Press Releases & News

Steven Kraft to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Apr 25, 2024

Guelph, April 25, 2024:  On June 20th, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce will welcome business and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of outstanding local businesses, organizations, and individuals at the 2024 Guelph Awards of Excellence. Steven Kraft, Past CEO of the Guelph Public Library will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Scotiabank at the event.  

“With over 40 years of public service and leadership in the realization of a new central library, Steven exemplifies what the Lifetime Achievement award represents,” says Shakiba Shayani, President & CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. “As Steven recently retired, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate his many accomplishments and dedication to the Guelph community.”  

In addition to awarding the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Guelph Chamber will present awards in several other categories as part of the 2024 Chamber Business Awards.  

The finalists for the 2024 Chamber Business Awards include: 

 

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

  • The Guelph Wish Fund for Children
  • The Nightingale Centre for Grieving Children, Youth and Families
  • The Shelldale Partnership: Guelph Community Health Centre, Kindle Communities, Stonehenge Therapeutic Community, and Skyline

 

Emerging Business Award, Presented by RBC Royal Bank: 

  • Flow State Bike Co
  • Gemini Concierge & Co.
  • Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa Guelph

 

Innovation Award, Presented by TD Commercial Bank: 

  • KidsAbility: Rocket Discovery Centre
  • Linamar iHub
  • Paisley Dental

 

Customer Service Award, Presented by CN Rail: 

  • ETP Canada
  • Natalie Maaden Laser & Spa
  • Hall Telecommunications Supply Ltd

 

Sustainability Award, Presented by Conestoga College:  

  • House of Frizz
  • Denso Manufacturing Canada Inc
  • Guelph Solar

 

Difference Maker Award, Presented by Linamar: 

  • Guelph Family Martial Arts
  • Ward 1 Studios
  • Original Home Furniture

 

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

  • Megan Harron - The Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington
  • Fay Yachetti - Skyline
  • Jurgen Koehler - Crozier Consulting Engineers

 

Volunteer of the Year Award, Presented by Skyline:  

  • Bill Allen
  • Amber Duff
  • Kathy Lichty

 

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

  • Adrian Trochta - Cox Creek Cellars & KJ Urban Winery
  • Kristy Miller - The Scented Market
  • Khalil Khamis - Crafty Ramen & Harvey's

 

“Each of these finalists exemplify outstanding leadership and play an important role in the social and economic prosperity of the Guelph community. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating them at this year’s event” added Shayani.  

This year’s Guelph Awards of Excellence will take place on June 20th at the Grand Guelph Banquet & Event Centre. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.