Business of the Year - Manufacturing/Industrial

The Machining Center

This company started out small working with their customers in and around the Quinte Region. They have embraced new technologies which have allowed them to go multi-dimensional and they now offer state of the art capabilities on a local level.

They have out grown their facilities several times and are now in the process of increasing their building and staff by another 40% as they expand once again to meet the needs of their customers.

By investing in training and innovation this company has shown they are ready to meet the any challenges their customers might have.

Sponsored by: Quinte Economic
Development Commission
Presented by: Mayor Mark Walas

Business of the Year - Retail

Bridle Path Tack Shop

The dynamic husband and wife duo behind this retail business have grown their retail dream from the corner of the basement to a major retail destination. They have worked at establishing and growing the business for 20 years and it continues to surprise and amaze their customers.

They've created their own "BP" style and they've proven it's not just for country folk anymore! With a second store in Kingston, this business has taken a conservative, customer focussed approach and it has served them exceptionally well.

Sponsored by: Wilkinson & Company
Presented by: Jeff Snider

Business of the Year - Tourism / Hospitality

Duck & Loon Bed & Breakfast

This seasonal Picton bed and breakfast prides itself on providing their guests with a unique and completely satisfying experience - they make it their personal mission to ensure every request is satisfied.

In an effort to support the community that supports them, this business partners with other local businesses as often as possible to ensure their customers enjoy the best possible County experience.

The have been established since 2000 and have managed to create a unique and welcoming environment for all their guests - especially their repeat customers!

Sponsored by: Corporation of the County of
Prince Edward
Presented by: Mayor Peter A. Mertens

Business of the Year - Innovation-Technology

Nesda Technologies

Servicing more than 400 customers across Ontario, this innovative company specializes in designing, building and maintain business networks that support their customers.

Their popular NesdaTrak product has become the favourite of community care agencies and allows organizations to track more than 500,000 volunteers.

With great care and customer service this company has managed to retain the first customer they ever had! Quite an accomplishment in this very competitive sector.

Sponsored by: City of Belleville
Presented by: Councillor Jenkins

Business of the Year - Not For Profit

Community Development Council of Quinte

This year's winner in the Not-for-Profit category has had a significant impact on the overall quality of life for Quinte region.

This organizations aim is to support families by creating opportunities for self-help and they do so removing the stigma that is sometimes associated with social assistance. The primary mandate of this organization is to conduct social planning and community development work within the context of social justice.

They have developed innovative support programs and have done incredible work by collaborating with other not-for-profit social organizations.

Sponsored by: BMO Bank of Montreal
Presented by: Dale Trio

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Dr. Tanya Rawluk, Renew MediClinic

This talented young woman started an integrated health centre that focused on providing top quality private health care services. The demand was so great a second location was added within two years. Another gap in the marketplace was identified by this individual in the area of anti-aging and aesthetic medicine, and a new business was formed which quickly earned its own location separate from the original health centre.

By focussing on exceptional service and comprehensive care, this entrepreneur has been able to help her empower her clients to take control of their own health.

Sponsored by: RBC Royal Bank
Presented by: Gilbert LeClerc

Business Person of the Year

Glenn Kozak

TThis Quinte area resident lives to share the expertise he has gained during a lifetime of building and starting various businesses within the restaurant industry including pioneering a major chain of restaurants into Western Canada.

With extensive experience both operating and owning a variety of restaurants, this individual has accumulated a wealth of knowledge which he happily shares with new entrepreneurs and small business owners. He has recently helped to revitalize a local golf course and its' dining room is now listed as one of Ontario's Top 10 Waterfront Dining Rooms.

He volunteers as part of the Trenval Business Development Corporation and is a volunteer on the Quinte West Economic Development Committee. Despite most of his own business success being out of the region he has a keen interest in downtown revitalization, urban affairs and job creation and enjoys seeing the development of the Quinte Region.

Sponsored by: City of Quinte West
Presented by: Mayor John Williams

Business Excellence

RiverSide Music

In seven short, very busy and melodious years, this company has grown five times larger than their original store. They have grown and expanded by offering an unequalled selection of products, by treating their customers like friends and by introducing innovative ideas such as "Tuneful Tots" and the "Jam Hub".

Their customers range in age from 2 to 92 and it sounds like they are always looking for harmonious ways to express their musical passions.

The 2011 Business Excellence winner not only runs a great business, but they also support their community in more ways than can be named here. They've created their own scholarship fund, offer student discounts, they have musicians play at the Trenton Farmers Market, they provide sound systems for various groups and events, support the co-op program, Relay for Life, started the Riverside Galleries and Market Place. All to the support the community they love.

Sponsored by: BDC, the
Business Development Bank of Canada
Presented by: Brett Pricker and Derrick Morgan