WHEN THE BRIGHTEST innovators and trailblazers of London’s business community gather at RBC Place London on May 13, they’ll have plenty to celebrate. The annual London Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards gala is the crowning event of our city’s bustling business calendar, and the event — which this year marks its 42nd anniversary — has grown to become the largest of its kind in Canada.
This year’s finalists represent the broad spectrum of our local business community — everything from technology and professional services firms to a host of specialized manufacturers and community-minded organizations. Over the past few months, a distinguished line-up of volunteer BAA judges have meticulously reviewed and reduced a long list of nominees to 24 finalists in nine categories. And while hard statistics like revenues, employment growth and bottom-line results are all important criteria in selecting the finalists, other qualities like innovation, people and culture, business initiatives and building on a stronger community are equally critical.
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Included in the BAA program is the Corporate Icon Award, given annually to a business that has demonstrated a substantial long-term contribution to the economic progress of the London community. Unlike other BAA awards, the Corporate Icon Award is announced in advance of the awards gala. The recipient of the 2025 Corporate Icon Award is Digital Extremes.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Citi Plaza in downtown London, Digital Extremes is one of the world’s leading video game studios, with over 500 employees across Canada and 27 countries internationally.
“Digital Extremes is a shining example of how a business can drive economic growth, innovation and community engagement,” says Graham Henderson, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce. “Their dedication to investing in London ―both as a hub for talent and as a place to do business ― has made a lasting impact.”
Meet all the finalists below. To learn more about the gala event on May 13 and to secure tickets, click here.
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Agribusiness Award
Dairy Lane Systems Limited
6403 Egremont Drive, Komoka
519-666-1404 | dairylane.ca
Dairy Lane Systems Limited (DLS) is a family-owned, second-generation business that focuses on providing innovative solutions farmers in Southwestern Ontario. Since 1990, DLS has strategically partnered with innovative dairy equipment companies worldwide to provide the most complete product offering on the market. Over the years, DLS has further expanded upon its product line by designing and fabricating quality products of its own. This product portfolio, coupled with over 35 years of experience in dairy barn design, construction and service, has enabled DLS to become a progressive leader in today’s evolving dairy industry.
Elite Agri Solutions Inc.
214 Main Street, Glencoe
519-953-4479 | eliteagrisolutions.ca
Elite Agri Solutions Inc. supports Canadian farmers by simplifying agri-business activities, enabling them to do what they do best to feed an ever-growing population. Elite Agri Solutions offers services and resources for farm business planning, nutrient management planning, health and safety training, energy audits and accessing grants to help diversify farming operations. Agriculture requires a relentless effort in maintaining productivity and profitability while adopting new technologies and enhancing stewardship practices and sustainability. By building long-lasting relationships with clients, Elite Agri Solutions enables farmers to get all of their needs met in one place.
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Climate Action Leadership Award
BlueStone Properties Inc.
105-130 Dufferin Avenue
519-433-0391 | bluestoneprop.com
BlueStone Properties Inc. is an award-winning, family-owned and operated property management and development company based in London. Since 2008, BlueStone has been dedicated to “building better lives and better communities through better properties.” It is a commitment that drives the firm’s approach to maintaining the highest operational standards across its entire portfolio, from property maintenance to reinvesting in its buildings. With a focus on creating both beautiful and functional spaces, BlueStone emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship in all its business operations.
Convertus Canada Ltd.
4675 Wellington Road South
519-649-4446 | convertusgroup.com
The Convertus Group is Canada’s premier organic waste processor and is focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for communities. Its London facility exemplifies this commitment through its leadership in the Green Bin Program, which processes 14,500 tonnes of organic waste annually. This initiative transforms waste into over 2,000 tonnes of compost and achieves a yearly 1,000 to 1,400 tonne CO2 reduction, with compost redistributing to residents via the Community Giveback Program. Additionally, the London facility employs cutting-edge technology, such as a new energy-efficient shredder, and leads pilot projects promoting circular economy solutions. By integrating these advancements, implementing community-focused initiatives and driving meaningful climate action, Convertus has positioned itself as a leader in achieving energy neutrality by 2035.
Northern
200-300 Wellington Street
866-930-4608 | northern.co
Northern is a leading integrated digital solutions agency enabling commercial and public service brands to navigate digital change through meaningful innovation. Northern crafts tailored commerce and digital experiences that leverage unified data, while driving high-performance growth through omni-channel customer engagement. Fuelled by a group of strategic innovators who have an incredible passion for data, technology and customer engagement, Northern aims to represent a cultural mosaic, strengthened by employees representing all abilities, ages, creeds, gender identities, orientations, races and sexes.
