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Business Excellence Awards

Placentia Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards recognize members whose achievements contribute to the region’s economic and social well-being.
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From left to right, back row: Nancy Maher, Mahers Contracting, Business Excellence Award eleven plus Employees; Paul Maher, Freshwater Community Centre, Non Profit Excellence Award; Chris Newhook, Hike Placentia Inc, Innovation Champion Award; Claudette Pittman, Port of Argentia, Sustainability Leadership Award; Sherry Pomroy, Royal Bank of Canada Placentia Branch, Resilience in Business Award; Melanie Martin, Mary Browns Chicken, Small Business Excellence Award one to ten Employees; Lorriane McCarthy, Express Signs Ltd, Employee Excellence Award; front row: Jenny Browne, Argentia Industrial Services, Digital Transformation Award; Amy OReilly, Physico and Co, Chambers Choice Award; Dr Renee Mulrooney, Placentia Dental Clinic, Emerging Business of the Year Award; Lilly Mulrooney, Community Connection Housing Coalition, Community Impact Award; Laura Brazil, Placentia Regional YMCA, Diversity and Inclusion Award; missing from photo: Lori Pretty, Rosedale Manor B and B, Customer Experience Excellence Award.

About the Business Excellence Awards Nominations

The Placentia Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Program recognizes outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, service and community impact. These awards celebrate meaningful contributions to the economic and social vitality of the Placentia region. Each award highlights a specific area of achievement, including innovation, sustainability, customer service and community engagement. All nominations are reviewed by a committee of local leaders, and nominees must be Chamber members in good standing. We invite you to nominate deserving candidates who are making a positive difference in our community.

2025 Awards

  • Small Business Excellence Award (1–10 Employees)
  • Business Excellence Award (11+ Employees)
  • Emerging Business of the Year
  • Innovation Champion Award
  • Community Impact Award
  • Employee Excellence Award
  • Sustainability Leadership Award
  • Diversity and Inclusion Award
  • Digital Transformation Award
  • Resilience in Business Award
  • Non Profit Excellence Award
  • Customer Experience Excellence Award
  • Chamber’s Choice Award

Business Excellence Awards Program – Award Categories & Criteria

Small Business Excellence Award (1–10 Employees)

Honors small businesses that demonstrate operational excellence, strong leadership and meaningful community contribution.

Key Criteria:

  • Exceptional service or product delivery
  • Supportive workplace culture and leadership
  • Contribution to the local economy
  • Recognition within the industry or community

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • How does the business ensure high quality service or products?
  • What contributions has the business made to the local economy or community?
  • How does the company support its employees and workplace culture?

Business Excellence Award (11+ Employees)

Recognizes established businesses with outstanding leadership, innovation and regional impact.

Key Criteria:

  • Strong financial and operational performance
  • Innovation and workplace excellence
  • Positive representation of the Placentia region

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What makes this business a leader in its industry?
  • How does it contribute to community and economic development?
  • Describe the company’s workplace culture or innovation initiatives.

Emerging Business of the Year

Celebrates promising new businesses under five years old showing strong growth and community connection.

Key Criteria:

  • Early success and customer loyalty
  • Clear market understanding and business strategy
  • Community involvement or innovation

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What inspired the creation of this business?
  • How has the business grown or evolved since opening?
  • What customer or community needs does it address?

Innovation Champion Award

Honors businesses that creatively solve problems and drive growth through innovation.

Key Criteria:

  • Introduction of innovative processes, products or marketing
  • Creative adaptation to challenges
  • Measurable impact on business or community

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What challenge did this business face, and how was it creatively addressed?
  • Describe a unique innovation the business implemented.
  • What measurable results or benefits were achieved?

Community Impact Award

Recognizes organizations with meaningful social, cultural or economic community contributions.

Key Criteria:

  • Volunteerism or financial support
  • Initiatives that uplift or empower others
  • Community leadership and collaboration

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • How does the business support the community?
  • What measurable impact has it had?
  • Provide examples of social or cultural contributions.

