The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce will host the 20th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, May 3, 2024 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.
For out of town attendees, the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel (adjacent to the Burlington Convention Centre) is happy to extend a special rate of $189.00. Please call: 289.337.2700 or visit marriott.com/YHMBU
PURCHASE TICKETS and SPONSORSHIP VIA REGISTRATION FORM HERE
OR
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
This exceptional evening will include a keynote address by American-born Croatian Pete Radovich!
Radovich is one of the world’s most profilic television producers. He is a 41-time Emmy Award winner and VP Production and Senior Creative Director, CBS Sports, UEFA Champions League and Super Bowl. Radovich was born and raised in Queens, New York to immigrant parents, his father is from Kapri near Šibenik, and his mother is from Pašman. Storytelling is the core of what he does at CBS.
Radovich credits his Croatian upbringing and roots to how he got where he is today. “I don’t know how to be American. If someone asks me what it’s like to be Croatian, I can go on for hours. Being multicultural and Croatian helps me tell better stories.”
The evening will also feature a curated Mediterranean dinner menu by Chef Damir Tas from Gušt Restaurant 
“My father was a Chef by trade and opened several successful restaurants along the Adriatic coast, so it was only natural that I was drawn into this world at a very early age. I grew up in restaurant kitchens, spending most of my days with talented staff who nurtured my curiosity in the culinary arts.
Gušt (pronounced Gusht) meaning simple pleasure is a contemporary restaurant nestled in heart of downtown Allison. Our elegant dishes focus on Mediterranean fusion cuisine with a passion for exceptional ingredients. As a Chef, it represents the next chapter of my career and a creative outlet for amazing food meant to be shared with family and friends” – Damir Tas
Tatjana Hutinec will further enrich the evening with an Art Exhibit created especially for the BEA.
It was an honor to collaborate with Tatjana, a Toronto-based visual artist originally from Croatia, at multiple BEA Galas hosted by our Chamber in Ontario.
Tatjana’s art exhibitions have truly enhanced the BEA Galas by engaging the community and creating a richer experience for all attendees.
With a diverse background in painting, sculpture, and public art installations, Hutinec has showcased her work in both Croatia and Canada. Her artwork delves into themes of cultural identity, ancestral wisdom, and newfound clarity, offering a glimpse into her artistic journey and the evolving narratives that shape her work.
Investing in Tatjana’s artwork not only brings a beautiful piece of art into your collection but also supports her rich cultural heritage and boundless creativity. Her pieces have the ability to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and stimulate meaningful conversations.
A portion of the proceeds from art sales will be donated to the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund, furthering the impact of your purchase.
CLICK HERE for the Art Preview catalogue for your review. If you are interested in acquiring any of the featured artwork, Tatjana is pleased to offer a 100% tax-deductible receipt for your purchase, as well as the opportunity for promotion as her Exhibit Sponsor. This includes having your business logo displayed at the exhibit or listed in the program.
If this opportunity resonates with you, please do not hesitate to contact Tatjana at 647.465.3040
Your support would not only benefit your collection but also contribute to the cultural enrichment of our community.
Please join us for an evening of outstanding recognition, fine food, and entertainment!
- Cocktail hour, dinner and open bar
- Presentation of the 20th BEAs
- Presentation of the scholarship and bursary awards
- Entertainment with Ponosni Hrvati and Thomas Sulug as well as anthems by Mia Milicevic
- Silent auction and raffle – proceeds of which will be used to benefit the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund
- Wine Tasting with Croatia Unpacked
Nomination Process
Deadline: March 22, 2024
Nominations will be considered for two consecutive years and do not have to be refiled the second year. Nominations received in 2023 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 20th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, May 3, 2024 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.
Thank you to our 2023 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.
