The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 30th annual Business Excellence Awards this week while honoring the best local businesses in an array of categories.

In total 10 local businesses were honored at Thursday night’s gala in a range of categories, including skilled trades, retail and hospitality.

“Thirty years of celebrating business excellence is an incredible milestone for our chamber and our community,” chair Greg Orr said in a release.

“Awards are about more than business success. They recognize the people behind our local businesses — their commitment, resilience, innovation and the many ways they contribute to the community we are proud to call home,” Orr added.

Award recipients included:

Skilled Trades Award: Hayle Construction

Enterprise Award: Nuhn Industries

Retail Award: Olive Your Favorites

Non-Profit/Charitable Award: United Way Perth Huron

Service Award: Malt Staging & Design

Professional Award: Pesce & Associates

Hospitality Award: The Boat House

Trailblazer Award: Closet Collective

Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Sculpt & Sweat

Pace Setter Award: Scott Wildgust

Nuhn Industries was also named as the 2026 Business of the Year Award winner.

Bob Downham, vice-president of D&S Downham equipment, who was previously named the 2026 Business Leader of the Year, was also honoured for his six decades of accomplishments

Taking over the business established by his father Cecil in 1961, Downham expanded the company into a leading regional equipment dealership serving Southwestern Ontario. Durham has also been heavily involved in the community, particularly as a supporter of the agricultural industry, the 4-H club, various trade shows, Home and Garden Shows, and the International Plowing Match.

Downham has also coached minor hockey and baseball, and planted a community garden during the pandemic to donate produce to a local food bank.

Brad Beatty, who recently resumed the role of the chamber’s executive director, said returning to the job during the celebration year made it “particularly meaningful.”

“Over the past 30 years, these awards have celebrated countless examples of hard work, entrepreneurship and community leadership. Our business community continues to evolve, but the dedication and spirit behind its success remain constant,” Beatty said.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s recipients and look forward to supporting the next generation of business excellence.”

I am a general assignment reporter, but tend to focus on politics and public policy at all three levels of government.

I hold a Bachelor of Journalism from Mount Royal University, graduating in 2020. After spending most of my life in Alberta, I moved to Ontario in 2022, which ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made.

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