The Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2026 Business Achievement Awards, recognizing businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders across Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is readying to announce the winners in eight different categories at the awards ceremony on May 20.
The awards celebrate contributions to business, tourism, agriculture, arts and culture, entrepreneurship and community leadership.
The finalists for the Lord Mayor’s Award of Excellence for Citizen of the Year are Trish Romance of Niagara Image Gallery, Tim Jennings of Shaw Festival and Tony Hendricks of Independent Grocer.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year Award went to Dorothy Soo-Wiens in recognition of her volunteer work across town, including Cornerstone Community Church and the NOTL Lions Club.
Finalists for the Business of the Year Award are Niagara College Research & Innovation, Niagara District Airport, the Irish Harp, Andrew Peller Ltd. and 2×4 Jam Co. The Irish Harp was last year’s winner.
The finalists for the Celia Liu Award for Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism are Michael Pillitteri of Riverview Cellars, Sumie Yamakawa of Inniskillin Winery and Spencer Giles of Tavelluxe Inc. Michael Zappitelli won this award last year.
Finalists for the Dan Patterson Award for Entrepreneurship are Tony D’Amore of Willowbridge Homes Niagara and Lux NOTL Rentals, Erinn Lockhart of Sweets & Swirls Café and Lindsey Bridgeman of Foodland NOTL. While this specific award category did not exist last year by this name, the Chamber gave the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award to Tammy Martin in 2025.
Finalists for the Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award are Paul Kent of Heritage Farms, Jeff Sykes of Jeff Sykes Landscaping and Howard Colcuc and Miranda Colcuc of Alpine Nurseries. This award went to Palatine Roses last year.
The finalists for the Peter Ling Award for Business Leadership are Adam Brooker of the Irish Harp, Michelle Miller of Lais Hotel Properties Inc. and Anne Givens of Chateau Des Charmes. Jovie Joki, the owner of the Irish Harp, won this award last year.
Finalists for the Christopher Newton Award for Arts and Culture are Andorlie Hillstrom of Yellow Door Theatre Project, Debra Antoncic of RiverBrink Art Museum and Katie Houghton of Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. Barbara Worthy at the NOTL Museum took home this award.
Winners will be announced May 20 during an awards dinner at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/z7y8cs74.
