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Judges are scrutinizing NATURE MADE GRANITE. WE MADE IT BETTER. 48 OABE nominees Judges for the upcoming 17th annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE) have their job cut out for them as 48 businesses have qualified as nominees this year. In a process that takes nearly three months, nine judges have volunteered their time to assess each application for the awards and make sure all criteria have been met for the six categories: Entrepreneur of the Year; Large Company of the Year; Restaurant/Hospitality/Tourism Provider; Small Company of the Year; Professional Service Provider; and new to this year the Community Builder Award. The judging panel this year includes Debbie Avery from CIBC, Michele Bailey from Blazing The Agency, Karin Bergen from APCI Communications, Kerry Colborne from Force 10 Capital Management Inc., Al Haslett of Virox, Robert Krizman from O'Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP, Bob Millar from M. Edward Powell Insurance Brokers Ltd., Dan Scarffe from Business Development Bank of Canada, and Linda Stalker of Henderson Partners LLP. "With the level of business acumen and the contribution the nominees have made to enhance our community, it is indeed a challenge to select one recipient for each of the award categories. Our talented and dedicated judges are up to the task," Kerry Colborne, chair of the OABE Judging Committee, said in a press release. A four-year member of the judging committee, Colborne noted that each judge commits to a three-year term ensuring objectivity, sustainability and succession for the process. "Each year, the combination of experience and fresh eyes ensures a systematic process, quality review, with the difficult choices delivering excellent results for local businesses and the greater community," stated the release. The award recipients will be announced at the OABE Gala, which is presented by the Rotary Club of Oakville West (RCOW) in partnership with the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. The gala, which includes dinner, will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at the Oakville Conference Centre (2515 Wyecroft Rd.) starting at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds from the OABE Gala benefit local youth initiatives and helps fund bursary and scholarship programs offered by the Rotary Club of Oakville West, which support, mentor and develop leadership opportunities for young people. Tickets cost $125 per person. For information or to reserve tickets, visit the OABE website at www.oabe.ca or call the Oakville Chamber of Commerce at 905-845-6613. 7 · Friday, February 10, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com With the purchase of cabinetry & countertops from Granite Transformations May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Expires Feb. 29, 2012. FREE SINK 6 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS NO INTEREST O.A.C. Done in a day. Beautiful for life Only Granite Transformations uses ForeverSealTM which means our granite is more stain and scratch resistant than "ordinary" granite. And, our surfaces bond permanently over existing countertops, walls, showers and tubs, so you get lifelong beauty without the usual renovation mess! Most installations are done in a day and are backed by a lifetime warranty. Granite Transformations also offers cabinet refacing! For a FREE in-home design consultation and FREE sink offer, call us at: 1.888.232.1363 529 Speers Road, Oakville www.granitetransformations.ca © 2010 Granite Transformations. Some restrictions may apply. Please see store for complete details. Hear Your Loved Ones - Our Patients Do! Here's what they have been saying: "I can't believe what I have been missing!" and "I wish I had done it sooner!" Visit The Oakville Hearing Centre for the very best in hearing healthcare.We are proud to offer only the highest quality products and services to our clients. NICOLE CLARK B.A., M.CI.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Be sure to enter our February Prize Draw* for your chance to win a FREE pair of premium Widex hearing aids! A proven professional with the expertise to handle your hearing healthcare needs. save up to $1000** Exclusive anniversary offer on select pairs of hearing aids. Visit www.oakvillehearing.com/savings to 1235 Trafalgar Road Suite 207, Oakville www.oakvillehearing.com T: 905.849.5894 *The draw will take place at the end of February. **Receive up to $500 in savings if a single aid is purchased. Offer applies on select hearing aids. Offer expires February 29, 2012.