The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce will host the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Burlington Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Drive, Burlington, Ontario, opening with cocktails at 6:00 p.m.
The awards evening is designed to formally recognize leadership, innovation and excellence within the Croatian-Canadian community and significant contributions by Croatian-Canadians to Canadian society as a whole.
We invite all members and friends of the Chamber and the greater Croatian-Canadian communities across Canada to join us.
PURCHASE TICKETS and SPONSORSHIP VIA REGISTRATION FORM HERE:
OR
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
THIS EXCEPTIONAL EVENING WILL FEATURE OUR SPECIAL GUEST, ROBERT ANDJELIC!
LAND. VISION. LEGACY
From immigrant roots to a Croatian-Canadian success story on a continental scale: the largest private farmland owner in Canada (outside of the Crown) and second largest private cropland owner
in North America (second only to Bill Gates).
Robert is recognized not only for the scale of his holdings but for his thoughtful approach to agriculture, investment, and stewardship of one of our most important resources – the land itself.
Croatian-Inspired Cuisine by Chef Tomo Kovaček
The evening will also feature a curated dinner menu by Chef Tomo Kovaček, co-owner of Verace Italian Restaurant.
Chef Tomo will bring together traditional flavours and modern culinary artistry. Known for his creativity and deep appreciation of Croatian cuisine, Chef Tomo will contribute to a dining experience that celebrates heritage, hospitality, and the rich tastes of the Adriatic – perfectly complementing a night dedicated to excellence in the Croatian-Canadian community.
Please join us for an evening of outstanding recognition, fine food, and entertainment!
- Cocktail hour, dinner and open bar
- Presentation of the 22nd BEAs
- Presentation of the scholarship and bursary awards
- Entertainment by Zlatni List as well as anthems by Julijana Hajdinjak and Andrew Sporcic
- Silent auction and raffle – proceeds of which will be used to benefit the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund
- Croatian wine and cocktail tasting with United Stars
Hotel Reservations
Enjoy a special group rate at Holiday Inn & Suites Oakville @ Bronte.
Holiday Inn & Suites Oakville @ Bronte reservations. : Book your group rate here!
Nomination Process
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Nominations will be considered for two consecutive years and do not have to be refiled the second year. Nominations received in 2025 will be automatically entered and considered.
Those nominated but not recognized after two years may be nominated again by filing a nomination package with updated information.
There is no cap on the number of nomination packages eligible for submission.
All nominations must be submitted in writing. Verbal nominations will not be accepted. Nominations may be made by on-line submission, regular mail, e-mail, or hand delivery.
Click HERE for Award Categories and Nomination Forms
Nomination Criteria
Consideration will be given to performance and achievement in any of, but not limited to, the following areas:
• Leadership and entrepreneurship
• Product/service/market innovation
• Any unique business achievements
• Sales and/or employment growth and technological advancement
• Excellence in community relations/promotion
• Customer service and reliability
• High standards of employee relations
Selection Process
The award recipients are determined through a voting panel composed of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the previous year’s award recipients. The selection process is moderated and approved by the Consul General, Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia.
Announcement of Award Recipients
The names of the award recipients will be announced at the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, May 8, 2026 in Burlington, Ontario. The names will also be published on the Chamber’s website as well as by news release.
Nominations are encouraged from all members and friends of the Chamber and the greater Croatian-Canadian communities across Canada.
Chamber membership is not required to nominate or be nominated as an award candidate.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
As a not-for-profit organization, we depend upon the generosity of businesses and individuals to help make this event a great success and sustain various initiatives of the Chamber including subsidizing educational initiatives and supporting the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund.
