Welcome to our 2024 People's Choice Award.
This award is presented to an Aurora-based business in any industry that exemplifies excellence. This award will be voted on by the public to a business who shows
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- Outstanding customer experience
- Commitment to the community
- Positive impact and connection
- Accessibility and Inclusivity
The link for voting will open on September 1.
People's Choice Finalists
Allegra Aurora supplies custom Printing, Promotional Products and Signage.
What sets us apart is that our customers come first and we love supporting the community.
Artistica Ballroom Dance Studio is a welcoming and inclusive space for those passionate about social ballroom dancing. Our studio is more than just a place to learn dance; it is a family where everyone feels a sense of belonging and support. We are committed to guiding individuals through the intricacies of movement while promoting a holistic approach to self-discovery. Our skillful instructors create a friendly, supportive atmosphere that helps students connect deeply with their own bodies, their dance partners, and the broader community. Whether you're taking your first steps on the dance floor or perfecting advanced techniques, Artistica is a place to experience the joy and transformative power of dance.
Artistica Ballroom Dance Studio stands out because we are more than just a business; we are a family. Our unique approach to dance combines technical skill with a deep sense of community and personal growth. Our instructors are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, bringing their expertise in competitive dancing to their studio. Currently two of our instructors, Patrick & Anastasia, are competing in Professional Smooth and hold the title of Canadian Vice Champions. We strive to be not only teachers but mentors and friends who nurture each student's journey, creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere. We celebrate the shared moments of joy, the bonds formed through practice and performance, and the collective spirit that makes our studio vibrant and dynamic.
byLisa Holistic Health Centre has been providing services to the Aurora community for 25 years, dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals. As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Cancer Transition Coach, my focus is on simplifying nutrition and lifestyle choices, making them less confusing and more accessible. I offer personalized 1:1 and group support, tailored to each person's unique needs, taking into account their medical history, goals, and cultural preferences. My services include genetic testing to provide personalized nutrition recommendations based on an individual’s DNA. For cancer survivors and those living with chronic cancer, I provide comprehensive support to navigate the physical and emotional challenges faced after treatment. With a strong emphasis on mental health, I offer evidence-based nutrition plans and support to enhance mental well-being. Additionally, as a certified mindfulness and meditation practitioner, I provide guided meditation sessions to further support overall health and wellness. My ultimate goal is to empower and support my clients with clear, uncomplicated, and effective health strategies.
What sets byLisa Holistic Health Centre apart is my comprehensive and compassionate approach to health and wellness. For 25 years, I have been dedicated to simplifying nutrition and lifestyle choices for my clients, providing evidence-based and sustainable solutions tailored to each individual’s medical history, goals, and cultural preferences. I offer genetic testing for personalized nutrition, ensuring clients receive reliable recommendations based on their unique DNA. My strong focus on mental health is reflected in my personalized nutrition plans and support, making me stand out in the holistic health field. As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Cancer Transition Coach, I provide specialized support for cancer survivors and those living with chronic cancer, addressing both physical and emotional challenges. My mindfulness and meditation services further enhance my holistic approach, promoting overall health and wellness. My commitment to uncomplicating nutrition and lifestyle choices, combined with personalized and empathetic support, makes byLisa Holistic Health Centre the best choice for the People's Choice Award. I empower my clients with clear, effective, and supportive health strategies, ensuring they achieve their wellness goals.
We are a creative thinking agency. We focus on creative, Human-to-Human marketing solutions for companies and organizations looking for a trusted partner. Our solutions: - Marketing Plans, Service Design, and Brand Strategy - Organic social media content and community management (Facebook, lnstagram, Twitter, and Linkedln) - Website design and development including dedicated landing pages (WordPress LearnDash, and Shopify mostly) -Accessibility Compliance for WordPress Websites - Graphic design for brand and marketing materials - UX/UI (deep dive into persona investigation, user flows, analytics, etc.) - Blog and content writing for websites and press releases - PPC (Google, Facebook/lnstagram, YouTube, and Linkedln ads) - Event marketing - Fundraising Marketing for NGO's and NFP's -Ad campaign conceptualization for any size campaign for digital and print usage - Influencer marketing for product campaigns.
My company sets itself apart from the competition by prioritizing Human-to-Human marketing. While many companies in the industry may focus on automated or impersonal methods of marketing, our company recognizes the importance of establishing genuine connections with customers through personalized communication and engagement. By prioritizing the human element in marketing along with some Al, our company is better able to understand and meet the unique needs and preferences of our clients and their target audiences. This approach can help our company build stronger and more authentic relationships with clients, partners, and the community leading to increased loyalty, brand advocacy, and ultimately, business success. Plus, we're nice!
Gowda-Singh Insurance Inc. supports entrepreneurs in the GTA who are looking for simplified insurance and financial protection plans that provide peace of mind in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on simplifying insurance and financial protection for entrepreneurs who are driving local businesses and contributing meaningfully to their communities. We understand the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs—whether they are balancing the demands of business with the responsibilities of family or striving to grow their ventures while supporting others. Our tailored insurance solutions provide peace of mind by addressing both personal and professional needs, allowing our clients to focus on what they do best. By choosing Gowda-Singh Insurance Inc., you’re not just getting an insurance provider; you’re gaining a partner who understands and values the balancing act of home-life and business. We aim to grow with you, making us the best choice for anyone looking to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
We are an HR consulting firm that supports small to medium sized businesses with all aspects related to their people and human capital. 80% of Canadian business are owner managed and are not experts in people management and overall human resources. We support these entrepreneurs to ensure they are fair, create amazing workplaces through great leadership and programs and maintain compliance while supporting their business objectives to increase profitability and efficiencies through their teams. This results in satisfied customers, business owners succeeding and overall motivated team members that will take that positivity throughout other aspects of their lives at work and home.
Our mission is to bridge the gap in HR expertise for these businesses, providing the support needed to ensure fair practices and create exceptional workplace environments. We go beyond compliance and leadership training, offering tailored programs that align with our clients business objectives to boost profitability and efficiency through their team’s performance. Our approach is deeply personal and empathetic. We know that the success of our clients business relies on the happiness and engagement of their team members, which is why we focus on creating positive workplace cultures. This not only leads to thriving businesses but also enhances the overall well-being of their employees, impacting their lives both at work and at home. We provided customized solutions and partner with our clients as Leaders Delivering Holistic Results (LDHR). Our internal values demonstrate the way we work with our clients and internally as a team and truly set us apart in the industry. Our values are the following: Authentic, Personalized, Agile and Collaborative.
MKW services is an outdoor living company that specializes in Bringing your backyard to life. We offer high-quality customer service and craftsmanship well specializing in decks, fences and sunrooms.
We offer Exceptional, customer service, high-quality products and craftsmanship and always put the clients vision first. We guide you through the process from start to finish making our clients feel comfortable and at ease. We are A family owned and operated local business, priding ourselves on honesty, integrity, and hard-working relationships. We work hard to have our clients feel valued, heard, And respected just as if they are part of our own family.
Momentum Therapy is a multidisciplinary Health and Wellness Clinic. We offer the following services: Physiotherapy, Chiropractics, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dietetics and Naturopathy.
Having served the community of Aurora for over 10 years, we have made significant strides forward in the last 2 years under new management. We have hired exceptional clinicians with vast experience, offer outstanding customer service and provide a clean and spacious (newly renovated) clinic space. We now boast over 370 5-star Google Reviews (the most of any such clinic in Aurora), were voted Physio Clinic of the year in 2023 as well as Top Health/Wellness clinic of 2024. Most of our new business is from direct word-of-mouth, which shows that our clients highly recommend us.
You would think that a store called Oakridge Fashions is all about fashion, but we’re actually much more than that. Our cornerstone is service. Every day, we help a wide and diverse range of women of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, budgets, and body shapes, look and feel their best. Oakridge Fashions is equally dedicated to giving back to the community. Since 2020, ‘The Giving Shop’ at Oakridge Fashions has invited customers to do their holiday gift shopping with the promise of returning 100% of the proceeds to the community. Since its inception, some $50,000 has been donated to healthcare, food shortage, education, social needs, sports and the arts across our community. We also believe in uplifting our town. In 2022, Oakridge Fashions took over and renovated an historic 1950’s bank building in downtown Aurora as part of our support to revitalize the area.
