News & Press Releases

On June 18, 2026 the Guelph Chamber of Commerce hosted over 350 community leaders to celebrate the achievements of outstanding local businesses, organizations, and individuals at the Guelph Awards of Excellence. Recipients of this year’s 2026 Chamber Business Awards were selected from a robust list of finalists and nominees from across Guelph.  

  

 

Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by RBC Royal Bank:

Lloyd Longfield 

  

Emerging Business Award, presented by Scotiabank: 

Scona Industries Limited 

 

Executive of the Year Award, presented by Linamar: 

Julie Byczynski, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital 

 

Not-for-Profit of the Year Award, presented by Bell: 

Hopewell Support Services 

 

Customer Service Award, presented by CN Rail: 

Bigelow Flooring 

 

Innovation Award, presented by TD Commercial Bank: 

HeitechSoft – AI Business Solutions 

 

Sustainability Award, presented by RLB LLP: 

SWR 

 

Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Skyline: 

Janet Trowbridge 

 

Young Professional of the Year Award, presented by the University of Guelph: 

Amanda Kavchak, The Children’s Foundation of Guelph & Wellinton 

  

Frank Hasenfratz Award of Excellence, presented by the City of Guelph, Economic Development & Tourism: 

Fostet Manufacturing 

  

 

“We are proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals and organizations recognized as this year’s Chamber award recipients,” says Paul Dick, Board Chair at the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. “Their achievements reflect the innovation, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our business community. Their success inspires confidence in the future and highlights the strength of our local economy.” 

 

 

To view photos of this year's recipients, please click here. 

To view photos from the event, please click here. 

To watch the videos highlighting the finalists in each award category, please click here.