Salute to Brant
The annual Salute to Brant event brings together County of Brant businesses, as well as County of Brant Council and staff to enjoy an evening of networking, local food and drink, an awards presentation, and a keynote speaker. This year’s event featured a keynote address from guest speaker Steven Duff, Chief Economist at Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
This 2023 award recipients were:
- Kevin Hodge Farms Ltd. - #BrantFarmsForAll Agriculture Award
- ANC Modular - #Brantworks High Growth and Innovation Award
- Steel Wheel Brewery - #GoodtimesinBrant Award
- The Paris Bohemian Gallery - #GoodtimesinBrant Award
- Apogee Ceramics Inc. - #OurFutureBrant Sustainability Award
About Steve Duff
Coming from a dairy and beef background in Northumberland County, Steve completed a Masters in Agricultural Economics from the University of Guelph in 1996. Steve joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in late 1997 and for close to 15 years, Steve was the lead on business risk management programs such as AgriStability and Crop Insurance. In 2016, Steve was the recipient of the FARE Distinguished Alumni award. Steve is currently the Chief Economist at OMAFRA. Steve is an adjunct professor at the University of Guelph and former Vice-Chair of Farm Management Canada. Together with his wife Robyn, he also operates a beef and cash crop operation near Colborne, Ontario.
About the Salute to Brant Business Awards
The County of Brant Salute to Brant Business event honours local businesses who are leading the way in their industries. Below are the award categories and descriptions.
| #BrantFarmsForAll Agriculture Award |
|
The #BrantFarmsForAll Agriculture Award will recognize an agriculture business in the County of Brant or a business that directly supports the agriculture sector. Nominations should include examples of how the business has positively contributed to the agriculture sector of the County of Brant. As well, how the business addresses challenges related to Agriculture in Canada. |
| #Brantworks High Growth and Innovation Award |
|
The #BrantWorks High Growth and Innovation Award is presented to a business that has experienced significant growth over the last 24 months or have implemented innovative practices into their day-to-day operations. This award will be judged on a business-by-business basis, regardless of number of employees or physical business footprint. Quantitative examples should be provided to assist judges in making decisions. |
| #GoodtimesinBrant Award |
|
This award is presented to a business or organization that is in the tourism industry, or directly supports visitation to the County of Brant. They must demonstrate how they have promoted visitation to the County of Brant, while creating a positive impact on the environment and the community. Please provide specific examples of operational practices, growth, sector development, and what makes the business/organization unique. |
| #OurFutureBrant Sustainability Award |
|
The selected business awarded the #OurFutureBrant Sustainability Award is a business in the County of Brant that has implemented sustainable practices into their day to day practices. This includes, but is not limited to waste reductions, adoption of green energy sources, and total emission reductions. |
Each year, the County of Brant Economic Development and Tourism division hosts the regions premiere business recognition event. Salute to Brant Business brings together leaders within the local business community, elected officials, community influencers, and various industry experts to celebrate the progress and achievements of business in the County of Brant, and share industry insights.