The Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce (KDCC) proudly hosted the 2026 KDCC Business Excellence Awards on February 6 at Seven Generations Education Institute, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening dedicated to celebrating local excellence.

The annual awards ceremony recognized the innovation, leadership, service, and community spirit of businesses and individuals who play a vital role in Kenora’s economy and quality of life. With more than 85 local businesses nominated, the evening highlighted the depth and strength of Kenora’s business community.

“This evening was a powerful reminder of just how much dedication, creativity, and hard work exists within our local business community,” said Tim Gosnell, Interim President of the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses don’t just contribute to our economy; they help shape Kenora into a strong, welcoming, and resilient community. We are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

The evening was hosted by Jake Gosselin of 101.3 The Gap and featured live entertainment by musician Grant Leutschaft and comedian Dylan Gott. Guests enjoyed dinner prepared and served by the staff of Seven Generations Education Institute, with bar service generously supported by volunteers from the Keewatin Curling Club. The event was also honoured by the attendance of Kenora MP Eric Melillo and Mayor Andrew Poirier.

2026 KDCC Business Excellence Award Winners:
• Inclusive Employer Excellence – Image One Home & Cottage
• New Business – Studio Fitness Co.
• Skilled Trades Excellence – Sunset Country Heating & Cooling
• Tourism / Hospitality – LOTW Marina & Service Centre
• Innovative Small Business – Northern Airworks Inc.
• Indigenous Business – Devil’s Gap Marina
• Business Owner / Entrepreneur / Manager of the Year – Ericka Anderson, Willow Aesthetics
• Customer Service Excellence (Staff up to 10) – Northern Sounds & Systems
• Customer Service Excellence (Staff over 10) – MNP LLP
• Community Spirit – The Core: Health & Fitness
• Business Improvement – Dearborn Therapy
• Youth Entrepreneur – 30 and Under – Shae Lofgren Psychotherapy
• Andy Scribilo Lifetime Achievement Award – Andy Scribilo

The Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce thanks all nominees, winners, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for helping make the 2026 Business Excellence Awards a memorable celebration of local business success.

The KDCC extends sincere thanks to all event sponsors whose support made the evening possible: Tbaytel as our Gold Sponsor, as well as BrokerLink, Sunset Inn, The Big Graphic Inc., Talbot Marketing, Synergy North, Comfort Inn, Northern Credit Union, Best Way Rentals, Safeway, Flowers by the Lake, KACL, TD Canada Trust, Bowman Electric, Kenora Hospitality Alliance, Weyerhaeuser, MNP LLP, Best Way Rentals & Sales, City of Kenora, Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation (LOWBIC), Scotiabank, and Canadian Tire.