The cornerstone of Oakridge Fashions has always been about providing exceptional customer and community service with a deep commitment to celebrating the diversity of the women we dress while always supporting the community we call home. In keeping with our support of Aurora, In 2022, we made a move to downtown Aurora and extensively upgraded the building to support the revitalization of our historic downtown. We are proud to have preserved and now share this historic building that has been a part of Aurora’s downtown since 1950. Let’s talk about customer service. As a clothier, we believe customer service begins with recognizing and honouring the diverse and unique needs of our wide range of customers. From the moment a customer enters Oakridge Fashions they will experience exceptional and unique service that is tailor-made for them, whether they require mobility or dressing assistance, our accessible washroom, or personal shopping support. Every day we meet women of varying ages, ethnicities, sizes, abilities, shapes, budgets and personalities. We believe these characteristics are what make up our individuality. With that in mind, we set out to understand each customer and assemble styles that leave her looking and feeling her individual best, all within her budget and lifestyle needs. We are known and trusted for our honest styling advice! Community service helps us all. Oakridge Fashions is equally passionate about serving the community. Each year, we donate time, expertise and tens of thousands of dollars to community needs across key pillars including healthcare, social needs, food shortage, education, sports, and the arts. We are grateful for the community that has supported and nurtured us for more than 25 years and receive immense satisfaction in being able give back where needs are great. Our holiday ‘Giving Shop’ has provided more than $50,000 to the community since its inception in 2020. We’re digging in to support downtown revitalization. In 2022, when Oakridge Fashions needed a bigger home, we jumped at the chance to take over the historic 1950’s CIBC Bank Building at 15195 Yonge Street. With 18-inch concrete walls and floors, 16-foot ceilings and a very old electrical system, we had our hands full but were determined to bring this grand lady back to its glory. From researching 1950’s architectural styles to uncovering photos of 1950’s department stores and unearthing archival photos of the building’s erection, we renovated and adorned the building to meet our needs today while honouring its mid-century integrity. Throughout the process, we were determined to give the town a renewed historic building to enjoy right in the heart of Aurora.
RNC Employment Services has been connecting local businesses with job seekers for over 20 years and are proud to represent the Employment Ontario program in Aurora, Ontario. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff have served Aurorans through their job search and career exploration whether they are starting a career, experiencing layoff, or looking for a better job. Employment Services may include Career Counselling, Facilitated Workshops, Coaching, Job Development, Job Fairs, Better Jobs Ontario, Canada-Ontario Job Grant, Apprenticeship and Employer Hiring and Training Incentives for eligible employers.
Our qualified and caring staff are rehabilitation professionals who demonstrate a high level of service to support job seekers in the way that meets their individual needs. Our RNC team works to continually deliver on our mission to help our clients find meaningful and sustainable employment and provide them with guidance, feedback and access to current job search tools and information to put their best foot forward. RNC takes pride in the long-term relationships we have built with local businesses and residents in Aurora for over 14 years. RNC is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible service and our organization actively promotes hiring people with disabilities working with various organizations that support creating opportunities for communities that are underrepresented in the workforce. RNC Employment Services has also developed and delivered programs specifically for newcomers, youth and persons with disabilities to overcome their unique challenges to find suitable and meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities.
We are a boutique accounting firm that offers customized financial solutions when it comes to all your bookkeeping, accounting and tax needs.
We bring a very personal approach to all our customers and offer value beyond numbers. Educating our clients on the financial tools needed to achieve their goals and ultimate business success is a priority. Our client's success is our success!
As a professional photographer specializing in business branding, family, couples, and headshots, I offer both on-location and in-studio services. I provide an experience that helps business owners put their face on their brand, families capture memories that last a lifetime, and individuals celebrate personal milestones. Whether a business owner is looking to strengthen their brand's visual identity, a family wanting to preserve special moments, or someone celebrating personal achievements, my photography services are designed to meet the unique needs and create lasting, meaningful images.
What sets my photography business apart from others is the unique and transformative experience I provide for my clients. As a photographer specializing in business branding, family, couples, and headshots, I do more than just capture images—I help people see the best version of themselves, often revealing a side they haven't seen in a long time or ever. My expertise not only lies in creating stunning visuals but also in making my clients feel at ease in front of the camera, which is especially important for those who are camera shy. It's been incredible for me to see that through photography not only do I help a person connect with their clients through their business branding, or with their family members through family portraits, but I've seen how a person lights up when for the first time or in a long time, they connect with themselves and see what their friends and loved ones see in them that they didn't see in themselves. It's a beautiful thing. And can be so powerful that without the comparisons of seeing what's out on social media, a person sees themselves as enough, just as they are. I'm grateful to be a part of that and this is why I feel I would be the best choice for the People's Choice awards.
Summers and Smith Cooling & Heating Limited has been providing heating, cooling and indoor air quality for over 51 years to York Region.
