Chamber of Commerce honours Hamilton businesses, non-profits

PJ Mercanti of Carmen’s Group named Hamilton’s CEO of the Year

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs).

The 39th annual honours were handed out during a gala at Carmen’s Banquet Centre on Wednesday evening.

This year’s awards commended local businesses and organizations for “their achievements, business growth, and overall impact on the community,” according to a news release from the chamber.

“Our OBAAs shine a light on the critical role businesses play in building and sustaining our local economy,” chamber CEO Greg Dunnett said in a statement.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners for all that you have done to drive innovation, create jobs, and engage our community this past year.”

Carole MacVicar, co-director of the Inner City Outreach Ministry at the Eva Rothwell Centre, was this year’s recipient of the Hamilton Citizen of the Year Award.

The inaugural winner of the Hamilton CEO of the Year Award was PJ Mercanti of Carmen’s Group.

The winners of this year’s Hamilton OBAAs are:

Small business: Electric Diner, a downtown Hamilton eatery known for its nostalgic esthetic and unique eats. They have two locations — one on George Street and the other on James Street North.

Mid-sized business: Gala Bakery, an East Mountain commercial bakery specializing in sweet and savoury pastries and cakes, as well as European-inspired products.

Carole MacVicar, co-director of the Inner City Outreach Ministry at the Eva Rothwell Centre, was this year’s recipient of the Hamilton Citizen of the Year Award

Large business: Oakridge Landscape Contractors Ltd., a rural Hamilton landscaping company that has been operating in the community since 1992.

Young entrepreneur: Vanessa Green, founder and owner of Greenlight Content, which offers content and brand communications for small and mid-sized businesses.

Not-for-profit: Shalem Mental Health Network, which offers counselling and programming in the community.

Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility: International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, which is a union local based in Ancaster.

Century award: Canada Life and Sun Life shared the award for their contributions to the community over the past 100 years.