Ingersoll Chamber honours business excellence

Jaylen Seif, a young business person, took home the Youth Entrepreneur/Youth Citizen of the Year honour. The award was presented by Allan Simm, General Manager of Oxford Community Futures. (Custom Concept Photography Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Ingersoll District Chamber of Commerce hosted the 33rd Annual Awards of Excellence on October 16th at The Elm Hurst Inn and Spa. Here are the winners and nominees:

Business/Industry of the Year - Backyard By Design

Nominees: The Evergreen Coffee Lounge, Rose and Daffodil Bakery

Sponsored and Presented by POW Engineering

Agricultural Award - Steve Veldman

Nominees: DOT Foods Canada, Huron Commodities

Sponsored and Presented By Community Employment Services

President's Award - Dale Flynn

Sponsored and Presented By Ingersoll District Chamber of Commerce

Youth Entrepreneur/Youth Citizen of the Year - Jaylen Seif

Sponsored and Presented by Community Futures Oxford

Seif, founder of Jay’s Services, grew up in the Ajax, Pickering, and Whitby area before studying at Brock University and Niagara College. It was there that he met his wife, and in 2019, they moved to her hometown of Ingersoll to start their life together.

“When the pandemic hit and Jay was temporarily laid off from Marwood, he didn’t sit still. Instead, he put his energy into building something new. What began in 2021 as a few small junk removal and pressure washing jobs for friends and family quickly grew into a thriving business,” said a chamber news release.

Beyond business, Seif is deeply involved in the community.

“He donates his time to help residents who miss spring cleanup, assists local groups with park and trail maintenance, and offers free Christmas tree pickups. His newest initiative focuses on rehoming quality items from jobs that are too good to send to the landfill—helping others while keeping usable goods out of waste streams.”

Mark Warnick Citizen of the Year - Denise Keeley

Sponsored and Presented by The Ingersoll Rotary Club

Keeley has been a pillar of care and kindness in the community for more than 35 years. As a personal support worker and activity planner, she has dedicated her life to helping others — first through her work at Oxford Manor and Ingersoll Support Services, and now through her own business, Friends with 4 Wheels.

“Denise provides so much more than physical care — she offers friendship, dignity, and genuine connection to those she supports. Her compassion knows no bounds, and her work has brought joy, comfort, and independence to countless people in Ingersoll and the surrounding area,” said the chamber.

She once said, “They say if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life — I guess I haven’t worked since I delivered newspapers back in 1989.”

Her dedication, warmth, and selflessness truly embody the spirit of this award.

Ted Hunt - Large Industry of the Year - IMT Precision

Sponsored and Presented by The Town of Ingersoll