2023 Business Excellence Awards Program

Proud to support Brampton Board of Trade 2023 Business Excellence Awards.

We’re working together with BBOT to help create a future we can all look forward to.

Aman Sandhu, Vice President, TD Commercial Banking

Marc Kulak, District Vice President, TD Canada Trust – Brampton East

Kristine Garbutt, District Vice President, TD Canada Trust – Brampton West

Emmanuel Koudoumnakis, Market Manager, TD Wealth

Gajendra Rathore, Area Manager, TD Small Business Banking

Evening Agenda

6:00 PM Cocktail Reception

Networking

6:30 PM Opening Remarks

Daniel Lewis, Founder, Daniel’s Chai Bar

Lindsay Engel, Director, Dean of FAST, Sheridan College

7:00 PM Award Presentations

Innovation

Community Builder Service Excellence

Retail Experience

Smart Solutions

Business Person of the Year Presentation

Michael Burrows, CEO at Maple Lodge Farms

Global Trade Impact

Environmental Sustainability Culture Experience Chairs Award

Workplace Wellness and Talent Development

Community Impact

9:50 PM Closing Remarks

10:00 PM Post Event Reception

Networking

Amazon is honoured to celebrate this year’s winners of the Brampton Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards. Alongside the Brampton Board of Trade, we continue to applaud the outstanding accomplishments of our community and look forward to supporting the bright future of Brampton.

Presenting Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Co-Emcees

Daniel Lewis, Founder, Daniel’s Chai Bar

Lindsay Engel, Sheridan

Nomination Committee

Andrea Williams, City of Brampton

Badar Shamim, Generation PMCA

Jennifer Vivian, City of Brampton

John Cruickshank, triOS College

Karen Patterson, RioCan

Nicole MacPhail, Bramalea City Centre

Upjit Kansal, J D Factors Corporation

Selection Committee

Amisha Moorjani, The Food Quotient

Cathy Huynh, Mortgage Alliance

Chirag Vasa, MNP LLP

Daniel Lewis, The Brampton Board of Trade

Erica Benjamin, Hop In Microtransit Technologies

George Bragues, Guelph Humber

Kate Saldanha, Prouse Dash & Crouch LLP

Louis Vouloukos, Lawrence, Lawrence, Stevenson LLP

Event Supporters

Atomic Print Solutions

JSDigital

Razor Creative Solutions Inc.

EJSE Studio

Pearson Convention Centre

Shake It Up Events

About Brampton Board of Trade

Brampton’s Largest Business Association

The Brampton Board of Trade is where businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors convene, collaborate and create solutions to boost regional economic prosperity.

Brampton business leaders are focused on running their businesses cost-effectively and successfully, while handling a myriad of challenges such as technology, competitiveness, job creation and government legislation. The Board of Trade helps members make the right connections and provides solutions to the toughest problems — shaping change and advocating for Brampton. Members of the Board of Trade also have access to countless tools to help grow their business, increase productivity, and control their bottom line.

In order for our city to realize its full potential and to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead, businesses and all levels of government need to be aligned. Brampton’s moment is now.

The Business Person of the Year is awarded to an individual that has demonstrated business excellence and community leadership, contributing to Brampton in both professional and personal endeavors.

Michael Burrows is CEO of Maple Lodge Farms, a family-owned business founded in 1955 and today, the largest chicken processor in Canada. Maple Lodge Farms is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2010. Under Mr. Burrows leadership, Maple Lodge Farms was instrumental in bringing workplace vaccinations to its employees and other large employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Burrows efforts aided in the reduction of the virus spread and helped keep food in store shelves across Canada.

Michael is Chair of Food & Beverage Ontario, past Co-Chair of Food & Beverage Canada, past Chair of Association of Ontario Chicken Processors, and on the Board of Directors for Canadian Poultry & Egg Processors Council and Napoleon Home Comfort.

Prior to joining Maple Lodge Farms in 2008, Michael was the CEO of E.D. Smith and Sons and COO of Janes Family Foods. Previously he held senior management positions at Mattel Fisher Price, Nabisco Brands, and Procter & Gamble where he began his career.

Michael earned an MBA from Queens University in 1980. Michael married Mary Lou in 1984 and they have two daughters who graduated from Queens University and work in business today.

Congratulations Michael on being named the 2023 Business Person of the Year!

Michael Burrows Maple Lodge Farms, CEO

BRAMPTON BOARD OF TRADE

Have real, candid conversations with other Brampton business leaders

Open Door Discussions gives you a place to explore opportunities, solve problems and share insights with fellow business owners and professionals. You’ll connect with like-minded leaders to learn about the resources available to you, uncover opportunities, share challenges, and work towards solutions together.

With free virtual sessions open to members and future members, the Brampton Board of Trade invites you to join the discussion or learn more by visiting bramptonbot.com/open-door-discussions.

Innovation

Not only is Brampton located in the centre of the second largest Information and Communication Cluster in North America, but it also has a reputation for fostering inventive entrepreneurs and developing cutting-edge technology. Driven and determined, these visionaries are champions of innovation, pushing our imaginations and city forward with every new idea.

Metro Compactor Service

Metro Compactor Service has been a proud member of the Brampton community since 1978, making a significant impact over the past 45 years. As a leader in waste management equipment and technology, Metro has actively promoted a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable region for businesses and residents of the city, revolutionizing the industry with their iSMART technologies, service-first mentality, and their commitment to environmental stewardship. By providing reliable and effective waste equipment and services, Metro has contributed to waste reduction, proper disposal, cost savings, and ultimately, improved the quality of life for Brampton residents and business owners — over 1,300 customers in Brampton alone. Metro’s commitment to innovation through various initiatives has created additional work and jobs for people in the region and offered new cost-effective alternatives to customers. In 2010, Metro’s iSMART solution was developed, and is now attached to over 4,500 compactors across North America. This IoT smart system provides remote monitoring of service issues and compactor fullness, enabling Metro to provide on-demand service during equipment issues, reduce gas emissions, and save Brampton companies significant expenses.

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst

Since its founding in 2018, the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (RCC) at Toronto Metropolitan University has grown into one of Canada’s major centres for training, commercial acceleration, experiential learning, public education and policy development — all in cybersecurity. Based in two locations within the Innovation District in downtown Brampton, RCC drives innovation in cybersecurity in Brampton and on a national scale, they have accelerated more than 40 high-potential cybersecurity companies and trained more than 540 cybersecurity specialists over the past four years. RCC has strong partnerships with government at all levels, including the Government of Canada, through which it leads awareness education for Canadian youth. Additionally, RCC works with numerous private-sector companies, as well as public-sector organizations such as law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and health care systems and has worked closely with the Government of Ukraine to provide free cybersecurity training to economically displaced Ukrainians living in Ukraine.

SAR-caretech

SAR-caretech is at the startup level but the owners have 20+ years experience in the tech sector developing new areas of AI technology. Services are focused on IT health care, AI projects and supporting citizens in their ability to work. The company is currently operating with 2 full time employees working on a project basis, with plans to expand in summer.

SAR-caretech

Survalent Technology Corporation

Headquartered in Brampton, Survalent’s core purpose is to enable reliable power delivery and help promote a climate-friendly future. Survalent’s electric, utility, control-room software helps utilities keep the light on. As the world shifts away from carbon-based electricity generation to renewables/smart grid, electric utilities will require greater investment in Survalent-like technology to complete this transition. Survalent has partnered with many organizations within the Brampton community to recruit and attract talented, high-tech employees with a very niche set of skills to support the development of their unique technology. With offices in Mexico, Macedonia and UAE, they support and serve a community of over 700 customers in 40 countries. This diversity gives them a broad perspective and a tremendous base of experience. Customers range from small to large electric, gas, water/wastewater and transit utilities across the globe who rely on Survalent’s software to effectively operate, monitor, analyze, restore and optimize operations as they strive towards becoming more climate friendly.

