Top 10 Finalists Announced for Private Business Growth Award

Canadian Private Businesses recognized for Achievements in Shaping Canada's Business Landscape

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP are proud to announce the 2017 Top 10 Finalists for the Private Business Growth Award.  

Celebrating its fifth year, the award recognizes ten of Canada's best private businesses who have made remarkable achievements in strategic, sustainable and holistic growth.

Selected by an 8-person jury, the Top 10 Finalists were chosen based on a variety of categories including innovation, market development, people and culture, strategic leadership and improvement in financial measures.

The 2017 Top 10 Finalists include:

• Canada Pump and Power - Ardrossan, AB
• Clarion Medical - Cambridge, ON
• DME Group - Charlottetown, PEI
• Hibar Systems Ltd. - Richmond Hill, ON
• Orion Plastics - Edmonton, AB
• Protocase Inc. - Sydney, NS
• REDspace Inc. - Bedford, NS
• Rocky Mountaineer - Vancouver, BC
• Vendasta - Saskatoon, SK
• Wilson Fuel Co. Ltd. - Halifax, NS

"The finalists demonstrate a collective passion for hard work, commitment and perseverance which underlines their importance in the Canadian economy," said Kevin Ladner, FCPA, CA, CBV, CEO and Executive Partner, Grant Thornton LLP. "Their desire to contribute to the prosperity of local communities is an inspiration, and I wish each success at the upcoming gala ceremony."

"These companies are among the best and the brightest of Canada's private businesses. Their accomplishments speak volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness present in every region in Canada," said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "It is impressive to see such a diverse range of businesses represented in the Top 10. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire many more entrepreneurs to follow in their path."

Members of the 2017 jury include:

• The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Kevin Ladner, CEO and Executive Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
• Christiane Bergevin, President, Bergevin Capital
• Peggy Cunningham, Professor and RA Jodrey Chair, Dalhousie University Business School
• Malcolm Hunter, President, Deeley Group of Companies
• Peter Snucins, President and CEO, Polycorp Ltd
• Sean Stanleigh, Managing Editor, Globe Content Studio, The Globe and Mail
• Paul Straus, President, Home Hardware Stores Limited

The official first place winner will be announced at a gala ceremony on November 14, 2017, at The Globe and Mail Centre. To learn more about the Private Business Growth Award, visit www.PrivateBusinessGrowthAward.com.

About the Private Business Growth Award
The Private Business Growth Award recognizes Canadian-owned, privately-held businesses that have been in business a minimum of three years, have $5 million or more in revenues and have demonstrated outstanding strategic growth. A partnership between The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP, 2017 marks the fifth year this national business award has recognized and celebrated the successful growth of private businesses in Canada. A jury of high-profile Canadian business leaders selects 10 finalists and one winning company based on the following criteria: innovation, market development, people and culture, strategic leadership, and improvements in financial measures.

About Grant Thornton LLP in Canada
Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. We help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, actionable advice through a broad range of services. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton in Canada has approximately 4,000 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd, whose member and correspondent firms operate in over 100 countries worldwide. A listing of Grant Thornton offices and contact information can be found at: www.GrantThornton.ca.

About The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. Follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

SOURCE Private Business Growth Award

For further information, or to arrange an interview, contact: Grant Thornton LLP: Victoria Rivers, Media Relations Manager, T [phone], E [email protected]; The Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Will Dubreuil, Director, Public Affairs and Media Relations, T + 613 797 1860, E [email protected]