Judging considered customer service; employee relationships and support; growth as a measure of success; community contribution; and, elements that differentiated the company in its market.

Virox Technologies Inc. located on Bristol Circle was named 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Virox Technologies Inc. has pioneered the broader acceptance of Hydrogen Peroxide-based products with a patented technology known as Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP).

AHP is a synergistic blend of commonly used, safe ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide produce exceptional potency as a germicide and performance as a cleaner. These claims are all backed with governmental registrations and extensive third-party analysis.

Virox Technologies Inc. was selected because of its solid track record of success with a unique business concept.

Arctic Spas of Speers Road earned the honour of being 2005 Retailer of the Year.

Arctic Spas was founded in 1994 by, according to its Web site, a unique group of guys, having all grown up on farms and in small rural communities of western Canada, where the value of your word far outweighed your commercial success.

The company has carried those same values through the entire culture of its business, right through to all dealers and showrooms across the country.

It prides itself on listening and supporting customers, dealers and employees alike.

A visit to one of its showrooms or factories or a chat with anyone makes it obvious they all take providing the best product and service in the industry very seriously.

It was very evident at the Arctic Spas showroom in Oakville and, combined with its level of community involvement, is what influenced judges.

Goodrich Landing Gear of South Service Road West was named 2005 Manufacturer/Distributor of the Year.

Goodrich Landing Gear is the leading producer of aerospace landing gear components, assemblies and associated hydraulic systems.

Its production of world-class landing systems is based largely on a network of approved purchased product suppliers located throughout the world.

The Oakville site clearly emanated excellence in the delivery of quality equipment and customer service.

For 20 years it has also been a solid part of the Oakville community. All those factors made it the top pick this year in the judges' view.

Earning the honour of being 2005 Service Provider of the Year was First Canadian Title located on Sheridan Garden Drive.

First Canadian Title is Canada's leading provider of title insurance for residential and commercial real estate transactions and other related products and services.

Established in 1991, it pioneered the concept of title insurance in Canada.

Based in Oakville, First Canadian Title employs approximately 500 people from coast to coast, with the majority of them living and participating in the Oakville community. Customers include more than 11,000 lawyers and notaries nationwide, every major Canadian chartered bank, other lending institutions, real estate agents, mortgage brokers and builders.

First Canadian Title was selected as the 2005 Service Provider of the Year because of its superb record in customer service to clients, its employee relationships, ongoing corporate citizenship and commitment to its sector.

Stoney's Bread Company/Restaurant of Kerr Street earned the title of 2005 Tourism/Hospitality Provider of the Year.

A popular brunch and lunch spot, Stoney's exemplifies superior customer service and unique style, such that it enjoys a large and loyal clientele.

Known for its creative, fresh and all-natural products, fabulous salads and chic, open atmosphere, Stoney's is also active in the community hosting and sponsoring events for such organizations as the Canadian Federation of Poets.

Its success as a business has come largely by word of mouth from enthused customers.

This year's judging panel included Tom Hitchman, President and CEO, Naylor Group Inc.; Gerard Mercer, Dean, Sheridan School of Business, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning; Jeff Powell, co-owner, M. Edward Powell Insurance Brokers; Barry Sprawson, President, SPS Inc.; and, Ray Thompson, Principal, Botany Hill Management Inc.