Our Awards of Excellence Gala has closed off a great year for our community. The stories of excellence in our community continue to reverberate. Congratulations to those who submitted their stories, to our finalists, and to our winners in each category of business excellence.
Business Innovation: Established in 1921, Hammond Power Solutions has grown from a small Guelph based family-owned business to the largest dry-type transformer manufacturer in North America. HPS launched an industry first innovative online training centre whose modules are updated on a monthly basis. They’ve also developed a unique and proprietary online stock check tool called E-Quotes which can be accessed using a blackberry or other mobile device. Through constant product innovation, complete product training, and easy-to-use quotation tools, HPS is able to seize opportunities in high-growth markets and is clearly a leader in business innovation.
Environmental Stewardship: In 2009/2010 the University of Guelph cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,363 tons per year, implemented water conservation measures that save approximately 37,000 cubic metres of water per year and diverted 60% of campus waste from landfill with unique community partnerships and student and staff efforts. U of G students have been key drivers of the changes on campus, voting to contribute $10 per student per semester to an energy conservation fund. The University is also a strong supporter of the City’s energy conservation efforts, aligning campus energy & water strategies with the Community Energy Plan. In 2010 President Alastair Summerlee established the Presidential Task Force on Sustainability to help the University community focus and accelerate environmental initiatives.
Customer Service: In 2009 Eramosa Engineering was the recipient of the 1st Annual Premier Award for Client Satisfaction presented by PSMJ Resources, the leading management consulting firm for the architecture/engineering/construction industries. Eramosa was one of six engineering firms in North America honoured with this award for providing their clients with exemplary service, benchmarked by top quality communications, outstanding performance and cost effective solutions. They are the only Canadian Engineering firm to be selected for this honour. Their clients reported that Eramosa Engineering Inc. exceeded their expectations in all areas.
Community Building: The Delta Hotels & Resorts brand started the Good Neighbours Challenge in 2008 to link the good work done across the country through Delta Helps activities. The Good Neighbours Challenge is made up of four priority areas: Access to Affordable Housing, Protecting our Environment, Supporting Neighbourhood Causes, and Volunteering. In 2010, Delta Guelph exceeded their fundraising goal by over $4,000 by raising $50,172 and volunteering 255 employee hours to many local charitable partners. Also in 2010, Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference centre made gift donations of their services to the value of $22,000 throughout the local community. For 2011, Delta Guelph has expanded their list of charitable partners and increased the event fundraising goal to $63,950 and 280 employee hours. To further help build our community, Delta Guelph also accepts co-op students, providing exposure to the hospitality industry and makes their management team available to speak at local schools and career days.
All of the submissions can be found at www.guelphchamber.com. We hope these stories continue to inspire Guelph’s business community to make a difference locally, regionally, and around the world.
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