Community Builder

These local businesses make corporate social responsibility part of their company’s vision and have made their community a priority. The impact they have made on individuals and organizations in our city has been significant — and has helped change lives for the better.

Algoma University

Over the past four years, Algoma University has undergone a multi-year period of transformation and expansion of its programming, campus facilities and student body within the heart of downtown Brampton. By providing increased access to innovative, high-quality university programming to the community, Algoma is taking a leadership position in bringing Brampton’s 2040 vision to life. By providing an ever-expanding pool of well-educated talent, they are helping address current and future labour force needs while expanding its economic, social and cultural impact with this diverse community. Enrolment at Algoma’s Brampton campus during the 2022–23 academic year has increased to over 5,000 full- and part-time students, including an increase in domestic enrolment of 168% since 2019/20. The university has also experienced a 38% in secondary school applicants to its Brampton campus for Fall 2023 and has awarded $269, 000 in direct bursaries to deserving students from Brampton and the surrounding region. These students are all choosing to study in this location which brings considerable economic and social benefits to the community, particularly to small and medium-sized businesses located downtown.

Brampton Immigration Consultancy

Founded by a Brampton-based immigrant family, BIC provides newcomers with assistance in getting their study and post-graduation work permits, express-entry file reviews, study consultations, and much more. Currently operating 6 locations worldwide with recent ventures into the education and non-profit sector, the company has introduced new strategies to expand communication and create a new generation of global citizens. Launched in 2019, BIC created their online education platform, Intake Abroad, providing students with information for over 150 post-secondary institutions worldwide, while also offering them 24/7 access to admissions counseling, resources for financial aid, eligibility assessments, and much more. When COVID-19 hit, BIC distributed COVID-testing kits and hygiene products to community members. The company’s recent endeavor has been the implementation of a food and clothing drive this past December 2022 and thanks to community’s help, BIC was able to collect non-perishable food and used clothing donations that will be given to various Brampton-based organizations looking to make a difference for impoverished groups in the city.

Castlemore Dental

R. Khanuja Dentistry was established in 2007 in Brampton, operating as Castlemore Dental and Flower City Dental. Employing 42 people, Castlemore Dental provides family dentistry and specialized dental services. In 2012, Dr. Raj recognized that dental accessibility is a critical health issue in Brampton and the cost of dental services can be restrictive for residents without dental insurance. Consequently, he started an annual pro-bono dental clinic day which he calls, “Doing Positive in my Backyard.” On this day, he closes his regular business, opening the doors for patients who otherwise cannot afford dental treatment. This program has influenced his colleagues, staff, patients and dental suppliers to volunteer and support his cause to give back to the community. Dr. Raj is a recipient of numerous awards including the 2017 Brampton Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Award for Team Work, Canadian Business Excellence Award (2016, 2017, 2018), and was recognized with the June Callwood Outstanding Voluntarism Award by the Province of Ontario.

h e e r s

Learn more about our Award-Winning Office and Business Solutions

To You

Church’s Chicken

Mian Nadeem is a Business Development Advisor, working with the City of Brampton and helping manage and develop strategy for Brampton’s business roadmap – with a focus on identifying effeciencies and potetnial enhancements with an eye on Brampton’s future.

Mian is also the Chairman of an NGO that was formed for the betterment of Brampton. The organization assists with political, humanitarian and settlement services for new residents in the city and works to create awareness to the business community.

Mian is a franchisee of Church’s Texas Chicken with locations across the Ontario. Church’s Texas Chicken is a popular American Chain with chains around the world, with over 17,00 locations. Mian has supported the chain in fostering expansion and introducing franchises across numerous cities. He has been successful in building strong customer service and loyal customers.

Coke Canada Bottling

Coke Canada Bottling is a family-owned Canadian business, is a proud member of the local community, and knows that investing in their business means contributing to the vibrancy of the city in which they operate. While Coke Canada Bottling was formed just four years ago in October 2018, through their shared past with The Coca-Cola Company, they have a history of more than 20 years operating locally in the City of Brampton and over 120 years in Canada. In fact, Coke Canada’s largest facility is located in Brampton, with over 1,400 employees in total and 2023 marks the company’s 5th anniversary. Teams across the country will celebrate through employee volunteerism initiatives within their communities. In Brampton, the team is planning to partner with the City as well as their local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter to host ‘Get Active’, an evening of physical activity at the Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited Gymnasium at the Gore Meadows Community Centre. This event will also help promote Coke Canada’s national Bottling Potential Career Mentorship program with Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada. The business is also committed to environmental sustainability through their sponsorship of the Etobicoke Creek Trail system and they support the Knight’s Table amongst other community initiatives.

DRAYZ CAKEZ

DRAYZ CAKEZ is a company that believes solely in building relationship through service and product engagement. Whether Chef Dray iz allowing students to gain hours through volunteering at his store, or he’s working alongside black advocacy groups to create more awareness about inequality amongst the black community, he’s constantly working to create a safe space at DRAYZ CAKEZ for everyone. Chef Dray is not just a baker but also a community builder. He hires new immigrants and first time students to acquire entry level experience, and he teaches elementary students about healthy eating, decorating and how to find their voices in this society. DRAYZ CAKEZ has been featured on City TV three times, most recently in 2021 for collaborating with a local not-for-profit organization that brought food and supplies to a local abused women’s shelter that helped over 185 families. Drayz Cakez also provides their left over desserts at the end of each day to the local homeless that visit the mall in which Drayz Cakez operates. Lastly, DRAYZ CAKEZ has now partnered with PDSB to conduct workshops for the students during Black History month and other notable educational field trip days.

Proud to support the Business Excellence Awards

At Bell, we’re committed to giving back to communities across Canada.

We support more than 2,200 community organizations each year, including the Brampton Board of Trade, through projects, sponsorships and volunteer time.

It’s part of a commitment to make our world more prosperous, more sustainable, and more connected every day.

Learn more at bell.ca/BellForBetter

Indian Yoga and Meditation Centre Inc

Launched in 2007, Indian Yoga and Meditation Centre Inc. has been providing wellness and recreational services and always follow a very honest, sincere and dedicated approach. Indian Yoga and Meditation Centre has always worked with a vision to encourage a healthy, happy and active lifestyle. Many clients have shared the great benefits they have received by participating in the classes offered and how their lives have completely been transformed by a healthy and joyful living. Yoga is considered a body, mind and soul practice. People feel more vibrant and peaceful and the practice helps them change their attitude towards life and other people. Yoga practice also helped many of their participants to manage their stress levels, anxiety, mental health and other health-related issues. These are long lasting effects and have thus impacted the community in a positive way to make a healthy and happy community. The company has been recognized as one of the best yoga studios in Brampton in the year 2022 and also has been rated as top 3 yoga studios for the past several years.

Kaneff Group

Kaneff Group is an established real estate developer, builder, and property manager within the GTA and Golden Horseshoe. A dedication to quality, excellence and community started in 1951, when Ignat ‘Iggy’ Kaneff built his first house in Mississauga, which he eventually mortgaged to purchase two more, laying the foundation for his own company’s legacy. One of Mr. Kaneff’s ideas is to ‘work where you live and live where you work.’ Kaneff Group looks to employ local people that live in Brampton, provide them with housing (via rentals, new build town homes or signal family detached homes) as well as a place to shop (Bartley Sq, Lionhead Market Place, Streetsville Glen Market and Ten Steeles Plaza) and play (Lionhead Golf & Country Club and Streetsville Glen Golf Club). The tradition has lived on with the building of the new MDA head office and other developments in the future. The Kaneff group is active and gives back to the community through the Ignat Kaneff Charitable Foundation — the IKCF golf tournament celebrated its 50th annual tournament in 2022, raising $100,000 this year alone for Community Living and they also ran a successful toy drive for the Peel Region Police over the holiday season.

Kick Start Therapy Inc.

Launced in 2011, Kick Start Therapy is a pediatric speech therapy practice in Brampton. Owner Seema Shah specializes in working with children of all ages and their families by teaching caregivers strategies for language stimulation through play and everyday routines. Seema is grateful to be able to work with children and have an impact that will change their lives in an everlasting way. She believes all children can learn, and that it is important to set challenging but achievable goals to not underestimate their potential. With the help of her multidisciplinary team of Speech-Language Pathologists, Behavioural Consultants, ABA therapists, Occupational Therapists and many more rehabilitation therapists, Seema provides individualized and evidence-based therapy services to help children succeed in their speech therapy needs. Kick Start also provides special care and support to parents with special needs children by helping them thrive in their daily lives and navigate through available provincial support for autism. Their work has had a positive impact on the lives of parents and children in Brampton and they received the Brampton Guardian Reader’s choice Diamond award for 2022.

Laser Cosmetics and Pain Treatment Clinic

Laser Cosmetics and Pain Treatment Clinic deals with cosmetic health and wellness. The company started 20 years ago with no employees and limited services, and has grown to its full potential, having treated thousands of patients — many of whom were refused care elsewhere. The clinic has treated people with vitiligo, surgical scars, keloid scars, eczema and many other issues and has been integral in helping improve the lives of patients living with chronic pain, such as those suffering from carpal tunnel and living a life of disability. The clinic’s laser treatments have been extremely successful in treating acute pain and helping patients gain a new lease on life. Treatments are permanent and the impacts are sustainable. Additionally, the clinic has treated thousands of people with addiction who are now living their life without any kind of dependency — a 96% success rate in just one laser treatment. The company now specializes in treating Post Covid-19 pain, especially Myalgia. Dr. Indira Khurana’s research on Post Covid-19 pain with laser was accepted and published in the International Journal of Communicable Diseases in September 2021. The clinic has also been involved in a number of local initiatives, including distributing free meals, supporting charities, and donating $25,000 to hospitals.

See the work we’re doing within our communities: Alectra.com /AlectraCARES

Love & Nudes

Founded in Brampton, Love & Nudes is Canada’s first Black-owned, skin-tone lingerie brand for women of colour that is grounded in purpose, not just profit. Founder Chantal Carter started with a vision of making intimate fashion more inclusive, and most recently, the brand is striving to make healthcare more inclusive with a new collection that helps women of colour visualize symptoms of breast cancer sooner. Launched via a successful crowdfunding campaign, Love & Nudes is manufactured in a woman-owned, woman-lead facility in Colombia that is clean, offers a fair wage and good working conditions, and also primarily hires single mothers. Her finished goods are then imported and warehoused in Brampton. Having secured investment from CBC’s Dragon’s Den and earned distribution deals with iconic retailers including The Bay and Winners, Love & Nudes is a shining example of a small business that launched in 2017 with support from Brampton’s start-up ecosystem and has since helped to inspire and support other local entrepreneurs.

if banking could be customized for my business?

Mansoor Mirza has served his profession and local community in many ways such as developing and mentoring new realtors in the industry regardless of the brokerage they belong to. For the last two years, he has also hosted Facebook live sessions every Sunday to educate consumers about real estate and mortgages. Since 2020, he has served on the Real Estate Arbitration Panel and Appeal panel as a volunteer to contribute to his profession and OAFM (Ontario Association of Family Mediators) where, in this role as a family mediator, he has helped his community to mediate domestic issues in an affordable way. He is also part of the Brampton Board of Trade and the Rotary Club Of Brampton. Additionally, Mansoor offers free weekly facebook live math lessons where hundreds of students have participated and has been involved in the city’s Adopt-A-Park program for over eight years where he has organized three park cleanups a year, inviting local residents and bringing awareness about the importance of cleaning up our environment.

RevolutionHER

RevolutionHER is passionate about supporting women and youth, advocating on behalf of global issues facing females, creating tailored events, custom experiences and impactful resources, and providing a safe space for inspiration, education, and empowerment for all women across every aspect of their lives. In 2010, the business started as the Mompreneur Group and in March of 2020, they rebranded to RevolutionHER. Their inaugural pop-up store at Bramalea City Centre was open to the public from Nov-Dec, 2022 where they provided a unique shopping experience just in time for the busy holiday season. Providing products from 45+ women-owned businesses, and showcasing 250+ products — all for women, by women, in support of women. As a result of the pop up, RevolutionHER’s Community in Brampton grew and they have been able to connect over 1,000 shoppers with other likeminded women from all walks of life as a result of their shopping experience and from attending in-store events. These women now have access to online resources covering selfcare, recipes, leadership, careers and running a business. Members of the RevolutionHER community also receive exclusive access to an online Event Series, featuring impactful female leaders from around the globe.

Riocan Management Inc. — Shoppers World Brampton

Shoppers World Brampton prides itself in making corporate social responsibility a part of their company’s footprint through their “Shoppers World Brampton Cares” program. An important initiative includes Electrobac, an e-waste recycling program that accepts small electronics, chargers and over 100 other types of small e-waste which has resulted in diverging 111 pounds and 644 items from the landfill in 2022. Additionally, their rooftop beehive installation in collaboration with Backed by Bees, is home to thousands of bees, which keeps them healthy and the environment thriving. The Hub is a community space to learn about the redevelopment and where non-profit organizations can host events. In recent months, they held a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event in partnership with the Peel Regional Police and a free meditation experience hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation. They have also collected and/or contributed over $10,000 to community partners such as Toys for Tots, Canadian Tire Jumpstart and Tim Hortons Foundations Camp through the donation of space, time and expertise.

The Academy For First Aid and Safety

The Academy for First Aid and Safety originated in Toronto in 2016, expanded into Brampton in 2020 and now a 6th branch is in development for Mississauga. The company has trained thousands of Brampton residents in life saving health and safety skills. Although it is not known exactly how many lives have been saved in total, there are 5 confimed cases of lives being saved due to first aid skills learned and applied in the Brampton community. The most recent was a new father saving his own newborn from choking due to the first aid training he received. Due to the knowledge passed on to Brampton residents, the quality of pre-hospital care has increased and as a result, lives are saved. The company encourages everyone to have medical supplies at home and to prepare for natural disasters ahead of time. This results in less wait times and less crowding at Brampton hospitals. As life-saving knowledge is passed on to more Brampton residents, the more powerful the Brampton community becomes and quality of life increases.

Service Excellence

Brampton’s thriving service industry is dedicated to delivering essential services and experiences which support and promote the well-being of our community. Brampton’s service sector is integral to our city’s growing economy as they serve the needs of our city’s diverse businesses and customer demands.

Astra Medicare

Astra Medicare cosmetic clinic uses state-of-the-art, medical-grade, FDA-approved technologies to provide the latest advancements in laser aesthetics, beauty & body shaping, and wellness services. They are a leading provider of multiple skincare solutions offered by their professional staff, including physicians, registered nurse practitioners and medical aestheticians. Their goal is to provide effective and safe procedures in a comfortable and relaxed environment, leading to optimal results. Astra is the largest luxury Medical and Rehab & Wellness facility in downtown Brampton. With a combined experience of over 32 years, their knowledgeable and welcoming staff are there to ensure comfort and results. Astra’s patients range in age from teenagers to those over 65+, and they assist both men and women in their health care journey. Recently, Astra has expanded to provide personal gynaecological health care for women to aid with female reproductive issues. Astra’s goal is to increase the quality of life for their patients and they have done that for over 5 years in Brampton, having received the Top Choice Award Mark of Excellence twice, as well as Best Business of 2022.

