On September 17, 2026, the Lincoln business community came together at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery for the 2026 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAAs), presented by Plexis Managed IT Solutions. Now in its 24th year, the OBAAs are an opportunity to recognize the businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs and community leaders who contribute to making Lincoln a great place to live, work and grow.
From inspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals to agricultural leaders, community champions and businesses of all sizes, this year’s awards showcased the incredible talent, dedication and community spirit found throughout Lincoln.
A Night of Celebration
Guests arrived for an evening of networking before enjoying dinner, presentations and the announcement of this year’s award recipients. Throughout the evening, there were plenty of opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of our finalists, connect with other attendees and recognize the people and organizations who continue to contribute to our community.
This year, we introduced a raffle prize to kickstart the fundraising for our Non-Profit of the Year Recipient. Attendees purchased tickets for a chance to win a prize pack of gift certificates, and products from local businesses, with all proceeds going to the award winner. We are proud to share that we raised $1,660.00 from this initiative.
We are incredibly proud of all of our 2026 finalists and nominees. Being recognized as part of the OBAAs is a reflection of the hard work, creativity, leadership and community support happening across Lincoln every day.
Thank you to our sponsors, presenters, judges, volunteers and everyone who helped make this year’s celebration possible. Your support allows us to continue shining a light on the people and businesses that make our community so strong.
2026 Award Recipients
From left to right: Nicole Campbell (Owner, The Solutionista) and Breanne Martens (Owner, Willow Dawn)
Watch the Finalist Videos for the Small Business of the Year Category
Videos sponsored and produced by Geet Collective
From left to right: Kim Long (Design & Sales Manager, Niagara Outdoor), Greg Brunet (President, Niagara Outdoor), Trevor Twardawa (Vice-President, Niagara Outdoor), Vanessa Smethurst (Client Experience & Business Manager) and Michael Dilliott (Co-Owner, Revalee Brunch Cafe)
MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Revalee Brunch Cafe
Winner: Niagara Outdoor Landscaping
Finalist: Second Chance Decor
Watch the Finalist Videos for the Medium Business of the Year Category
Videos sponsored and produced by Geet Collective
From left to right: Adam Derkacz (Business Solutions Manager, Freeman Herbs) and Ethan Fahey (Communications Coordinator, Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.)
Watch the Finalist Videos for the Large Business of the Year Category
Videos sponsored and produced by Geet Collective
From left to right: Stuart Reimer (Board President, CCWN), Nour Hage (CEO, Civiconnect), Emma Shipley (Outreach & Support Coordinator, CCWN), Nicole Abbas (Operations Manager, CCWN), Lynda O’Donnell (Director of Community Engagement, CCWN), and Carole Fuhrer (Executive Director, CCWN)
Non-Profit of the Year
Sponsored by Civiconnect
Winner: Community Care of West Niagara
From left to right: Geet Chahil (Owner, Geet Collective) and Britt Dixon (Owner, Britt Dixon Creative)
POWER OF ONE AWARD
Winner: Britt Dixon, Britt Dixon Creative
Finalist: Kimberly Wardell, Developing Inner Excellence
Adam Derkacz (Business Solutions Manager, Freeman Herbs)
AGRI-BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Vineland Growers
Winner: Freeman Herbs
Finalists: Hildreth Farms, Littlefoot Farm, Pumphouse Gardens, The Elderberry Farm
Amanda Materno (Owner, East-West Integrative Health + Wellness)
INSPIRE HER AWARD
Sponsored by Denise Tulk Desjardins Insurance Agent
Winner: Amanda Materno, East-West Integrative Health + Wellness
Finalist: Jennifer Turbide, Dear Me Cosmetic Clinic
From left to right: Joan Popowich (Job Developer, Employment Help Centre), Jordan Heckman (Owner, Jordan Station Design Co.), and Lindsay Cairns (Program Coordinator, Employment Help Centre)
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Employment Help Centre
Winner: Jordan Heckman, Jordan Station Design Co.
Finalist: Steve Grochot, Brick & Beam Coffee Co.
From left to right: Michele Lane (Commercial Sales Representative, NWIC) and Lynda O’Donnell (Director of Community Engagement, CCWN)
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Lynda O’Donnell
From left to right: Councillor Dianne Rintjema and Meghan McKay (Owner, Aedis Mvmt Studio)
NO BARRIER BUSINESS ACCESSIBILITY AWARD
Sponsored by the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee
Winner: Aedis Mvmt Studio
Finalists: Lincoln Pelham Public Library, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
From left to right: Hillary Fleming (Hidden Bench Winery), Ania De Duleba (Organized Crime Winery), Norman Beal (Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery) and Heidi Fielding (Fielding Estate Winery)
THE NIAGARA BENCHLANDS TOURISM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Sponsored by the Town of Lincoln
Winner: Graze the Bench
From left to right: Siva Sivapalan (Owner/Pharmacist, Beamsville’s Community Pharmacy), Maria Derkacz (President, Rotary Club of Lincoln), Cathy Shaw (Pharmacy Assistant, Beamsville’s Community Pharmacy) and Janice Sargeant (Principal, West Niagara Secondary School)
THE PATHWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARD
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lincoln
Winner: Beamsville’s Community Pharmacy
A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