Employee Excellence Award

Honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication, leadership and positive representation.

Key Criteria:

  • Embodies company values
  • Enhances team success and operations
  • Represents the business positively

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • How does this employee go above and beyond?
  • How do they support and inspire their team?
  • How do they embody the company’s mission?

Sustainability Leadership Award

Recognizes businesses integrating environmentally responsible practices.

Key Criteria:

  • Sustainable operations or product development
  • Environmental engagement or education
  • Efforts to reduce waste or resource use

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What sustainability practices are in place?
  • How do they impact operations or community?
  • What are the long term environmental goals?

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Celebrates businesses fostering inclusive and equitable environments.

Key Criteria:

  • Inclusive hiring and leadership
  • Policies promoting equity and belonging
  • Community engagement reflecting diversity

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What practices has the business implemented?
  • How is an inclusive culture created internally?
  • Provide examples of outreach or impact initiatives.

Digital Transformation Award

Recognizes businesses leveraging technology for growth and improved service.

Key Criteria:

  • Use of digital tools and systems
  • Enhanced customer or internal processes
  • Measurable success linked to digital adoption

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What digital strategies has the business adopted?
  • How did it improve operations or engagement?
  • What makes this business a leader in digital innovation?

Resilience in Business Award

Honors businesses showing strength and adaptability through adversity.

Key Criteria:

  • Continued operations during challenges
  • Creative problem solving
  • Positive impact on staff or community

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What challenges has the business faced?
  • How did it adapt or overcome obstacles?
  • What lasting impact resulted?

Non Profit Excellence Award

Recognizes outstanding non profit organizations demonstrating leadership and impact.

Key Criteria:

  • Measurable community impact
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Strong leadership and volunteer engagement
  • Effective partnerships

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What is the organization’s mission?
  • What outcomes or impacts have been achieved?
  • How are resources managed?
  • Describe partnerships that enhance reach.

Customer Experience Excellence Award

Honors businesses that consistently exceed customer expectations.

Key Criteria:

  • High standards in customer care
  • Integration of customer feedback
  • Strong satisfaction and retention rates

Suggested Nomination Questions:

  • What makes the customer experience outstanding?
  • How does the business gather and act on feedback?
  • Share examples of exceptional service or customer care.

Chamber’s Choice Award

Presented to a business or employee who:

  • Delivers outstanding customer service
  • Provides a service that addresses the community’s needs and wants
  • Is an outstanding corporate or community citizen
  • Contributes to the economic success of the business community
  • Supports initiatives of the Placentia Chamber of Commerce

Recipients

Check out the listing of recipients of the Business Excellence Awards: 2024 | 2023 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016