Bioped Brampton

BioPed Brampton is focused on improving the lives of Brampton residents one foot at a time. With Diabetes being very prominent in Brampton and on the rise, they provide a crucial service to patients suffering from this disease but also those in need of general foot and lower limb care. BioPed is also very community minded and have supported charities such as Soles 4 Souls, with whom they partnered in 2022. Bioped Brampton executed shoe drives with 10 local elementary and secondary schools, collecting a total of 6,725 pairs of shoes which were sent to countries including Haiti and Honduras. This contribution also saved approximately 201,750 lbs of CO2 emissions, and kept 8,400 lbs of textiles out of landfills. BioPed is also affiliated with Easter Seals, having organized a community walk to raise funds to send kids with disabilities to camp. With a staff of 9 and plans for a second Brampton location to open in the summer of 2023, they are truly making an impact on the Brampton community and beyond. BioPed Brampton believes it is extremely important to mentor the next generation of Pedorthists. This year, they have hosted 6 post-secondary co-op and pedorthic students who have gained valuable workplace experience through their placements.

Daniels Sharpsmart Canada Limited

Daniels Sharpsmart Canada Limited was launched in Brampton in 2001 and was the company’s first commercial launch in North America. Today, Daniels now delivers high-quality, safe and sustainable products and services to all levels of healthcare throughout Canada — from the Maritimes to BC and throughout the U.S. From surgical centres through to long-term care and multi-site hospitals, Daniels has a versatile offering that caters for the containment, transport and disposal of all healthcare-generated waste streams, including biomedical waste, world-leading sharps disposal solutions via their patented sharps containers, hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceuticals and nationally leading solutions for cytotoxic waste. Through training, education, compliance and the provision of the safest containment solutions for biomedical and biohazardous waste in Canada, Daniels is a leading healthcare waste management provider to Ontario-based healthcare facilities.

Essential Massage & Wellness Clinic

Essential Wellness is a family-based practice which provides excellent care and service, as well as referrals with other Healthcare providers in order to help people manage their health and live their lives to the fullest. Owner Crystal McCoy is not only a Registered Massage Therapist, but also holds certification as a LSP (Doula) and as a Thai Massage Practitioner, as well as in Ultrasound & Muscle Stim Therapy and Kinesiology Taping. She takes great pride in results-based, education-focused therapy for all her patients. With over 17 years experience in the industry, Essential Massage & Wellness Clinic has been awarded the SUBY top 3 ‘Best Businesses in Brampton,’ and has been recognized for participating in the mental health program at BCH. The business has also held an additional clinic at Holland Christian Homes for 15 years, working with independent living seniors as well as those in palliative care. Over the years, the business has been involved in the Brampton farmers market, car shows, parades, and sponsoring local children’s sports teams. They always welcome new patients through their doors embracing the mission that the more people they can help, the better!

Lexington Canada

Launched in January 2020, with 64 Franchises and 620+ employees, over 30,000 sites have been disinfected from Covid 19 as a result of Lexington Canada. Committed to battling the Covid-19 virus in Ontario, Lexington provides the Brampton community with a safe solution and provides more than a service — it provides a sense of security and creates a social, cultural and environmental impact. In addition to his career achievements, owner Gurpreet Pabla was also recognized by the Brampton Board of Trade’s Top 40 under 40 in June 2018, and received numerous certificates of recognition for community service from Mayor John Tory, Mayor Linda Jeffrey and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

MD Food Transporting Ltd

MD Food Transporting has contracts with some of the world’s biggest meat suppliers/ processing plants and provides an essential service by storing and delivering food products to every major grocery store and restaurant in Brampton. The business has built a great work culture, integrating a diverse staff and making sure the team collaborates well in order to provide excellent service to Brampton. The company can also be relied on for ‘next-day’ deliveries, which helps eliminate supply-chain issues and ensures that Brampton’s grocery stores and restaurants are able to operate and feed Brampton residents with the freshest ingredients. In fact, there is a good chance that every resident, at one point, has consumed food handled by MD food transport. During the pandemic, MD maintained its essential service and proudly served the Brampton area by delivering on a daily basis.

nominee in the Community Builder category

Shoppers World Brampton is proud to be a

My Bollywood Body

My Bollywood Body is a fitness facility with a global following of 5 million on social media. Their mantra is ‘Health is Wealth’ and with a fully equipped 24/7 fitness facility, the gym provides their clients with state-of-the-art equipment. The head trainer has been training clients for over 2 decades and the team has supported clients with disabilities, amputations and those with serious health conditions in their health journey. With a focus on making a difference in people’s lives, they embrace a strict policy of no judgment in order to make everyone comfortable. As one of the best gyms in Peel Region, they received the consumer choice award for 2023 and their success shows on their Google reviews. They have been featured in over 200 publications globally and train many celebrities – in fact, My Bollywood Body brought Kevin Hart to the gym in 2020, which went viral. The gym and team also help within the community with various fundraising and food drive campaigns.

MY BOLLYWOOD BODY

Phoenix Custom Autobody

Since 2002, Phoenix Custom Autobody — an award-winning auto body shop —has been serving customers in the Brampton area. With ten work bays and over 4,200 square feet, their shop features state-of-the-art equipment, a skilled team of experts qualified by years of experience in collision repair, and a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement that meets the evolving repair requirements of today’s cars and light trucks. The company specializes in all areas of auto body repair with a particular emphasis on insurance-direct repairs, repairs prior to lease return, and fleet maintenance. Moreover, the company uses waterborne paints that don’t harm the environment which sets a new bar for caring about the environment in the autobody business. Phoenix Autobody has always provided an exceptional experience when it comes to helping customers at their most vulnerable moments and ensures their customers have a seamless experience. Phoenix Custom Autobody annually supports Cruisin’ for a Cure, a one-day car show to increase awareness and raise funds for prostate cancer, is an annual sponsor of several local youth sports teams, and participates in Co-op Education Programs with local high schools.

Tokyo Smoke Bramalea City Center

Tokyo Smoke has been proudly serving the customers of Brampton since November of 2021. As the first and only dispensary found within the mall, they have enjoyed the opportunity to provide and facilitate the exchange of wisdom so people can make informed purchases; they emphasize connection, transparency and integrity and regularly bring in experts from the industry to help educate customers to help make memorable, enlightening experiences. More than anything, Tokyo Smoke has created an environment within the Bramalea City Center that provides a safe experience for everyone. They have also introduced various event days including a Seniors Day in which they provide insight into various wellness products as well as a Students Day to provide education on how to indulge safely. Most recently, they have implemented First Responder Days because those on the front lines deserve to be recognized for the good they do on a daily basis. Tokyo Smoke creates a culture of warmth to empower conscious, confident cannabis shopping and consumption without stigma, intimidation or pressure. Bridging the gap of uncertainty and stigma around Cannabis, they support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Dynacare proudly supports the healthy lives of the Brampton community, through

• Workplace wellness and occupational safety programs

• Diabetes prevention initiatives in partnership with Diabetes Canada

• Laboratory testing for Brampton residents, healthcare providers and hospitals

• Career opportunities within our laboratory and head office

For more information, please visit dynacare.ca.

Retail Experience

The ‘support local’ slogan brings new and necessary focus to the importance of retail — and the potential prosperity that comes through community re-investment. Brampton’s bustling and expansive range of retail businesses provide an enormous assortment of goods, services and experiences. The businesses in this category are ceaselessly customer-centric and forward-thinking, anticipating the needs and wants of the Brampton community in all facets of life.

Chawla’s

Launched in 2013, Chawla’s restaurant has made a lasting impact on the Indian and Hakka Chinese food scene in Brampton and is a great example of how a new immigrant can succeed in Canada after 10 successful years. Owner and Chef Naam is owner of 3 well-known restaurants which all operate from the same retail plaza. This has contributed to increased business for neighboring businesses, and their presence has enhanced the level of Indian restaurants in Brampton in terms of variety, innovation and exceptional taste. Food innovation is Nam’s hallmark and he has introduced many new dishes to Brampton inlcuding ‘momos’. Moreover, Naam has trained many people in his restaurants over the years — always prioritizing people from the local community and has provided employment to 50 people in Brampton. Chawla’s is also well known in the community for supporting new immigrants and refugees.

