Join us for an evening celebrating business excellence and community impact.
Save your spot and be part of what’s flourishing across our region.

Thursday May 14, 2026
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm EDT
CLE Coliseum

Nominations Now Open

Nominate NOW and Win a Trip For Two Anywhere Porter Flies

Sponsored by Maintair Aviation

Porter Airlines image

Business Awards Categories

Small Business Excellence

(1 – 10 Employees)

Award Sponsor Thunder Bay CEDC

Medium Business Excellence

(11 – 49 Employees)

Award Sponsor Weilers

Large Business Excellence

(50+ Employees)

Award Sponsor MNP

Business Person of the Year

Award Sponsor OLG

Looking Good

Award Sponsor Enbridge

Game Changer

Award Sponsor tbaytel

New Business Excellence

(1 – 4 years in business)

Award sponsor nwmo

Young Entrepreneur

 

Award sponsor Ontario Power Generation

Not for Profit

 

Award sponsor Impala Canada

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Award sponsor Jones Insurance

Customer Service

Award sponsor TD

Quality of Life

Scotiabank

Benefits of a Nomination

Self-Recognition: An opportunity to reflect on and document achievements and progress over the past year – a true exercise in self-assessment and introspection.

Acknowledgement: Recognition by a member of the public for you, or your business’ contributions, is an honour that deserves gratitude.

Social Media & Website Promotion: Dedicated social media posts by category for several months and a prominent listing on the Chamber’s website. All nominees are recognized in the event program at the gala.

Awards Gala Exposure: Our Gala hosts 400+ leaders from the business community. Great opportunity for networking and recognition!

Award Presentation: Winners are presented with a physical award on stage at the gala.

Enhanced Media Exposure: An additional press release specifically highlighting the winners, along with professional photos from the event.

Continued Promotion: Winners receive continued exposure through post-event social media posts. Photo in Full Page Chronicle Journal Ad for all winners.

Lasting Recognition: Acknowledgement on the Chamber’s wesite as an Award recipient ensures lasting recognition, solidifying their reputation within the business community.

Business Awards Timeline

Nominations Open January 12, 2026

Registration Opens January 12, 2026

Nominations Close February 27, 2026

  Submissions Close March 2, 2026

Dietary Requirements Due May 6, 2026

Gala Date May 14, 2026

Nominee Declaration & Attestation of Good Standing

All nominees must be a member in good standing of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and are required to complete an Attestation of Good Standing and Ethical Conduct. Should concern arise late in the award review process, the Chamber will provide an opportunity for the nominee to voluntarily withhdraw without public explanation.

I hereby attest to the following:

  1. Good Standing: To the best of my knowledge, I (and/or my business, if applicable) am in good standing with legal, regulatory, and tax authorities, and am not currently subject to any investigation or proceeding that could reasonably be expected to bring the Chamber or this awards program into disrepute.
  2. Ethical Conduct: I affirm that I have conducted myself and/or my business in an ethical, lawful and responsible manner, consistent with the values and code of conduct of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
  3. Accuracy of Information: I confirm that the information provided in my nomination (or provided on my behalf by a nominator) is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
  4. Consent to Review: I understand that the Chaber nay conduct asic vetting or background checks prior to final selection, nd I consent to such reasonable measures.
  5. Right to Withdraw: I acknowledge that the Chamber reserves the right to withhold or revoke an award if new information comes to light that, in the Chamber’s sole discretion, may cause reputational harm.

Supported By

Presenting Sponsor

Wine Sponsor

Dinner Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

Gift Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Décor Sponsor

Nomination Sponsor

Award Sponsor: Small Business Excellence

Award Sponsor: Medium Business Excellence

Award Sponsor: Large Business Excellence

Award Sponsor: Business Person of the Year

Award Sponsor: Customer Service

Award Sponsor: Looking Good

Award Sponsor: Game Changer

Award Sponsor: New Business

Award Sponsor: Young Entrepreneur

Award Sponsor: Quality of Life

Award Sponsor: Not for Profit

Award Sponsor: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion