find imports as well as music from independent, local artists) while placing an emphasis on excellent customer service and community involvement. One of the hallmarks of Dr. Disc has always been vinyl records and that continues to this day. Dr. Disc was one of seven record stores downtown back in 1991, now it is one of only three that still remain.

Orbital

Proudly located in the core of downtown Hamilton, Orbital is an innovative digital and web technology firm. Our specialty, is the leading edge development and design of medium to large scale websites, mobile apps and web applications. We are focused on creating meaningful and engaging experiences, helping to promote brand awareness uniquely and effectively to target audiences.


Mid-Size (10-50 employees)

Winner: NetAccess

As one of Canada’s oldest independent Internet Service Providers, NetAccess has been a leader in providing Internet and Communication services to businesses and organizations, since 1993. NetAccess is an authorized Motorola and Bell partner for broadband services and has built its own infrastructure in core service areas. Services include: Professional IT Services, Connectivity, Digital Phone, Hosting, and Security.

Historia Restoration

Formed in 1989 solely by o/o Jeff Feswick, the company began as a restoration consulting firm and quickly realized a niche market for physical restoration of commercial buildings in the Contemporary and Historic Building styles.

Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites Hamilton – Downtown opened to wide acclaim as a state – of – the – art all – suite extended stay hotel in 2012. Built, owned and operated by Vrancor Group and part of the prestigious InterContinental Hotels Group, the hotel is steps to Hamilton Health Sciences, Hess Village and Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s and features 129 extended stay suites plus 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.


Large (50+ employees)

Winner: McKeil Marine

Operating in the maritime sector in Canada since 1956, McKeil Marine takes great pride in the tradition of providing our customers with innovative marine solutions. From our humble beginnings as a tug and barge operator, we’ve grown into a dynamic solutions provider. Working with a sophisticated customer base, we deliver transportation and project services solutions across the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, east coast and the Canadian Arctic.

FirstOntario Credit Union

Our credit union has been in business since 1939 and has been rooted in Hamilton for over 76 years. With over $4.5 billion in funds under management, we serve over 100,000 Members and offer full suite of banking products including daily banking options, mortgages, lines of credit, loans and investment opportunities. FirstOntario operates 30 full – service branches and membership at FirstOntario is open to anyone.

Steeped Tea

Tonia Jahshan tasted loose-leaf tea for the first time and fell in love with Cream of Earl Grey. Before she knew it, Tonia had left her sales career and started selling tea at tea parties.  From there, Steeped Tea blossomed into a direct-selling company empowering people to become entrepreneurs over a cup of tea.   Steeped Tea’s brand is built on who you share it with. With this in mind, Steeped Tea has fostered a culture of encouraging the entrepreneurial mindset in Consultants to build a business around a healthy, consumable product that has been enjoyed for centuries.


Young Entrepreneur of the Year:

This award is presented to a young entrepreneur(s) age 35 and under who owns and operates his/her business in Hamilton.

Winner: Juan Lopez – Pipeline Studios

Juan Lopez is the CEO of Pipleine Studios. Pipeline is a leading Canadian digital production company. Pipeline launched in 2008 and although the economy was in bad shape, it managed to secure a leading position as one of the top digital production studios in Canada. The Pipeline start-up proposal was ambitious and was directed at bringing to Canada one of the top brands in the history of children’s television: The Backyardigans. Amongst our peers we are the youngest studio on the block but our approach to community building and co-opetition has allowed us to establish a network of trust and collaboration.Pipeline is now located in Hamilton attracting senior talent and graduates.

Jake Nicolle – 180 Drums

Jake Nicolle is passionate about solving problems by improving the lives of people around him and around the world. Growing up as a musician who toured while managing classes in school, Jake was forced to learn the value of sales and developing relationships with potential customers. As Jake developed more business skills, gravitating towards other successful entrepreneurs, he and Steve Augustine met and founded 180 Drums, an in-depth Video Tutorial website, centered around teaching tips and techniques by the world’s most in-demand drummers. No matter what Jake is immersed in, you can expect to find him smiling and fully present.

Rachel Devine – R. Devine Skin Care

Rachel Devine is CEO of R. Devine Skin Care.  R Devine Skin Care is a skin care line,

originally developed in 2012 through collaboration with a laboratory in California.  Originally, it was a clinical­based skin care line. but was reformulated by myself (without the partnership of a lab) in 2015 and is now a full range, 100% natural skin care line made with certified organic ingredients. This line was originally developed and run through Aesthetics by Rachel as one of its own, but the rapid growth of this line quickly led me to register it as its own separate business, away from Aesthetics by Rachel in 2015. R Devine Skin Care is sold throughout Canada and the United States.


Not-For-Profit:

This award is presented to a not-for-profit organization that operates in Hamilton. The organization must have been in business for a minimum of three years.

Winner: Cancer Assistance Program

The Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization offering free services for individuals and families impacted by cancer, living in the greater region of Hamilton and surrounding areas.The services offered by CAP are practical and tangible in nature. They have a focus on creating access and removing barriers, promoting personal safety, reducing or eliminating financial burden and offering individuals with cancer the opportunity to live more comfortably, with dignity and improved emotional health.

Hamilton’s Children’s Choir

Hamilton Children’s Choir, enjoys its reputation for being one of the leading children’s choral programs in the world. Going far beyond technical excellence, the choir consistently dazzles audiences with its focused sound, brilliant repertoire, and captivating stage presence. Celebrating over 40 years of choral singing, the Hamilton Children’s Choir has grown to include six choral groups and over 200 young singers aged 4 to 18. The HCC’s Ilumini choir has shared the stage with world-renowned international artists, including Celine Dion at the 1999 Juno awards.


Accessibility Award

This award was presented to the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford for creating an accessible work environment, valuing the contribution of persons with disabilities, and promoting the development of an inclusive workplace culture for all.


Century Award – two recipients

This award was presented to Hillfield Strathallan College and G.S. Dunn for their community contributions spanning more than 100 years.

“Each year, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate the best in business in this community, and these nominees are certainly well-deserving of that distinction,” said Hamilton Chamber president and CEO, Keanin Loomis. “It’s important to recognize their significant contributions to the vibrancy and prosperity of Hamilton and, in the process, inspire others to excellence.”

The Chamber would like to thank sponsors that support this initiative: Bell Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal, City of Hamilton Economic Development, Cogeco Connexion, Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd., Focus Management, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and Taylor Leibow.

We also acknowledge the individuals who took the time to formally nominate candidate organizations.

–30–

Media Contact

Julia Jarusauskas, Communications and Event Coordinator

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

j.jarusauskas@hamiltonchamber.ca | 905-522-1151 x 227