Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Announce Business Excellence Awards Finalists

For a list of finalists, please visit the BEA 2023 event page here.

Windsor, January 26, 2023 – The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced details of its signature event, the Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star.

‘The Premier Business Event of the Year’, recognizing outstanding businesses, individuals and community groups, the 2023 Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) will be held in person Wednesday May 17th, starting at 6:00pm.

The event includes a Red Carpet Arrival, Awards Show in the Chrysler Theatre showcasing 12 categories, and an elegant dinner in the Skyline Ballroom at the St. Clair College Centre For the Arts.

Three Award winners were announced during today’s News Conference, hosted by BEA Chair Shelby Colarossi. The event at the J.P. Wiser’s Experience Centre was sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario.

The winner of the BEAs’ newest category, Business Ambassador sponsored by RBC, was announced based on independent judging of nominations submitted last Fall by Chamber of Commerce Members and the general public. The award recognizes an individual (not self-employed or an owner) who exceeds all expectations in their role within a business or organization. The individual improves company culture, promotes growth and innovation in the workplace and is a role model for their peers and community.

Keith White, Vice President and General Manager of fashion retailer FREEDS, was chosen as the inaugural Business Ambassador Award winner. For 53 years, his leadership has been a key factor in FREEDS’ success. His gregarious and jovial personality has resulted in not just a following, but also customer loyalty that spans generations, while continually inspiring the FREEDS’ team with his ongoing drive and unstoppable talent.

The 2023 Believe Windsor-Essex Award, sponsored by WFCU, goes to The Lisa and Brian Schwab Foundation for on-going support of numerous not-for-profit organizations, events, and community groups, including T2B, Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and ART Windsor-Essex. The Schwabs are invested in the growth and vitality in our region through co-ownership of the Windsor Spitfires, LaSalle Vipers and Lakeshore Canadiens, the development of downtown properties, and several other local rejuvenation projects.

Renee Daudlin-Iacobelli was announced as the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Bell. The Owner and Vice President of Operations of Windsor-based Insight Advantage is a role model, mentor and business advisor to women. The Award recognizes the time and energy devoted to her profession and her community, including opening paths for other women to follow.

“It’s tradition to announce the Believe Windsor-Essex Award winner, and the ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, at the BEA News Conference in January”, stated BEA Chair Shelby Colarossi. “The Business Ambassador category is new this year, and we wanted to highlight the Award by announcing the winner today. Plus, we wanted to profile Keith White, an amazing choice by the Judges as an ambassador of the FREEDS’ brand for over 50 years”.

Three Finalists in each of the remaining 9 Award categories will compete for a coveted Business Excellence Award, with winners announced in a ‘surprise reveal’ format from the Chrysler Theatre stage. The BEAs will also be broadcast live to Cogeco subscribers in Windsor and Leamington on YourTV, starting at 6:00pm.

The list of BEA Finalists includes a diverse collection of individuals, start-ups and established companies and organizations of all sizes, spread across the Windsor-Essex Region. The complete list of Finalists, and event sponsors, is attached. Events details will be featured in the BEA Official Program, printed and distributed by Windsor Star on May 11th. There will also be a digital version.

Tickets for the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Excellence Awards, presented by Windsor Star, are now on sale at www.windsoressexchamber.org. Individual and group tickets are available, as are several sponsorship opportunities. Follow the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce on social media for event updates and information.

For more information on the BEAs, please contact: Chair Shelby Colarossi: scolarossi@wechc.com For inquiries regarding the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, please contact:
President and CEO Rakesh Naidu; rnaidu@windsoressexchamber.org; 519-966-3696 x222.