The Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2026 Business Excellence Awards, recognizing businesses and organizations across the region for their leadership, innovation, community involvement and customer service.
The finalists are competing across six award categories, with 14 awards to be presented at the Business Excellence Awards Gala on Sept. 26 at the Normandy Officers’ Mess in Garrison Petawawa.
The Flagship Awards for Overall Excellence, which recognize broad impact, leadership and long-term contributions from two local businesses annually, include Antrim Truck Stop, Bonnechere Caves, Forging Forward Counselling Services, Madameek, Mapleside Sugar Bush and The Nook Creperie.
The Business Stage and Size category will recognize three newer and smaller businesses. Its finalists are Boots and Bites Bakery, Guacamolli Mexican Food, Hot Stove, rĒCo Refillery, Salsas Sabor a México, SOPA, Valley Hair Artistry and Whitetail Golf Club.
Finalists for Leadership and Ownership are CI Assante Wealth Management Pembroke, Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer, Lift Acro Evolution, Milestone Scheduling and Consulting, Ottawa Valley Boxing, Solis Indago, The Kitchen Eatery and Catering Company, The Shed and Wild Grounded Retreats. Three winners will be chosen for this award as well.
The People, Culture and Customer Experience category, which will name two winners, includes Algonquin College-Pembroke Campus, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar and Grill, Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Quality Inn & Suites Petawawa and Roseburg Pembroke MDF.
Finalists for Innovation, Brand and Sustainability are Algonquin College-Pembroke Campus, Milestone Scheduling and Consulting, Ottawa Valley Air Paddle, Pembroke Farmers’ Market, Swoop Media and Valley Artisans’ Co-op. A pair of winners will be selected for this award as well.
The Community and Local Impact will recognize two businesses for their contributions to the community beyond profit. Its finalists are Norlock Group, Physio in the Valley, Smitty’s Home Hardware Building Centre, Starz In Motion Dance Studio, Steven and Julie’s No Frills and Walk for Her.
The chamber, which oversees businesses in more than a dozen municipalities including Arnprior, Pembroke, Petawawa, and Whitewater Region says the awards are intended to recognize the people and businesses contributing to the strength and character of the Upper Ottawa Valley’s economy and communities.
The awards gala will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. on Sept. 26. Tickets are available while supplies last.
(Steve Berard)
