On Thursday, November 20th we had the privilege of attending the 21st Annual Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs). The event was held at the newly renamed Shaw Centre (formerly Ottawa Convention Centre) and put on by the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. It was a stunning event that celebrated Ottawa's Top Businesses!

Here is our recap of the event and what if felt like to win our first business award.

When we arrived, we were escorted to the VIP area where we had the opportunity to mingle with other award recipients and community leaders. Afterwards, we were directed to the main hall where dinner and awards ceremony were hosted.

The event kicked off with an address from W. Brett Wilson, an iconic Canadian entrepreneur and former Dragon on the wildly successful Reality Show, Dragon’s Den. His talk gave encouraging words of wisdom to all.

After the opening speeches and entertainment we moved onto dinner which was a great time for us to catch up with the members of our team and share stories of how much we have grown as a Company as well as how excited we are for changes yet to come. In total there were twenty people who came out as part of the Kardish group.

Co-MC's Mark Sutcliffe of Great River Media and Harley Finkelstein of Shopify kicked off the awards presentations and we got to hear about all the amazing things other Ottawa businesses were being honoured for.

Finally it was our turn to head up on the big stage and receive our award.  It was a proud moment for all of us and something we will always cherish.  We were honored to be in such great company with fellow Outstanding Business Award recipients Kinaxis, Gabriel Pizza Franchise Corporation, Le Nordik Spa-Nature and Accu-Rate Corporation.

We all agreed afterwards that the best part of the evening was seeing everyone all dressed up, here are some pictures of our team looking their best on our special night!

Background Info on The Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs)

The Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) are the evolution of a 21-year-old awards program organized by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and Ottawa Business Journal.  The awards seek to recognize the most successful and innovative companies and business leaders who are driving economic growth and prosperity in the nation's capital.

Each year, dozens of companies from all sectors are nominated for their contributions to Ottawa’s vibrant business scene.  Recipients are linked by their passion for doing business in Ottawa.  In the history of the program, more than 500 awards have been presented in the proud presence of Ottawa business, community and political leaders.

Info on the Outstanding Company of the Year Award

All companies nominated for the category of Outstanding Companies must be headquartered in the National Capital Region or be locally owned and operated.

The judging is based on the following criteria:

• Local growth 
• Financial sustainability  
• Market position
• Community involvement 

For additional information, please visit The Best Ottawa Business Awards website