Brampton’s hub for innovative learning

Create new opportunities

Producing quality carbon steel parts for large OEM customers

Plasma, Laser, Oxyfuel Cutting, Forming, Beveling and Machining

Proud community supporter of the Business Excellence Awards

Dress People

Dress People is Brampton’s special occasion headquarters with over 30 years of experience and over 5,000 dresses in stock, from size 0 to 30. Since 1984, Dress People has been a pillar of fashion in downtown Brampton, customizing each customer’s experience and fashion and have won many awards: Top Choice Awards 2016–2019 and The Brampton Guardian Reader’s Choice Award in 2018. Dress People has served and supported women in all areas of their lives – from sweet sixteens and proms, to business and gala attire, and of course, Bridal and bridesmaids gowns. They offer prices that are affordable to the general public and over the years, Dress People has locally sourced their clothing from Canadian designers such as Frank Lyman and Joseph Ribkoff. They employ talent such as seamstresses and offer sewing classes to those who want to learn. A one-stop-shop for all sizes and budgets, Dress People is a leader in Brampton’s retail sector.

with Toronto Metropolitan University.

Visionaries. Change-makers. Communit y builders.

Congratulations to the winners of the Brampton Board of Trade’s 2023 Business Excellence Awards. Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber support Brampton’s t hriving ser vice industry and applaud t hose delivering e ssential services to promote the well-being of Brampton’s community. humber.ca.

guelphhumber.ca

Favourite Salon & Spa

Co-owner Anjali Kansal opened this establishment in 2015 and 8 years later, has 8 employees that were either newcomers to Canada or needed that first break in the beauty industry. Her veteran employees have combined experience of nearly 50 years, which speaks volumes for a salon. From regular donations to shelter homes, to helping ensure her employees and customers in medical fields were taken care of during COVID, Anjali goes above and beyond for customer service. She supports local, makes sure all suppliers are small businesses needing a boost, makes regular donations to various charitable causes and ensures Favourite Salon & Spa is a safe space for employees and customers — a great business that’s making an impact in the community.

Jamie’s Cracked Corn

To make the famous, great tasting Jamie’s Cracked Corn, you start with the very best of ingredients – mushroom popcorn, organic sugar, sea salt and Canadian canola oil. Blend these superior products with knowledge and experience, and you will have a sweet and salty delight for your taste buds which are gluten-free, nut-free, trans fat-free, dairy-free, cholesterol-free, and GMO-free. You will know Jamie’s Cracked Corn are at an event (such as the Brampton Farmers Market) by the irresistible aroma of their cracked corn drifting through the air. Since they took over the business, the Tait Family have released many new flavours and built strong partnerships with other local small businesses who now proudly carry their popcorn. You’ll find them proudly set up at many Brampton events, the Brampton farmers market, the Toronto Premium Outlet Mall and at various charity events around the city. Jamie’s Cracked Corn is also very involved in giving back to the community with their support of Bethel Hospice, Regeneration and donating popcorn to various school fundraising initiatives.

OccaSSions

In the world of business, it’s all about location. However, OccaSSions has proven that with a great work ethic and building a strong relationship with the community, you can overcome one of the biggest challenges a business can have. Being there for the community has demonstrated excellence in small business and since launching, OccaSSions has had many achievements such as creating cookies for Madonna, being in a movie alongside Tia and Tamara Mowry, creating a cake for Universal Studio Canada, and having the opportunity to provide the City of Brampton with a large cupcake mosaic of the Canadian flag. OccaSSions has also made an impact by supporting mental health for children and youth in the community. Working with EveryMind (formerly known as Peel Children’s Centre), OccaSSions has been rasing funds to support mental health since 2010 with funds raised providing counselling to several children and teens in our community. OccaSSions has also helped several other organizations such as The Journey, The Knights Table, Credit Valley Conservation, Boys and Girls Club and many more.

Pure Lush Designs & Co.

Pure Lush Designs & Co. started out as a small family décor business 12 years ago and within that time period, the company acquired 2 additional companies - Serendipity Event Space and Lush Flowers Boutique. Managing three functional business areas, Melissa has provided quality customer service, along with the latest technology tools, and is constantly supporting staff with on-going training and development. Along with supporting the Brampton community at large with the implementation and continuous growth in business, these new and enhanced structures resulted in being awarded 2023 Top Choice Award for Wedding Décor.

Keeping supply chains flowing in a world of change

Restyle Beauty Boutique

Restyle is a mother-daughter duo who opened their doors in 2016 as a consignment boutique specializing in designer fashion, previously-loved fashion, accessories, furniture, locally sourced gifts and home décor. Restyle Beauty Boutique has been a pillar of the downtown Brampton community for over 6 years, with a vision for empowering women in the community and building up community pride. The boutique curates gift packages and offers wellness and creative workshops. As Brampton is their home, they always feature local vendors and provide an ‘event hub’ for the city. They are also passionate about raising awareness and funds with their yearly event, ‘Fashion for the Cure’. In 2022, they were able to bring together 170+ women from all walks of life to collectively raise $20,000 for Wellspring Chinguacousy Cancer Centre — a fundraiser Evie began over 19 years ago. Additionally, any unsold clothing items are donated back to the community to regenbrampton and they have recently partnered with the shoeboxproject.

Ricks Good Eats

Rick’s Good Eats has brought an authentic and innovative flare to the retail/restaurant industry with his home style Punjabi-Canadian cuisine — always with a fusion twist. Small batches, handmade, fresh ingredients and bold flavours can be found on offer at his local restaurant straddling the border between Brampton and Mississauga, or on order from his food truck at one of the GTA’s many events and festivals. Since winning Canada’s prestigious ‘Recipe to Riches’ competition with his now infamous ‘butter chicken lasagne,’ Rick has been honing his craft and building a movement in the GTA’s rising food scene and was featured on the food network’s BigFoodBucketlist. Rick also furthers this effort of showcasing Brampton’s incredible food scene and amazing talent by hosting pop-up food events internationally and partnering with multinational grocery chains with his recipes.

Salon Safari & Spa

Salon Safari & Spa started business in September of 1987 (Hair Safari) as a small salon with 3 employees and for 18 years, they slowly built the business up. In September 2005, a bigger space became available which allowed them to expand and currently employ 10 people. Now entering their 35th year in business in Brampton, they are proud of all the positive reviews they received from the community and also grateful they won the ‘Top 3 Best Rated Hair Salon Business in Brampton award’ twice, as well as being the winner of the Toronto Hair and Beauty awards in 2018 for being The Best Hair Salon in Peel. By running a business in Brampton for over 35 years, they created numerous referrals from their clients, which in turn have allowed them to hire more staff, consequently supporting the employment industry in the City of Brampton. Salon Safari & Spa has also supported co-op programs for students wishing to enter the industry and subsequently welcomed many to their team.

Segovia Coffee Co. Inc.

Locally-driven and Latin-inspired, Segovia Coffee Company has grown into a popular coffee supplier in the GTA since 2015. The 100% Arabica beans are imported directly from the mountainous Nueva Segovia region of their home country, Nicaragua, and because the beans are imported from high-elevation mountains, they are denser and sweeter. Moreover, by having a close affiliation with one of the most successful coffee growers in Nicaragua, Segovia Coffee Company is directly involved in the process and selection of their beans, which are ethically grown, and produced with the use of ecologically-friendly fertilizers and compost. Local demand continues to grow in the Latin-inspired, customer-friendly cafe in Brampton, which adds to the exciting diversity of Brampton. Having recently moved to the iconic old post office at four corners in Brampton, they have created a space where local artists exhibit, musicians perform and where the community comes together.