What sets us apart is our teams dedication to our community to ensure they provide the best solutions, with efficient service, and products that help make their home more sustainable.
Whiteboard Creative Lab Inc. is a boutique web design agency, founded by women. We excel in bringing our client's visions to life and specialize in transforming their digital blueprints into cutting-edge, technically superior custom websites that leave a lasting impression. Our bread and butter is building, designing and developing innovative and creative web solutions that reflect the unique essence of each client's brand, making them stand out from their competitors. With a passion for pushing boundaries, we blend cutting-edge technology with artistic flair to deliver captivating online experiences creating an immersive journey that effortlessly engages its audience. From striking visual designs to seamless user experiences, we collaborate closely with each client to understand their unique goals and challenges, committed to producing excellence, crafting truly one-of-a-kind web solutions built for the now and beyond; All our custom WordPress websites are mobile-friendly and responsive, meticulously coded to meet all AODA and web standards ensuring digital accessibility long-term.
At the heart of our women-founded web design agency lies a steadfast commitment to empowerment and support, where we've cultivated a culture where every member of our team feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Collaboration and communication are our cornerstones, fostering a healthy work environment where ideas flourish and creativity thrives. We prioritize mentorship, celebrate achievements together and lift each other up through challenges. Our agency isn't just about building beautiful websites; it's about building each other up and creating a community where everyone is supported and encouraged to shine. Our agency understands the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible work hours and remote work options, empowering our team members to design their schedules around their personal lives and commitments. Whether it's balancing family responsibilities, pursuing personal interests, or simply needing a change of scenery, we believe flexibility is key to fostering happiness and productivity. By embracing remote work and flexible hours, we enable our team to thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring that they can achieve their best work while living fulfilling lives outside of the office. Founding and leading a female-led company has been an immensely rewarding journey. We have not only created a business but also a community—a sisterhood—where equality, support, and recognition are the cornerstones of our work environment. By prioritizing the empowerment and advancement of women, we are not only breaking down barriers but also shaping a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality.
A friendly destination for quality furniture and decor on consignment.
Our core beliefs in consignment is to offer quality pieces at even better prices. We also lean heavily into the health and wellness of the environment. We do not dump or dispose of any inventory, and sell thousands of pieces to keep them out of landfills.
The York Dance Academy, founded in 1986 by Angela Tucker, is one of the foremost dance studios in York Region. We offer a variety of dance and fitness programs from 3 yrs to adult both in studio and online. Our instructors are highly qualified and class sizes are small so our clients can get the ultimate learning experience.
We connect our community through our passion for dance. We are not just a dance studio; we are a home away from home providing a safe environment for our clients to experience connections, wellness and fulfillment through dance. We have been recognized as one of the best dance studios in York Region for over 38 years and are pleased to say many of our graduates come back as adult students or to bring their young family back to where it all started for them. We guarantee our clients will experience the enchantment of dance in a friendly, inclusive and stable environment, taught by highly qualified industry professionals.
Thrive Gymnastics is an upbeat training facility where all participants are supported by our team of skilled and enthusiastic coaches. We pride ourselves on encouraging a combination of physical, mental, and sport specific development. A place where everyone has the opportunity to THRIVE! Thrive Gymnastics offers a variety of levels from recreational to competitive, for a wide range of ages. Our offerings thrive beyond weekly classes, with birthday parties, camps, and fitness classes!
Thrive is the newest gymnastics studio to Aurora, and over the past two years, has drawn 750+ children from across many communities to our facility. We are proudly known as a positive and welcoming environment, and strive to be a space for our community to feel as though the facility is a second home. We refer to all our clients as our Thrive Family, and are grateful for all those who walk through our front doors. Our team greets everyone with smiles, our coaches are positive and enthusiastic, and our administrative team and owner strive for outstanding customer service and community connection. At Thrive, we pride ourselves on an inclusive and unique hands on approach to the sport and helping raise a generation of well rounded, confident caring and empathetic young athletes. Beyond recreational and competitive gymnastics skills, we are preparing these children for life, as they learn about sportsmanship, winning with humbleness, having dignity in defeat, discipline, work-ethic, respect for sport; their teammates, competitors, and coaches. We are constantly receiving praise and gratitude from our members for how their children have become better individuals in school, in their families, in their communities, and confidence they have gained from joining our program. Thrive gymnastics has become a pillar of our community because of this, and why so many families return and recommend our programs.