Author: Lucie Shaw, MBOT Chair & Owner of Nurse Next Door Mississauga

We are thrilled that at MBOT we finally, after two years, were able to celebrate in person the businesses in Mississauga with the Business Awards of Excellence.   What a fantastic evening it was celebrating the best of the best in the City of Mississauga. 

During the last two years, businesses had to adapt, make changes, pivot, all to survive or excel.  Survival was a challenge in many industries, and many pulled through but still struggle.  Those companies that excelled also were challenged to pivot and perform differently.  We learned how to hold or participate in virtual meetings, and now we are learning how to merge our virtual and in person worlds.  Change was and is happening fast. Having a celebration of business was what we needed.  Looking forward, what will our business world look like by the end of 2022?

Excitement was in the air at the in person, 2021 Business Awards of Excellence held at the Mississauga Convention Centre.  An opportunity for business colleagues to reconnect and share stories of the past two years but, most of all, to celebrate the many great businesses of Mississauga. We were pleased so many organizations were nominated.  Being nominated for any award is an accomplishment; people are proud of what they have achieved. Acceptance speeches by the winners were full of enthusiasm and gratitude and a real inspiration to us all.         

As we look forward to the second half of 2022, what opportunities will exist?  Many of us are challenged with the war on talent, but we are resilient and will find a way forward.  Our MERG (Mississauga Economic Resiliency Group) is also looking at talent solutions.  Great ideas come when we share and work together to find a better way.  As the owner of Nurse Next Door in Mississauga, we too have hiring challenges, but we are starting to see some positive change.

We are halfway through the year and so much change has already taken place.  The next six months could yet be the best of what is to come.  MBOT is here to support our members – large or small – to Connect, Champion, Advance your business.  I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow business owners at upcoming events.