Whaley Sweet Scents

Whaley Sweet Scents specializes in producing hand-poured, soy-based candles which are more sustainable and cleaner for the environment. Owner Samantha is an advocate for using quality products and sustainable materials. Often thrifting and using upcycled jars, Whaley Sweet Scents keeps her business as green as possible. Having started her business three years ago, Samantha provides the Brampton community and beyond with a wide range of candle scents that brighten up any room.

Whaley Sweet Scents

SEGOVIA COF FEE CO.

Smart Solutions

The businesses operating within this space are our eyes into the future. Highly creative and strategic, these nominees have achieved excellence in the area of digital transformation. Responding to constant shifts in their fields of expertise, these companies have researched, discovered and adopted new and innovative technologies in order to improve efficiency, provide value and ultimately evolve their business.

Cutter & Buck Canada

Cutter & Buck Canada moved their Canadian Headquarters to Brampton in 2017, and currently operates with only 14 full-time employees in the Distribution Centre. Because of their incredibly innovative and efficient systems, they can potentially increase their production by more than 50% without increasing the number of employees. The Distribution Centre is a state-of-the-art facility with 32-foot ceilings and very narrow aisles (VNA). This allows for the smallest possible footprint, and the most efficient use of space. One of the largest costs is land, so it makes sense to go as high as you can. Cutter & Buck’s integrated system tells the order picker the number and size of boxes required prior to picking and sorts the orders accordingly. This allows for maximum efficiency as the order passes through every stage of production. A guide wire buried in the concrete keeps the machine safely between the racks, with centimeters to spare and the GPS system directs the machine where it needs to travel to, following the most efficient picking path available — a first-of-its-kind in Ontario and second in Canada.

eiamplified

Ei Amplified is a company that provides advanced data analytics to help understand a range of issues affecting a multitude of populations. The company’s primary focus is on utilizing advanced analytics within the field of education, specifically by studying language. To achieve this, they have developed a technology that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze text and categorize it according to various emotions and themes. Ei Amplified has gained extensive experience working with schools and not-for-profit organizations and their expertise lies in assessing and promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, well-being and community advocacy. The company also collaborates with other businesses to provide services such as employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and market research, which can help organizations secure funding. Ei Amplified has had a positive impact on Brampton’s community by working with Peel Crime Stoppers to conduct safety assessments for seniors, and collaborating with Eden Food for Change to conduct a study on improving access to food. In 2021, Ei Amplified was awarded the title of Canadian EdTech Startup of the Year.

J D Factors Corporation

J D Factors has been in business for over 30 years and has supported over 500 business in Brampton with accounts receivables financing. J D Factors makes it very simple for corporations to get financing for their accounts receivables in the start-up or growth stage. Everything can be submitted digitally and virtually, which has allowed many companies in various sectors such as transportation, manufacturing and staffing to be cashflow positive, pay priority payables and grow to the next level without having to wait 2 years for traditional financing products like lines of credit. Many companies have survived their first year due to the positive cashflow they were able to get from J D Factors’ non-recourse factoring product. J D Factors is the only premium, non-recourse factoring company in Canada, having funded 62 companies for a total in over $2B in receivables in 2022.

Scooty

Scooty uses smart technologies and solutions to resolve mobility challenges. They collaborate with community stakeholders using their Safety, Courtesy, Partnership approach and their promotion and dedication to electric transportation and transit integration shows its commitment to a cleaner environment and emissions reduction in Brampton. There are still many trips in Brampton that use carbon-based sources, and Scooty is determined to not only offer alternatives, but to show that their smart solutions can work well in Brampton’s communities. SCOOTY is also improving equity through mobility. By providing e-Scooter connections to community amenities, they make it easier for the community to get around without driving. Building this new awareness is an important step that will change our mobility culture and move more people toward better and smarter mobility options. Scooty is also creating direct and indirect jobs in Brampton through micromobility and promotion of local businesses and tourism. This supports their goal of improving quality of life in Brampton in a simple, sustainable, and smart way.

TTEC Computers INC

Today’s Technology (TTEC) has been serving the GTA area since 2004, delivering a comprehensive suite of Managed IT, Professional IT, Procurement, Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery, Cloud and VoIP services to small and medium-sized businesses. From building custom solutions to maintaining networks — TTEC supports clients with a variety of personalized solutions and within all sectors including healthcare, dental, legal, transport, not-for-profit and the government sector. Being an IT solutions provider for over 10+ years, their experience has allowed them to build and develop the infrastructure needed to keep their prices affordable and unmatched in the industry. As IT is a vital part of doing business and is required by every company and organization to operate, partnering with TTEC allows clients to focus more on the growth and success of their business. Outsourcing IT Management that meets specific business needs helps reduce costs and increases productivity in the long run. TTEC was rated in the Top Three IT services in Brampton 2019, 2020 and 2021.

TTEC Computers INC

Global Trade Impact

These companies are putting Canada on the map and making Brampton an internationally recognized name – not an easy feat within a dynamic and competitive global marketplace. Versatile, ever-changing and highly strategic, these businesses are distinguishing themselves abroad and bringing Brampton to the world.

Hanson Canada

Hanson Canada is an educational institution offering premier education solutions for international students and has been operating for more than 22 years in Brampton. In that time, Hanson has successfully graduated over 25,000 international students who have completed diplomas in career-focused programs that have enabled them to invest and contribute back to the Brampton community and businesses alike. Each program offered has integrated pathways for student success, whether they continue education by entering Canadian universities, or participate in Canada’s job market. With their expert faculty and committed staff, they have been able to teach their students specific skills to support the workforce required by Brampton businesses. Hanson Canada’s mission is to change life trajectories through education for generational impact in the global community to ensure they enrich the local communities. They are proud contributors and donors to local charities, supporting them through funding, volunteer services and co-op work with their students.

Magna International

Having launched in 1957, Magna International is the largest automotive supplier in North America with 343 manufacturing operations across 29 countries and 168,000 employees. Locally, Magna been operating in Brampton for more than twenty-seven years and has expanded across six locations, employing more than 2,000 people. The company most recently announced a historic investment in Ontario to produce strategic components for electric vehicles, totaling $470 million and is constructing a new 490,000 square-foot leased facility in Brampton to manufacture battery enclosures for electric vehicles, creating 560 new jobs. Magna has made a significant impact in the Brampton community through its workforce and community involvement initiatives including the Skilled Trades Centre at Sheridan College’s Brampton campus which supports community members interested in a career in manufacturing. In addition, Magna is dedicated to supporting programs and organizations that make a difference in people’s lives by matching team donations to qualified non-profits including SickKids Foundation, Youth Without Shelter, and Indspire, a charity that invests in education for indigenous people.

Vintech Ltd

Dilip has been an ardent supporter of helping Brampton’s SME sector grow their global footprint ever since the Brampton Board of Trade launched its International Trade and Investment committee. Since his business began in 1995, Dilip continues to promote Brampton-based businesses through his efforts as a colleague and a mentor and has expanded operations to India, China, the UAE, the U.S. and the EU. Dilip is also very involved in supporting fundraising for local causes through Rotary.

Environmental Sustainability

Brampton business owners understand that while growth and profitability are the keys to success, they must also do their part to protect the environment and consider broader society in how they manage their operations. Many local leaders are increasing their focus on climate and environmental sustainability by making conscious choices in all facets of their business — for the betterment of Brampton and beyond

Chateau Neuf

Château Neuf is committed to the sustainable fashion movement, creating a diverse portfolio of sustainable fashion products to help encourage more thoughtful and meaningful decisions that will be filtered into the community — shifting both the present and future industry’s mindset towards the well-being of their environment. The company’s objective is to educate the community on how to make intentional and meaningful decisions through the concept of sustainability; choosing slow fashion versus fast fashion, practicing more upcycling and recycling and giving new purpose to items that would be discarded into the landfill. The company has participated in several events within the community, introducing new, innovative ways to use sustainable materials and methods that can involve reducing waste and highlighting that sustainability is not just limited to ecological materials but also includes non-recycled materials. Château Neuf recently received the creative star award 2022 at the Entrepreneur Awards presented by Canada vendors.

