Woodstock Chamber celebrates excellence at annual business awards

The Woodstock Ingersoll Echo was presented with the Professional Services Award at last week’s Chamber of Commerce business awards dinner in Beachville. From left to right are Editor Lee Griffi, Publisher Stewart Grant, Advertising Representative/Distributer Sue Pieters and Salesperson Mamta Patel. (Chamber of Commerce Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Woodstock and District Chamber of Commerce hosted the 28th Annual Business Awards of Excellence on Nov. 5 in Beachville, celebrating the outstanding achievements of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a meaningful impact in the community.

The gala evening brought together business and community leaders for a night of recognition, inspiration, and connection, highlighting the innovation, leadership, and dedication that drive Woodstock’s business community forward.

“This was such an exciting evening of celebration for our local business community,” said Mike Crabbe, the chamber’s general manager. We have so many incredible businesses, organizations, and individuals working hard every day. Coming together to celebrate their impact and shine a light on their efforts is something we look forward to each year.”

Crabbe thanked everyone who took the time to nominate, vote, and support the event.

“Because of you, our businesses receive the much-deserved recognition for all they do. Congratulations to all the nominees, and we are thrilled for this year’s winners. We are also deeply grateful to our many sponsors, including OLG, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, FirstOntario Credit Union, Heart FM, MW and Co., Cornell Welding, and Anderson Automotive Group. We look forward to celebrating again next year as we continue to spotlight our incredible local business community.”

2025 Business Awards of Excellence Winners

Agri-Business Award – Sponsored by Farm Credit Canada

The award is presented to a business or individual within the local agricultural community who shows leadership and outstanding achievement within their sector. They will also show continuous improvement and commitment to the environment and the advancement and sustainability of the agricultural industry.

• Jakeman’s Maple Products

Commercial Retail Award – Sponsored by Fanshawe College Woodstock Campus Nominees

The award is presented to an individual or business that has demonstrated commitment, innovation and excellence in their field while providing outstanding customer service.

• The Thoughtful Artisan

Community Engagement Award – Sponsored by BDO Canada

The award will be given to an individual, business or non-profit organization that demonstrates outstanding commitment and involvement through endeavours for the betterment of the community and those who live within it.

• Operation Sharing

Food Service Award – Sponsored by Woodstock Print

The award will be given to an individual or business that engages in the preparation and delivery of food by exhibiting superior preparation, delivery and customer service.

• Little Caesars Pizza

Woodstock Manufacturing Award – Sponsored by the City of Woodstock

The award is presented to a manufacturing business that is a recognized force in its industry while introducing efficient internal programs, including apprentice programs and/or recent successful launches of new products or product lines.

• Vuteq

New Business Award – Sponsored by Maglin Site Furniture

The award will be given to a new business created in the last three years and/or business owner who has demonstrated a level of financial risk and created opportunities for employment

• Cheesy Cow Company

Professional Services Award – Sponsored by Bossy Nagy Group

The award is presented to individuals or companies that have shown business growth, job creation, and concern for employee relations and education, customer service, quality, community and charitable involvement.

• Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

“It takes a special community to have a start-up print newspaper succeed in this internet era. My sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us, from readers to advertisers alike. We couldn’t do it without you,” explained publisher Stewart Grant.

“I’m very proud of our local team for consistently putting out an interesting and informative newspaper. I also know that the best days for the Echo are still to come. As we continue to move forward, our long-run goal is to graduate from a bi-weekly to a weekly newspaper,” he added.

Young Entrepreneur/Professional Award – Sponsored by Community Futures Oxford Nominees

The award is presented to a professional/young entrepreneur who is 40 years of age or younger who has excelled and taken risks to expand their business and/or client base.

• Alisha Wilson – Transitions Equine Assisted Learning

President’s Award – Sponsored by First Ontario Credit Union

The President’s Award is selected by the President of the Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce. The award recipient will be a local individual or private business, or an individual from a multinational, publicly traded corporation that has shown exceptional contribution to the community through extraordinary vision and investment, job creation and commitment to community service.

• Dr. Leonard Reeves

Dr. Reeves founded the Dr. Leonard Reeves Foundation, a registered private foundation based in Woodstock. The foundation donates to charitable organizations in Oxford County, including the Woodstock Art Gallery and the United Way. He also created the Dr. Leonard Reeves Entrance Award for Women in Skilled Trades at Fanshawe College. It helps women pursuing trade programs by providing significant tuition support.