Bryan Yetman of First Durham Insurance, presented a cheque for $2,554 to Lucy Stocco, Chair of the Image is Everything MRI Campaign of the Rouge Valley Health System Foundation. Other members of the MRI campaign committee on hand, from left, were John G. Smith, Dave Ryan, Tracy Paterson, Sherry Robinson and Ron Halliday.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


AJAX/PICKERING, October 14, 2010 – The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is proud to acknowledge four local businesses and one individual for their professional achievements at the 16th annual Business Excellence and Business Person of the Year Awards gala, held Thursday, Oct. 14, at Deer Creek Golf Clubs in Ajax.

“The Board is excited to be able to recognize and celebrate the business achievements of such an outstanding group of nominees and we offer our warmest congratulations to each of the category winners tonight,” said Jason Cameron, 2010 president of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade. “There are many amazing businesses and business leaders represented here and we are honoured to pay tribute to the companies, organizations and individuals in Ajax and Pickering who demonstrate excellence in business.”
 
The 2010 recipients are:

APBOT President Jason Cameron, with OLG's Bruce MacKenzie, right, present Alison Wehrle of Indaco Manufacturing with the 1-9 Business Excellence award, a co-recipient with Minuteman Press.

1-9 CATEGORY THERE WAS A TIE: Indaco Manufacturing and Minuteman Press
Indaco Manufacturing based in Pickering has been producing biodegradable film since the late 80’s and the original product was Bio-Solo. New environmentally-responsible regulations, in coordination with the development of fast action compost facilities necessitated the development of certified compostable bags and liners. Hence the development of their BPI certified Bag To Nature™ made from a proprietary blend of biodegradable polymers. Their products are sold across North America today.

APBOT President Jason Cameron, with OLG's Bruce MacKenzie, right, present Ashmeed Khan of Minuteman Press with the 1-9 Business Excellence award, a co-recipient with Indaco Manufacturing.

When it comes to business communications services, Minuteman Press of Pickering can do it all. With a complete range of products and services at your disposal, they can help you get your message out to customers, employees and vendors alike. Using the latest printing and document management technology, they handle your projects from start to finish. Their energetic and experienced staff is dedicated to delivering what you need, when you need it.

Michael Angemeer of Veridian, with APBOT President Jason Cameron, right, present John McLellan of John McLellan Contracting with the 10-49 Business Excellence Award.

10-49 CATEGORY: John McLellan Contracting
John McLellan Contracting, now celebrating 16 years in business, is a privately held Pickering company which provides a wide range of construction related solutions for homeowners and business owners alike. As a growing company, McLellan Contracting is led by a highly experienced and educated hands-on-owner and managers whose goals include providing service and quality products to its valued customers.

Christina Dorey-Gray, RBC, with APBOT President Jason Cameron, present Steven Misner of Holmes & Brakel Business Interiors with the 50+ Business Excellence Award.

50+ CATEGORY: Holmes & Brakel Business Interiors
Quality, Service and Integrity are the cornerstones of Holmes & Brakel Business Interior’s philosophy since opening its doors in 1975. Their focus is contract interiors, working with large corporate clients on a national and international scale . Their Team of Professionals work with each client to develop a unique, one-of-a-kind solution to their furniture needs.
 

Craig Khattar of BMO, with APBOT President Jason Cameron, right, present Lorelei Hepburn of The Environmental Factor with her Business Person of the Year Award.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR: Lorelei Hepburn, The Environmental Factor
Lorelei Hepburn is President and CEO of The Environmental Factor Inc. located in Ajax. At the forefront of creating natural lawn and garden solutions, her business was not immediately a success in 1991, but she was sure she was doing the right thing for the environment. Not afraid to take risks, she says she sees a need, develops a product and produces it instead of waiting for something to come along.

The Business Excellence Awards were established in 1994 to recognize the achievements and excellence in business performance, while the Business Person category was added in 2004.  An independent panel of judges evaluates the nominees based on three categories – one to nine, 10 to 49 and 50+ employees.  All nominees are selected by their business peers.

About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of business in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, approximately 600 members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, health care, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy. To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, please go to www.apboardoftrade.com.

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For additional information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Dave Stell
Communications Specialist
905-686-0883 ext 229
david.stell@apboardoftrade.com

10-144 Old Kingston Road, 2nd Floor • T. 905.686.0883 • F. 905.686.1057
www.apboardoftrade.com