2023 Business Excellence
Award Winners
Congratulations 2023 Award Winners
The Business Excellence Awards are a way to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of businesses that have excelled in their industries. These awards recognize companies that have shown exceptional performance in respective industries.
The 2023 Business Excellence Awards winners are!
Business Leader
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Don McDougall
The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce congratulates Chair & CEO of Rambri Management Inc. Don McDougall, as the 2023 recipient of the Business Leader Award. Don’s list of accomplishments on a national scale is many and impressive. He was the youngest president of Labatt’s Brewing in London Ontario; his leadership brought the Toronto Blue Jays into existence in 1977, served as chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island, and brought F1 racing to Montreal. On a local level, Don bought, built and grew Novatronics, which ultimately had ties to the Canadarm, Don was instrumental in helping to bring the University of Waterloo to Stratford. He assisted in bringing the RBC Data Centre to Stratford and formed Rambri Management which has many holdings to its name in Stratford and area. Don’s influence has been felt throughout Canada—enough to have earned him multiple inductions into various halls of fame, including the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St.Marys. Mr. McDougall has been a member of several businesses and community boards including the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus Advisory Board, Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island, Air Ontario, Toronto Blue Jays, Stratford Festival and the Advisory Board of Ivey Business School. Don holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Prince Edward Island and an MBA from Ivey Business School.
Business of the Year
Humphrey Fleet Service
Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. is a second-generation family-operated heavy-duty truck and trailer repair shop that services fleet customers and individuals. They provide on-site and after-hours service calls and over-the-counter parts sales. Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. has been a presence in the community for over 40 years, and regularly contribute to the local hospital and other emergency services, as well as sponsor various Stratford youth hockey and baseball tournaments. They feel it is important to give back as much as possible, to both the community and their own employees. Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. is a sub-contractor for International Truck and Engine Corporation, and an authorized Cummins dealer for most models. Their customer base is primarily from the livestock, farming, animal feed, construction, and fuel transportation industries.
Commercial
Jeff Stewart General Carpentry
Jeff Stewart General Carpentry was founded in 2004 by Jeff Stewart as a one-man operation. Expansion, growth, and customer service were instrumental in establishing Jeff as a leader in home renovations throughout Stratford and surrounding areas.
Entreprenuer
Black Creek Mobile Veterinary Services
A mobile veterinary practice exclusively dedicated to End of Life care for companion animals; honouring the bond, the life and the love shared. Providing personalized, peaceful In-Home Euthanasia to pet families within 60-km of Sebringville and offering Quality of Life Telehealth Consultations with our Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian.
Hospitality
Demetre’s
We have been serving Stratford and area for over 26 years. Join us in our cosy and relaxed atmosphere offering a variety of affordable dishes. Steak, seafood, pasta and delicious Greek dishes. Children’s and seniors’ menus available. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner and groups.
Innovation
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Stratford Perth Museum
Stratford Perth Museum curates over 22,000 artifacts in its collection and presents interesting, significant and sometimes challenging exhibits. The museum is also proud to prvoide historical and cultural education, environmental awareness and connection. Finally the museum has become a presenting venue for its own events and its cultural partners.
Manufacturing
Lactalis
As proud supporters of the Canadian dairy industry and its farmers, it’s our mission to provide Canadians with nutritious, high-quality products they’ll love. Consumers are at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re committed to strengthening communities across the country, and to continue making a significant contribution.
Non-Profit / Charitable
Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth
Rotary Hospice provides a peaceful, comfortable home with 24-hour specialized palliative care for those at end-of-life and their loved ones. As an 8-bed residential hospice, it's a needed alternative to institutional care facilities and home care, allowing family to be family, not caregivers. All at no cost to the individual.
Professional
GRIT Engineering Inc.
At GRIT Engineering Inc. we offer civil engineering, geotechnical engineering and surveying services. We deliver quality design drawings and reports at market competitive prices while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, honest and fairness in all our relationships.
Retail
Wild Hog Country Market Inc
Wild Hog is a destination in itself, offering high quality meats, a delightful cheese cupboard and the freshest produce along with a large, unique pantry and carefully curated home goods section. We offer an outstanding espresso bar and cafe with amazing treats. However, our WH team is our greatest asset!
Service
Humphrey Fleet Service Inc.
Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. is a heavy-duty truck and trailer repair shop that services many local fleet customers and individuals. We provide in-shop services, off-site service calls and parts sales. We have the facilities and most current tools to repair most makes and models of diesel trucks, trailers, and equipment.