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
189 Elm Street, St. Thomas
519-631-2030 | stegh.on.ca
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), a pillar of healthcare in St. Thomas and Elgin County for over seven decades, delivers exceptional care and service and has received Exemplary Level Accreditation from Accreditation Canada for its last two assessments ― the highest level of achievement awarded for quality and safety. Its 179-bed facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including outpatient care, diagnostic imaging, acute and emergency services, post-acute care and regional satellite services, all tailored to diverse patient needs. Prioritizing innovation and continuous improvement ― and leveraging technology and community engagement to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes ― STEGH continually invests in over 1,000 staff through education and professional development, ensuring excellence in care provision. By collaborating closely with healthcare partners, STEGH ensures a seamless continuity of care guided by values of compassion, innovation, respect, accountability and collaboration, enriching lives and fostering wellness in its communities.
Innovation Award
Deep Breathe
deepbreathe.ai
Deep Breathe is transforming lung diagnostics by applying advanced AI algorithms to lung ultrasounds to deliver a fast, accurate, portable, radiation-free diagnostic solution. Its vendor-agnostic solutions ensure high-quality lung imaging on any ultrasound hardware, enabling accurate assessments in diverse settings ― from hospitals to remote military, aerospace and emergency response operations.
Diagnostics Biochem Canada
384 Neptune Crescent
519- 681-8731 | dbc-labs.com
Diagnostics Biochem Canada (DBC) is a global leader in the medical diagnostics industry, specializing in the development and manufacturing of diagnostic kits for endocrinology. Headquartered in London, DBC has over five decades of experience in advancing public health through innovative diagnostic solutions. With a diverse team of professionals and a global reach, DBC is committed to delivering high-quality products that improve patient care and medical research outcomes.
Manufacturer Award
Circelli Steel Ltd.
45 Highbury Avenue South, St. Thomas
519-685-6644 | circellisteel.com
Circelli Steel Ltd. is a family-owned and operated steel fabrication company that has been providing steel to London and the surrounding area for over 50 years. What started as a small, one-man welding and repair workshop founded by Vince Circelli in 1974 has grown into a thriving commercial structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabrication and installation business servicing Southwestern Ontario and beyond. From metal fabricators and welders to project managers and our in-house drafting technicians, the Circelli Steel team ensures that every project is executed with precision and efficiency from start to finish.
Nuts For Cheese
20 Pacific Court
519-601-5070 | nutsforcheese.com
Nuts For Cheese is a Canadian-based food company specializing in organic, dairy-free vegan cheese and butter products. What started as a solo venture in 2015 has grown into a dedicated team of employees helping to craft a line of artisanal dairy-free products that are now available across Canada and the U.S. Today, the company is the Canadian category leader in artisan plant-based dairy, operating from a 25,000-square-foot facility on Pacific Court and producing the highest quality products made from organic, fairtrade, whole food ingredients.
Nonprofit Award
Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area
415 Wharncliffe Road South
877-474-4081 | london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area (BBBSOLA) has provided meaningful mentoring opportunities for youth in the London and area community for over 50 years. By intentionally matching a young person facing adversity (Little) with a caring mentor (Big), BBBSOLA supports the development of social and emotional skills, positive mental health, educational engagement and employment readiness, making a real difference for the youth in our community who need us most.
Let’s Talk Science
8-1510 Woodcock Street
519-438-7065 | letstalkscience.ca
Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization committed to preparing youth for future opportunities in a rapidly changing world. With a goal to positively impact every child in Canada, from early years through secondary school, Let’s Talk Science provides programs and resources for educators that help them improve youth education and engagement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Its robust suite of programming is available in English and French at no cost to schools, early years centres, community organizations and parents/caregivers. The organization also support a diverse network of volunteers, the majority of which are postsecondary students who build career-readiness skills themselves by delivering and participating in Let’s Talk Science programming.
Business of the Year ― Small Company
Front Line Medical Technologies Inc.
609 Wellington Street
905-251-4248 | frontlinemedtech.com
Front Line is a medical device company based in London. Co-founders Asha Parekh and Dr. Adam Power proudly developed their life-saving device, the COBRA-OS, in the Forest City. The COBRA-OS prevents patients from bleeding out and provides circulatory support in emergency situations when patients may not otherwise survive. Driven by an unwavering passion for patient care and emergency medicine, Front Line’s mission is to help critical patients survive around the world.
Sidetrack Café
136 Wortley Road & 201 King Street
519-204-9055 | sidetrack.cafe
Sidetrack operates independent espresso cafés in London’s Old South and downtown at Innovation Works. In addition to café classics and novel creations, Sidetrack serves baked goods, meals and pantry items sourced exclusively from London suppliers. Sidetrack is best known in Wortley Village for its signature sidewalk ‘walk-by’ service window, at Innovation Works for its $5 bottomless coffee and in both places for continuing the wholesome tradition of cafés as inclusive places of gathering and community.
The Branding Firm Inc.
100-1108 Dundas Street
519-914-2810 | thebrandingfirminc.com
The Branding Firm Inc. is a boutique firm with a unique approach to building long-lasting partnerships with clients centred around trust, open dialogue and collaboration. As innovators, creators, strategists, brand builders and protectors, The Branding Firm strategically creates and implements cohesive results-driven marketing initiatives that build brand awareness and equity in a sustainable and meaningful way, strengthening brands from the inside out.
Ukrainian Pierogies Inc.
86 Frank Street, Strathroy
877-474-4081 | ukrainianpierogies.ca
Alla’s Ukrainian Pierogies & More, part of Ukrainian Pierogies Inc., is a well-known restaurant and wholesale company specializing in authentic Ukrainian cuisine. Providing freshly prepared meals for families, singles and businesspeople, the business also distributes frozen pierogies to markets in London, Mount Bridges, Ilderton and Woodstock. With an unwavering commitment to quality, community involvement and cultural exchange, Ukrainian Pierogies Inc. has established itself as a trusted supplier of wholesome, natural and quick-to-cook food in the region.
Business of the Year ― Medium Company
DCBuck Engineering
79 Ridout Street South
226-270-9921 | dcbuckengineering.com
DCBuck Engineering specializes in delivering innovative structural engineering solutions and consulting services. We provide expert design, analysis and project management across commercial, industrial, institutional, infrastructure, retail and residential sectors. Committed to quality, efficiency and client success, DCBuck tailors strategies to meet unique project needs, offering practical, effective solutions that work.
MD Lawyers
500-285 King Street
519-672-1953 | md-lawyers.ca
MD Lawyers is a boutique litigation law firm based in London, with a primary focus on medical malpractice. The firm represents people who have been seriously harmed while receiving medical care, and the families of those who have died because of substandard care. MD Lawyers is comprised of four lawyers and eight support staff, all of whom are committed, bright and compassionate advocates working collaboratively to empower clients at a time when they are most fragile.
TagsforHope
2018 Mallard Road
519-471-0777 | tagsforhope.com
TagsforHope is a proudly Canadian company dedicated to creating premium, fashionable and stylish pet accessories with a purpose. Manufactured in-house at its London facility, TagsforHope products combine exceptional design, durability and functionality. Driven by a commitment to animal welfare, TagsforHope aims to create a meaningful impact while providing pet owners with best-in-class pet accessories they can love.
Wonder Kitchen & Bath
1700 Hyde Park road
519-472-5118 | wonderkitchenandbath.com
Wonder Kitchen & Bath is a cabinetry company specializing in design, retail, wholesale and installation services. Recognized for record-breaking growth and innovation, the company delivered over 1,100 kitchens in 2024 while expanding into Canadian and U.S. markets. With a 130,000-square-foot facility set to open in 2026, a diverse team of 50-plus and a commitment to community initiatives like Habitat for Humanity and TEAMTREES, Wonder Kitchen & Bath aligns strong fundamentals, sustainability and community contributions to drive local impact and set industry standards for excellence.
Business of the Year ― Large Company
100 Kellogg Lane
100 Kellogg Lane
548-689-9027 | 100kellogglane.com
100 Kellogg Lane is London’s world-class entertainment complex, filled with engaging attractions, exciting events, delicious food and drink and local businesses, all under one roof. The facility celebrates the history of the old Kellogg’s factory while opening it up to the community to create new memories for years to come. There’s always more to explore at 100 Kellogg Lane.
AutoVerify
301-192 Dundas Street
877-833-1423 | autoverify.com
AutoVerify provides automotive dealers, manufacturers, lenders, marketplaces and suppliers with best-in-class tools that enable an omni-channel sales process in the North American automotive industry. AutoVerify’s vision is to make digital automotive shopping better for everyone, and its mission is to empower the automotive industry to captivate, engage and convert digital visitors.
Info-Tech Research Group
345 Ridout Street North
519-432-3550 | infotech.com
Headquartered in London, Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms. With most of its 1,500-employee workforce based in its London and Toronto offices, the firm also has offices in Arlington, Virgina; Las Vegas, Nevada; London, U.K. and Sydney, Australia. Info-Tech produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic and well-informed decisions, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
Trudell Healthcare Solutions Inc.
758 Baransway Drive
519-685-8800 | trudellhs.com
Founded in 1922, Trudell Healthcare Solutions (THS) delivers over 20,000 medical products to the Canadian healthcare market, specializing in respiratory care, anesthesia and the operating room. With more than 50 field-based employees and strategically located facilities in Ontario and Quebec, THS ensures nationwide, reliable delivery and expert in-person support. Built on trust, THS provides exceptional service and timely solutions, meeting the needs of healthcare providers and improving patient outcomes across Canada.
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