Award #1 - Mary Brown's Chicken, winner of the Small Business Excellence Award 1 - 10 Employees Award was presented to Melanie Martin, daughter of owners of Mary Brown's Chicken, Donna and Terry Griffin. Presenting the award is Jennifer Bennett, Director of the Placentia Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations Mary Brown's Chicken.
Award #2 - Maher's Contracting Ltd., winner of the Business Excellence Award 11+ Employees Award was presented to Nancy Maher, Operations Manager at Maher's Contracting Ltd., Presenting the award is Pam Constantine, Vice President of Placentia Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to Maher's Contracting Ltd.
Award #3 - Placentia Dental Clinic, winner of the Emerging Business of the Year Award. The award was presented to Dr. Renee Mulrooney, Owner & Manager of Placentia Dental Clinic NL. Presenting the award is the Award Sponsor, Claudette Pittman, Executive Director, CBDC, Avalon West. Congratulations to Placentia Dental Clinic.
Award #4 - Hike Placentia Inc., winner of the Innovation Champion Award. The award was presented to Chris Newhook, Co-chair of Hike Placentia Inc. and committee members. Left to right: Ross O'Keefe; Dave Constantine (Trails Facilitator); next is Karen Maher, Director of Placentia Chamber of Commerce presenting the award to Co - Chair, Chris Newhook; Christine O'Keefe; Pam Constantine, Treasurer & Secretary of Hike Placentia; Jennifer Bennett, Committee Member; Dan Greene, Committee Member. Missing from the photo are Gerry Hynes, Chair; Winnie Barry, Administrator; James O'Keefe, Committee Member and Gordon Pike, Committee Member. Much thanks to Earl Hall, CEO, AXES.ai, Co-Chairman of AI and Cybersecurity Policy Committee, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to Hike Placentia Inc.
Award #5 - Community Connection Housing Coalition, winner of the Community Impact Award. Accepting the award is Lilly Mulrooney, Coordinator of the Community Connection Housing Coalition. Presenting the award is Mayor Jamie Neville. Sponsor of this award is the Town of Placentia. Congratulations to the Community Connection Housing Coalition.
Award #6 - winner of the Employee Excellence Award, Lorraine McCarthy, Customer Service Employee at Express Signs. Presenting the award is Award Sponsor, Dr. Renee Mulrooney, Owner and Operator of Placentia Dental. Congratulations Lorraine.
Awards #7 - Port of Argentia, winner of the Sustainability Leadership Award. Accepting the award from left to right: Brent Pomroy, General Manager; Chris Newhook, Vice President, Strategy & Growth; next is Erin Kearsey, EDO, ACOA, Newfoundland & Labrador Region presenting the award to Claudette Pittman, Vice Chairperson; Angie Pittman, Secretary-Treasurer; Ray Greene, Community & Industry Lead; Wayne Power, Past Chair. Missing from the photo are, Genny Picco, Chair; Francis Collins, Director; Jane Hynes, Director; John King, Director; Alyssa Smith, Director; Vivian Smith, Director. This award was sponsored by Argentia Industrial Services. Congratulations to the Port of Argentia.
Award #8 - Placentia Regional YMCA, winner of the Diversity & Inclusion Award. Accepting the award from left to right, are Artem Lytvynenko, Moza Lytvynenko, next presenting the award is Angie Pittman, Placentia Chamber of Commerce Committee Treasurer to Laura Brazil, Centre Manager of Placentia Regional YMCA, McKenzie Bruce, Vanessa Barry, Victoria Lytvynenko, Christina Miville, Guan-Sheng Li. Congratulation to Placentia Regional YMCA.
Award # 9 - Argentia Industrial Services, winner of the Digital Transformation Award. Accepting the award is Jenny Browne on behalf of her daughter, Morgan, who is the Owner & CEO of Argentia Industrial Services. Presenting the award is Kim Kerrivan, Director of Placentia Chamber of Commerce. This award was sponsored by JAC Marketing Agency. Congratulations Argentia Industrial Services.
Award # 10 - Royal Bank of Canada, Placentia Branch winner of the Resilience in Business Award. Accepting the award are Sherry Pomroy, Branch Manager and Client Advisor, Melanie Martin. Presenting the award is Paul Maher, President of Freshwater Community Centre. This award was sponsored by the Freshwater Community Centre. Congratulations RBC, Placentia Branch.
Award # 11 - Freshwater Community Centre, winner of the Non-Profit Excellence Award. Accepting the award is Paul Maher, President of Freshwater Community Centre. Presenting the award is Placentia Chamber of Commerce, Director, James O'Keefe. This award was sponsored by Placentia Lions Club. Congratulations Freshwater Community Centre.
Award # 13 Physio & Co., winner of the Chambers Choice Award. Accepting the award is Amy O'Reilly, Owner of Physio & Co in four locations throughout the Province, Bay Bulls, St. John's, Torbay & Placentia. Congratulations, Physio & CO. Presenting the award is Lilly Mulrooney, Director of Placentia Chamber of Commerce.

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