Cutter & Buck Canada

To better serve Canadian customers, Cutter & Buck Canada opened a new facility in Brampton in 2017, measuring 75,000 sq. ft. and housing over 1 million units of inventory. Cutter & Buck believes in treating all people with respect and dignity and expect their suppliers to uphold similar values as they seek vendors that strive to maintain sustainable social and environmental business practices, believing responsible organizations are better equipped to succeed and prosper in a rapidly changing world. Cutter & Buck is committed to enuring workers have a safe workplace with a code of conduct and a fair wage, as well as a supply chain focusing on product safety, environmental sustainability and safeguards from intrusion. CEO Shane Brett also volunteers as a mentor for young entrepreneurs through the Futurpreneur Program, providing business advice to help young entrepreneurs remain focused on what is important for the success of their business. In 2022 Cutter & Buck was recognized as a Certified Living Wage Employer, and are also involved in a 1 for 1 Winter Jacket campaign, donating one warm jacket for every jacket sold on cutterbuck.ca in November 2022 to Regeneration Brampton and Out of the Cold.

Help a Girl Out (HAGO)

Help A Girl Out (HAGO)’s mission is to address menstrual inequality in Canada and beyond and impacts the city of Brampton through their sewing classes, educational workshops, environmental advocacy, and extensive community involvement. As an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit, HAGO regularly collaborates with public libraries in Brampton and Mississauga to organize sewing classes for the community in support of The Reusables Project, which aims to create and distribute 3,000 high-quality reusable pads to women in Brampton, Canada, and overseas in Africa. These classes teach valuable skills and raise awareness about reusable menstrual hygiene and how they are a sustainable and affordable alternative to single-use products. With over 35 successful classes completed, HAGO has made a tremendous impact on the local community and the environment. Additionally, HAGO hosts educational workshops to spread awareness about menstrual inequities and the environmental impacts of single-use menstrual products. In 2022, HAGO was awarded the Business Excellence Award in Community Impact for their work.

Scooty

SCOOTY was the first e-Scooter company to look at how micromobility and e-Scooter services could be fully integrated into mobility, innovation and sustainability. They focused on integration with community stakeholders, e-Scooter-as-a-Service for developers/property owners and received provincial and federal funding to promote and support the development of active transportation and zero-emissions micromobility. Having introduced micromobility to Brampton in 2020 with a pilot project, they successfully demonstrated that micromobility and e-Scooters are an innovative mobility solution for the longer distances associated with suburban living. They have also promoted micromobility as a way to connect people to transit and travel locally without needing to drive, and are showing Brampton that micromobility will support Brampton’s 2040 Vision for a mosaic of sustainable, connected communities. As BIPOC entrepreneurs who have honed their vision in Brampton, they chose to focus their efforts on building partnerships with Brampton stakeholders and launching operations in Brampton to demonstrate to their industry, entrepreneurs and global investors that Brampton is a great place to invest and an exciting place to be. Now that Scooty has received an official permit, full operations began in Brampton for April 2023.

Whaley Sweet Scents

Whaley Sweet Scents specializes in producing hand-poured, soy-based candles which are more sustainable and cleaner for the environment. Owner Samantha is an advocate for using quality products and sustainable materials. Often thrifting and using upcycled jars, Whaley Sweet Scents keeps her business as green as possible. Having started her business three years ago, Samantha provides the Brampton community and beyond with a wide range of candle scents that brighten up any room.

Whaley Sweet Scents

Zochem ULC

Zochem ULC is a chemical manufacturer who is actively implementing and testing new technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. They recycle, consume, re-purpose and sell all of their process by-products. Zochem exports shipments of their products all over the world, where the brand equity in the zinc oxide industry has reached new bounds. Zochem has built its sustainability story on safety and environmental compliance, and is currently considered the leader in safety and quality. The foundation of their success and leadership is a focus on people, community, and being the standard for all things zinc oxide. Zochem’s core values are rooted in their integrity and are driven by an immeasurable passion for perfection. The safety of their team members and the environment will always take precedence, while the quality of their product and services will be second to none. They know that zinc oxide is essential to everyday life and their intent is to help make the planet a little better with each passing day. They continually encourage innovative change and the empowerment of every employee to cohesively create and deliver the absolute best zinc oxide in the world, while having a positive impact on the community and the environment. They are a long time supporter of several local charities.

Culture Experience

Brampton’s diverse population of 234 different cultures and 115 different languages is one of the most ethnically diverse populations in Canada. A vibrant city boasting a rich mosaic of sounds, tastes and colours, this category recognizes eligible organizations in the arts, recreation, culture and hospitality industries that inspire our senses and ignite our interests.

ASA Meats and West Indian Groceries

Serving the GTA since 1991, ASA opened their Brampton branch in 2000 and is the one-stopshop in Brampton for all West Indian grocery needs. They guarantee freshness and quality products imported straight from the West Indies with premium cuts of meat, and a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and grocery items. There is also a bakery in-store, where their freshly baked pastries and delicacies will have you headed back for more. Their vision is to bring only the freshest and best quality products to their store, striving for excellence and upholding the highest standard for the services they offer. The business has worked hard to deliver a unique and quality-driven shopping experience for the West Indian Consumer, as well as those customers from the community seeking out products from the islands. Their sustainability is shown in their growth over the past 32 years, where they have expanded their operations and offerings to their customers, while keeping true to their vision. In essence, ASA brings the community together.

Astra Medicare

With their combined 30+ years of experience, Astra Medicare’s dedication to maintaining the highest standard of services and technologies available for their patients has been one of the major reasons the community of Brampton trusts this business so much. Ultimately, the company’s goal is to help their patients restore their natural, healthy and youthful appearance with customized treatment plans which are unique to each patient’s needs and desires. Astra Medicare has an extensive menu of cosmetic injectables and face/body treatments including thread lifts, botox, fillers, PRP, hair restoration, mesotherapy, micro needling, laser, facials, InMode face/body contouring, and The Perfect Dermapeel. Astra Medicare was awarded the Reach Three Award as one of top 3 medi-spas in Brampton. The business also embraces a diverse workforce, with representation from 11 countries currently on staff while also supporting recent Ukrainian refugees in Brampton with employment. This diversity allows the clinic to provide the Brampton community with excellent service and well-being.

Indian Yoga and Meditation Centre Inc

Through the studio’s traditional approach to yoga, people have been able to find a sense of peace and relaxation. The instructors have been able to help participants gain a deeper understanding of poses, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. The studio has also provided a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to practice yoga and has become a haven for those looking to de-stress, improve flexibility, and practice self-care. The students that attend not only find a way to improve their health and well being, but also find a community. After covid, as soon as the classes reopened, the students were eager to return — a positive indication of Indian Yoga and Meditation Centre’s community. The studio has been ranked in the top 3 yoga studios in Brampton for last couple of years.

The best way to support a community is to be a part of it.

At the heart of every community, you’ll find organizations fueled by committed people who are passionate about building a better future for us all. We are proud to support Brampton Board of Trade and the 2023 Brampton Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards.

Sweet Chandelier

Sweet Chandelier’s main mission is to promote community engagement with emphasis on great client experiences. The company’s main objective is to bring together members of the community with common interests. Sweet Chandelier has had the privilege of hosting many fundraising events to support local charities and one of their 2023 objectives is to work closely with non-profits to support their marketing and fundraising initiatives. Sweet Chandelier has continuously promoted community engagement with local individuals and businesses. They thrive on building strong client relationships within the community and provide experiences that encourage individuals to “shop local”. They also have a strong focus on sustainability and their marketing initiatives are close to 98% digital, with a very small percentage of print ads.

/ ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS111127

Workplace Wellness & Talent Development

With a purpose to develop and steward a meaningful culture of health, these nominees recognize the individual and their distinct needs in the workplace. In the wake of COVID-19, operational success has never been so reliant on employee and business well-being. These businesses provide consistent and comprehensive training, progressive opportunities and implement succession planning to encourage local leadership within the Brampton business community.

Metro Compactor Service

Launched in 1978 and with 151 employees, Metro Compactor Service is an industry leader in waste and recycling solutions, revolutionizing the industry with their iSMART technologies, service-first mentality, and their commitment to environmental stewardship. With Canada’s largest team of Service Technicians in waste equipment, this family-run business has developed cutting-edge technology that makes them a valuable contributor in the efforts to create economic and environmental sustainability to over 20,000 customers — both locally and across North America. Metro’s equipment is designed to handle various types of waste and is highly efficient, reducing the need for additional collection trucks and minimizing carbon emissions. This helps to reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution, improve the quality of the air we breathe, and ultimately leads to a more pleasant and healthier community — now and for years to come.

Reeves Auto

• Skin conditions:

◊ Eczema/Psoriasis

◊ Vitiligo

◊ Rosacea

◊ Acne/Scars

• Quit Smoking

• Nail Fungus

• Migraine

• Pain: Back, Shoulder, Knee

• Arthritis

• Cellulite/Body Fat

Brampton 700 Balmoral Drive #7 905-790-6998

Mississauga 3050 Artesian Drive #4 905-593-0770

LaserCosmeticsClinic.com

Spearheaded by Devonte Reeves, Reeves Auto has become a community staple with reasonable prices and exceptional customer experience. Devonte has made it his mission to hire young mechanical apprentices, new immigrants with mechanical expertise and new graduates from the mechanical engineering industry. By doing this, his employees develop both theory and practice in a safe and licensed space, so that later on, these practices become transferable work skills and these young mechanics can then venture out into the community with their newly acquired skills. Devonte takes everyone under his wings and personally teaches them the various steps of the business of auto mechanics. This company goes above and beyond to give Brampton citizens an opportunity to acquire skills to help them develop professionally and contribute to the community. Reeves Auto has been voted top 10 mechanic shop in Brampton by the local auto mechanic association.

Community Impact

An important pillar of our city is to support the lives of Brampton residents by helping improve access to opportunities and the essentials of life. These Not-for-Profit organizations are beacons of hope, focusing their efforts on social change and community development.

Brampton Meals on Wheels

Brampton Meals on Wheels is the oldest Meals on Wheels in Canada. Established in 1963 and celebrating 60 years this year, they serve the Brampton community and with 115 volunteers, they have delivered over 47,000 meals to 440 clients in the Brampton area. Brampton Meals on Wheels holds the vision of delivering quality care (meals and social contact) to people in their own homes where they are happiest — when and where they need care. By meeting nutritional need with efficiency and affordability (and in a friendly way) the resounding benefits are health, wellness, and enhanced quality of life. Additionally, discharge options are increased, prevention of health deterioration and hospitalization/long term care occurs, and community capacity is transformed. Brampton Meals on Wheels would like to say thank you to their hard-working volunteers, dedicated staff, community partners and wonderful clients for coming together during these trying times to support each other and our community.

Brampton Venture Zone

As a purpose-driven, non-equity incubator, Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) has incubated several groundbreaking technology startups and engaged with entrepreneurs with the potential to grow in international markets in the health &wellness, smart city, mobility & logistics, and food sustainability sectors. They have further gone on to create solutions that have significantly improved the quality of life of both people and businesses in the community of Brampton. Since launching, BVZ has incubated 39 companies from across Canada who have gone on to raise $4.17M in dilutive capital, launched 51 pilots with corporations in the Peel Region, and hired 68+ new employees. BVZ brought together key leaders from corporations in Brampton in the healthcare, smart city and logistics, and food sustainability sectors to discuss the most pressing problems in the community. They then invested time and resources into the growth of these groundbreaking technology startups, who went on to create solutions for these problems, contributing to the greater economic and social impact of both businesses and people in Brampton — and a catalyst for innovation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most notably, one startup played a crucial role in providing Peel Region residents with access to vaccines at local pharmacies during the pandemic.

Jasmin Felix - ReMax Realty Services

Prior to beginning a career in Real Estate and joining Team Move With Reason, Jasmin demonstrated her business acumen, first as a property tax specialist for the City of Brampton, and subsequently as a small-business entrepreneur of her own home daycare business. A self-described go-getter, Jasmin is known for her uncompromising service, determination and positive mindset and has cultivated and maintained many successful client relationships over the years. Jasmin was born and raised in Brampton and continues to live, work, play and contribute to the community in which she lives with her family. Supporting local charities, Jasmin Felix Realty’s focus on the community is in helping provide opportunities and basic necessities. In 2022, Jasmin Felix Realty organized a food drive and delivered 1,600 pounds of food to the Knights Table, the business provides monthly sponsorship to The Studio for their children’s crafts and fun nights to ensure everyone can participate, and they have supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York and the Terry Fox Foundation through donations and fundraising.

Perpetual Bazaar

While the bazaar initially started in 1974 by a women’s church group to sell handcrafted items, it soon became a social enterprise that supported local seniors and helped them to earn some ‘pin money’. The store now serves as a gathering place for Brampton’s seniors and a way to be a part of the Brampton community. Having a place to express creativity, foster community and participate in downtown Brampton activities provides a great outlet for the senior community. Innovative in their approach to the needs of the community and giving an outlet for over 250 seniors to continue crafting by selling their items on consignment, the store is run entirely by over 250 volunteers (the average age of Perpetual Bazaar’s volunteers is 80), seniors, and people with disabilities – giving a reason to get up in the morning to enjoy their love of crafting. Additionally, the organization arranges outreach programming teaching crafts, as well as assisting when called upon to provide handmade items for other community groups on request. Perpetual Bazaar is well known for participating in downtown Brampton events such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Trick-or-Treating and more.

Rotary Club of Brampton

Since 1940, the Rotary Club of Brampton has been made up of businesses and professionals who contribute their expertise to problems and needs of the community and support the club’s motto “Service Above Self.” Brampton’s community has been impacted with years of service-focused projects contributing to lasting change for its growth, serving the public interest, and supporting health care, education, the environment, recreation and youth leadership. With 64 active members, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Brampton represent the diversity of our community — private sector volunteers who come together year after year to support local and international socio-economic development initiatives. Current and recent initiatives include raising funds for Regen (while staffing the food bank as volunteers), awarding local high school students with bursaries, helping eliminate global polio, supporting the Children’s Aid Society as well as health care in South Africa and Nigeria. The Club’s support for local food banks, health care and education spans decades as they continue to help with food security while supporting employers through talent development and health.

Seva Food Bank

Seva Food Bank has just opened The Community Teaching Kitchen at the William G. Davis Centre for Families in Brampton, which allows them to host interactive cooking classes facilitated by a professional culinary chef. As Seva’s long-term goal is to create positive impact on food security for families and individuals in our community, clients now have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cooking while meeting new people. With the support of their partners, community members and employees, Seva focuses on reducing food insecurity and promoting healthy and culturally-appropriate food to meet the diverse needs of their clientele. The program is focused on newcomers to Canada, and they will also offer a youth program to help teach commercial kitchen skills and build up confidence. The location of this kitchen is also helping Seva maximize its impact in the community. In 2022, the program’s reach increased from serving more than 200 families to 900 a month (in Mississauga).

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