I had the privilege of attending the Niagara Entrepreneur
Awards on Friday night, who knew all of this talent and
inspiration existed in the Niagara region. It was a room full of hundreds of
people, all there for one reason: to celebrate in the successes Niagara has to
offer. Just thinking back to some of the conversations I had that night, I look
at the people who are jumping into those uncharted waters to see their dreams
come to life and I am amazed at their spirit.
The Niagara
Entrepreneur awards have been honouring people and businesses since 1994. All
of the people honoured have in one way or another made significant differences
in the community and without them the Niagara Region just would not be the same.
I was most surprised to see the Environmental Enterprise
award. The award went to the entrepreneur who’s company produces a product,
provides a service or is a manufacturer of systems which have a positive impact
on the environment. Both companies in this category were winners in my mind.
Did you know… that you have already
paid to recycle your electronics? When you buy an electronic in Ontario, you
are paying an eco-fee that goes towards the proper recycling of that product. The
company takes your electronics and breaks them down into their components in
order to properly dispose of and recycle each of the components saving millions
of toxic tones from landfills worldwide.
Since the beginning, Southbook’s
vision was to explore what was possible and to get the certifications to back
it up. Their green operations go right down to their Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) rated building.
They were also featured on Dragon’s Den for their use of grape skins,
which are normally just disposed of in the wine make process, to produce BioFlavia
an antioxidant enriched powder.
To see a complete list
of this year’s winners, click here.
All that being said, all of the companies that were
honoured both in a nomination and the winners were a fantastic representation
of Niagara and what we have to offer. Wherever you live, work, or play, just remember
to enjoy what your community has to offer and what you yourself can contribute
to your community.
Are you an entrepreneur? Are you on your road to success or
already there? Share your story.
Not only is Southbrook eco.. But they make my favourite white wine!! I want a box of it :).. Eco-friendly box of course!
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