Nominations

Category

• Milestone Award

  Recognizing a business that celebrated a significant milestone in 2025 or 2026.

• Customer Service

  Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. Presented to the business that has been recognized by their customers to provide a high level of service consistently, or who is seen to far surpass their customers' expectations in the delivery of their product or service. Please give a specific example.

• Innovation Award

  Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. To the company that has invested significantly in technology or innovation which improves their level of customer service, creates jobs and/or benefits the region.

• Sustainability Award

  Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. To the business that has made a noticeable effort in product development or conservation practices that have a positive impact on our environment.

• Business Growth Award

  Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. To the business that has exhibited exceptional growth in 2023- e.g. market, workforce, regional expansion, size of business, physical location enhancement/ expansion, or regional economic development.

• New Business of the Year

  Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. Presented to a business that opened in 2025 or 2026, congratulating them on their hard work and entrepreneurial initiative. Or to the business who has invented a new product or service using their entrepreneurial initiative.

• Employer of the Year Award

  To a business that exemplifies excellence in its employee focus and development. Achievements could include: job creation, employee on-boarding, training & support programs, morale and job satisfaction initiatives, recognition and reward programs, and overall committee to professional and personal employee development and success, whose skills and training initiatives best harness the talent of its people, embrace diversity, and support employee success. Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.

• Small Business of the Year

  Recognizes outstanding achievement of a small business in some or all of the following: research and development, company growth, products and services, market development, sales and marketing, community service. Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.

• Diversity and Inclusion Award

  Recognizes the business that is committed to practicing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.

• Business Leader of the Year Award

  To an individual who best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit – a true passion for building something great from nothing and pushing themselves to the limits to achieve big goals.

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award To recognize the achievements of a local entrepreneur age 18-35.
• Strengthening Orillia and Lake Country

  In recognition of a business that fosters community involvement, through the actions of the business or by supporting their employees in community endeavors. Important note: Note that this category is intended for businesses only. Non-profit/ charitable organizations should apply for Non-Profit/ Charitable Organization award.

  Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.

• Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award

  This award will recognize a business in the area that is involved and engaged in the chamber and the community. Business must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.

• Not for Profit or Charitable Organization Award

  Recognizes a registered Not for Profit or Charitable organization which has shown a positive contribution to society, broadened education of their service, community Involvement, promotes volunteerism, social & community advancements. Organization must operate or be located in the Orillia & Lake Country (including Severn, Ramara, Rama, and Oro-Medonte) and be member in good standing of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.

View full category information