ACCKWA The Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo and Area

For the past 33 years ACCKWA has been a much-needed queer-led force in supporting individuals in Waterloo Region when it comes to harm prevention, health promotion, anti-stigma work and inclusion for multiple marginalized communities. That important work continues in its efforts to engage vulnerable LGBTQ youth and educators to promote health and social equity goals. Through its responsive programming and multi-sectoral collaboration, ACCKWA continues to, among many priorities, address the social determinants of health that create stigma, discrimination and vulnerability for those who use its services.

Brick and Mortar General Store Eatery & Provisions

Charm and character are the words that quickly come to mind when customers think of Brick and Mortar General Store Eatery & Provisions. Whether visiting the store in-person (taking pandemic restrictions into consideration) or perusing its nicely designed website or very active social media accounts, it’s clear that Brick and Mortar is a popular spot to find authentic and delicious foods as well as some funky home décor items. Besides its highly regarded snacks, teas and biscuits, customers can’t seem to get enough of its charcuterie and cheese boards or home-cooked options. Glowing online reviews clearly show when it comes to customer service and being a corporate citizen, Brick and Mortar is great place to check out.

CamoIT Solutions

Innovation and customer service go hand-in-hand at camoIT Solutions. Providing the widest selection of operating systems, networks and databases, the company strives to ensure that any small to mid-sized business will have their IT needs met at the highest level of quality. The company was created with passion and determination as a proven leader in the IT industry. By offering 24/7 IT support, its clients are guaranteed to receive the best service possible. The goal at camoIT Solutions is to provide an experience that is tailored to each company’s needs, regardless of budget. This dedication to service makes this a company a great corporate citizen.

Fabrik Architects Inc.

Innovation and social responsibility form the base of Fabrik Architects Inc.’s principles of transparency, collaboration and sustainability since it was found in 2017. The firm has strived to be a good corporate citizen and has taken those efforts to new heights through its work in actively researching ways that the AEC industry can help develop safer ‘new normal’ workplaces and residences. The Fabrik team, led by its founder Elisia Neves, has shown its competitive edge by working towards becoming a leader in pandemic building design through the development of an advisory board of professionals. This research and initiative are now changing the future of design starting today.

SK Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic

Continuing education is key at this multidisciplinary clinic which strives to ensure its professional skills of all its physiotherapists remain top-notch. The professionals a SK Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic are experts in the field of human movement and use their vast knowledge to effectively treat their clients’ pain and discomfort as well as provide overall pain and injury management. Even with the many restrictions in place due to COVID-19, SK Physiotherapy has put the most comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of their clients and staff.

Rio Nectar

Casual and quality mean everything at Rio Nectar. The eatery, which opened its second location this past year in the midst of the pandemic, is the brainchild of owner Shane Gray - a paramedic and self-studied nutritionist –  who believes in the power of good food. Rio Nectar uses only fresh real ingredients free from preservatives and chemicals. By providing customers with healthier and tasty alternatives, Shane hopes to ensure they have the best quality of life possible. In fact, Shane also has been known to help customers develop their own healthier meal plans at no cost because he believes in the concept of clean foods.

Romin Optical

Sandra Sousa (SS) Bookkeeping & Taxes

Being a great corporate citizen is very important at Sandra Sousa (SS) Bookkeeping & Taxes. Besides always ready to answer clients’ questions – whether by phone, email or social media – free of charge, thinking about the needs of the community is always on the books. In fact, this year and last Sandra Sousa (SS) Bookkeeping & Taxes provided free pickup and drop-off income tax services to all Waterloo Region seniors. As well, last year during the start of COVID-19, provided one day of free income tax services to retailer workers as a way to say thanks for their efforts. It’s not surprising Sandra Sousa (SS) Bookkeeping & Taxes has been voted top bookkeeping, income tax and accounting service in Waterloo Region. Recently, they also completed their Chamber Check training to ensure the safest possible environment for their staff and clients.

Speakeasy Cannabis Co. Cambridge

The community and its safety are priorities at Speakeasy Cannabis Co. Cambridge. The world of legal cannabis may be still unchartered territory for many, which is why the staff (or budtenders) at this fully licensed cannabis dispensary go out of their way to help and provide locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the world of cannabis in a safe environment. The store’s unique space, including its website, offers a great place to shop and check out the many top-notch cannabis products and accessories available. The Speakeasy Cannabis Co. brand has quickly caught on in other communities setting up this company to be ‘disrupters’ in this new and booming industry.

Urban Jungle Planet and Flower Boutique

Positivity and community mean everything at Urban Jungle Planet and Flower Boutique. From working with other businesses to assisting charitable initiatives, such as the Rotary Club of Cambridge’s silent auction, the shop goes above and beyond on all fronts especially when it comes to customer service. This includes donating flowers to a community member who had to rush her wedding date over an illness. Customers are always a priority at Urban Jungle Planet and Flower Boutique which goes out of its way to ensure its products come from ethical sources that have a mindful work environment for their employees. Education is always a part of the experience at Urban Jungle Planet which is also known for its very innovative displays.

Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery