2011 Winners

And the Winner Is…

OBAA – Innovation Award

ESRI Canada
ESRI Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower organizations to make timely, informed and mission critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. Simply put, GIS takes the numbers and words from spreadsheets and databases, and puts them on an electronic map – enabling visual analysis and new insights.

Since 1984, ESRI Canada has demonstrated innovation by applying GIS to nearly every concern – from land management, for which the technology was initially used, to various applications in government, business and education. The company serves over 10,000 customers and ranks among Canada’s top 250 IT companies and top 25 IT professional services providers by revenue.

OBAA – RBC Royal Bank Award for Small Business

Hunter Amenities International Ltd.
Hunter Amenities International Ltd. is the largest manufacturer in North America of in-room amenities, offering customers a full range of services including the development of formulas, design of the packaging and state of the art manufacturing for both liquid and soap products. The company has established itself as an industry leader and has been at the forefront in developing innovative hotel specific products. Driven by innovation and product excellence, everything Hunter Amenities does is original in concept, exceptional in formulation and outstanding in delivery.

MapleCore Ltd.
MapleCore’s founders saw the potential the internet held for artists and quickly set out to launch MapleMusic.com, an ecommerce site that now provides online stores for more than 800 artists. The company then created two record labels and in 2004, a distribution arm was created. Powered by the infrastructure of partner Universal Music Canada, and its own passionate, dedicated staff selling to retail buyers, MapleCore has become Canada’s leading independent distribution company.

MapleCore has since strategically added further services – most recently a music publishing division and a ticketing company – allowing it to grow beyond the music industry and into a complete entertainment services provider.

OBAA – Corporate Governance Award

Northern Superior Resources Inc.
Northern Superior Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on gold exploration on the Canadian Shield in Ontario and Québec, Canada. The company’s key mineral properties are located within two exceptional gold districts in Northwestern Ontario and in West-Central Québec. The company was awarded the 2011 TSX Venture Top 50 by the TSX-V Exchange.

Having made new discoveries and being defined as one of the largest gold grain dispersal aprons in North America, Northern Superior Resources has a bright future ahead.

OBAA – Desjardines Award for Large Business

Costco Wholesale
Costco Wholesale has over 580 warehouse clubs worldwide, with 82 in Canada alone. Indeed, Costco plays a significant role in the retail industry. Each Costco location stays true to the mission of providing its members with the highest quality goods and services at the lowest possible price. The company recognizes that to provide the highest quality service to their members, they must continually innovate, develop their employees and be leaders within their local communities. Since its inception, Costco Wholesale has made it a priority to be leaders in the community by actively donating to local projects, events and charities. This large business makes the community a top priority.

Staples Canada Inc.
Staples Canada Inc. is Canada’s largest supplier of office supplies, business machines, office furniture and business services for the small business and home office customer.

Since its inception 20 years ago, Staples has grown to 330 stores across Canada. By staying true to its values and keeping a small business mindset of taking care of customers and employees, Staples has been able to gain a strong reputation within the retail industry.

Staples has always strongly believed in giving back to the communities in which it does business. This commitment has made it not only a leading retailer, but also a good neighbour.

OGTA: HSBC Bank Canada Award for Innovation – Exports

Gold

Dallata Consulting Group, Ltd (DCG Ltd)
DCG Ltd. is a global consulting and trading firm with a research and development division centred on green technology and environmentally friendly solutions. In just one year DCG Ltd. has experienced a growth rate of 300% and extensively expanded its export markets.

DCG Ltd. works to customize all of its solutions for each customer. The company finds resolutions to unique problems – from wheat monopolies to creating organic compost from recyclables. DCG Ltd. has previously been the recipient of the OGTA – Market Expansion Award.

Silver

i3 International Inc.
i3 International Inc. is a market leader in digital video technology. The company began as an installation company and grew into a manufacturer of IP technology, video analytics and POS data management integration. i3 prioritizes research and development to remain at the cutting edge of technology and insists on providing state-of-the-art solutions and responsive support for all of its customers. Located in Toronto, i3 has established a vast network around the world and has built a strong reputation since its inception in 1997.

Bronze

AFA Systems
AFA Systems Inc. is a leading provider of custom designed automation solutions for a wide variety of industries around the world. It provides custom solutions to robotic, cartoner, conveyer systems, packing and high-speed assembly issues. From start to finish, AFA provides its customers with the best material handling and packing solutions. AFA Systems’ commitment to applying the highest standard to every project has made it a true Ontario success story.

OGTA – Market Expansion Award

Gold

RDH Mining Equipment
RDH Mining Equipment has been providing mining and tunnelling companies with quality equipment for over 25 years.

From specially designed pieces to remanufactured equipment, its in-house engineers keep the company at the cutting edge of the mining industry. Each project is customized for the client and their working environment – custom concepts and solutions to meet their exact needs. With clients in countries around the world, RDH Mining is truly a global success.

Silver

Guildline Instruments Limited
Guildline Instruments is known worldwide for its ultra-precise electrical and temperature measurement tools. For over half a century Guildline has been manufacturing instruments so unique, that in many cases, they are the only products available on the market capable of the necessary accuracy in the measurement field.

This company has fanned out across the world, expanding into the top laboratories in over 40 countries. This Ontario-based company has brought its unique and precise product to the world stage. Guildine has previously been the recipient of the OGTA – Market Expansion Award.

Bronze

Pack-Smart Inc.
Pack-Smart Inc. is a leading provider of professional design and consulting services in engineering, project management and technical support. The company helps its clients boost efficiency, productivity and profitability. Pack-Smart provides individually tailored solutions to bridge the gap between the printing and packing industry, giving it an advantage over its competition. Located in Concord, Ontario this company is well positioned for an even more successful future.