Announcing the 2016 Private Business Growth Award winner

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP, proudly announce the 2016 Private Business Growth Award winner – AGNORA Inc.

Toronto/Ottawa, ON - November 17, 2016

Founded in 2011 in Collingwood, Ontario, AGNORA Inc. has achieved impressive and sustained growth through their market focus, strategic leadership, dynamic team culture, exceptional customer service and strong partnerships. Furthermore, they pushed new boundaries to attest to what is truly possible with architectural glass, designing and fabricating the largest architectural glass in North America. Their success has also helped to revitalize the local Collingwood community, bringing jobs, opportunity and economic growth.

“This year’s winner has proven yet again that innovative leadership can result in new and prosperous growth pathways,” says The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of The Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “AGNORA Inc. is one of Canada’s leading private businesses making their mark, helping to drive our economy forward.”

AGNORA Inc., winner, and fellow 10 Top Private Business Growth Award Finalists, were recognized at a gala held at The Design Exchange in Toronto last evening, hosted by Canadian business journalist, Deirdre McMurdy.

“The Private Business Growth Award was created to recognize, validate and celebrate private business success stories across the country,” said Kevin Ladner, CPA, CA, CBV, CEO and Executive Partner, Grant Thornton LLP. “It is occasions such as these which inspire others to reach new heights and experience new growth. I commend AGNORA Inc. on its achievements.”

The Private Business Growth Award is a distinguished award that pays tribute to the integral role that Canada’s private businesses play in growing our country’s economy. All Finalists, including the winner, were selected by an independent Jury of accomplished business leaders, who recognized the companies for their successful, sustainable and holistic growth strategies (listed in alphabetical order):

In selecting the 2016 winner and Top 10 Private Business Growth Award Finalists, jury members used these five criteria to assess strategic growth across various aspects of the nominees’ businesses:

Innovation: Developing new products and services, bringing old products to market in a new way, as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes.
Market development: How they go to market and expand into new domestic or international markets.
People and culture: Investing in their people by helping employees learn and develop as a critical part of overall growth.
Strategic leadership: How they interact with partners, stakeholders, their succession planning and community involvement.
Improvements in financial measures: Ensuring revenue growth and improvements in profitability.

This year’s accomplished jury included:

The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Phil Noble, Past CEO and Strategic Advisor to Firm Leadership, Grant Thornton LLP
Christiane Bergevin, Yamana Gold
Peggy Cunningham, Professor and RA Jodrey Chair, Dalhousie University Business School
Malcolm Hunter, President, Deeley Group of Companies
Sean Stanleigh, Managing Editor, Globe Content Studio, the Globe and Mail
Paul Straus, President, Home Hardware Stores Limited

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Press Release

Announcing the 2016 Private Business Growth Award winner

17 Nov 2016

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP, proudly announce the 2016 Private Business Growth Award winner – AGNORA Inc.

Toronto/Ottawa, ON - November 17, 2016

In selecting the 2016 winner and Top 10 Private Business Growth Award Finalists, jury members used these five criteria to assess strategic growth across various aspects of the nominees’ businesses:

Innovation: Developing new products and services, bringing old products to market in a new way, as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes.
Market development: How they go to market and expand into new domestic or international markets.
People and culture: Investing in their people by helping employees learn and develop as a critical part of overall growth.
Strategic leadership: How they interact with partners, stakeholders, their succession planning and community involvement.
Improvements in financial measures: Ensuring revenue growth and improvements in profitability.

This year’s accomplished jury included:

The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Phil Noble, Past CEO and Strategic Advisor to Firm Leadership, Grant Thornton LLP
Christiane Bergevin, Yamana Gold
Peggy Cunningham, Professor and RA Jodrey Chair, Dalhousie University Business School
Malcolm Hunter, President, Deeley Group of Companies
Sean Stanleigh, Managing Editor, Globe Content Studio, the Globe and Mail
Paul Straus, President, Home Hardware Stores Limited

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP, proudly announce the 2016 Private Business Growth Award winner – AGNORA Inc.

Toronto/Ottawa, ON - November 17, 2016

In selecting the 2016 winner and Top 10 Private Business Growth Award Finalists, jury members used these five criteria to assess strategic growth across various aspects of the nominees’ businesses:

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