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Seeking OABE nominations OMHS Mutt Strutt is this Sunday Nominations for the 20th annual Oakville Awards for Business Excellence (OABE) are now open. The Oakville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Oakville West (RCOW), is accepting nominations until Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. "The Oakville Awards for Business Excellence celebrates the many contributions our business community makes to the outstanding quality of life we enjoy here in Oakville," Chamber Chair Orla Johnston said in a press release. "Last year, more than 150 nominations were put forward and we expect a similar result this year." The awards are dedicated to recognizing "exemplary models of excellence and community service by Oakville's businesses" and culminate in a gala dinner and award ceremony on March 25, 2015 at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre. The categories for this year's awards are: RBC Small Business of the Year; Oakville's Mid-size Business of the Year; Large Business of the Year; Professional Services Provider of the Year; Restaurateur of the Year; Franchisee of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; and Genworth Community Builder of the Year. "We encourage members of the business community and general public to nominate any Oakville-based business with whom you've had consistently great experience," Bonnie Anderson, RCOW president, said in the release. "It is a wonderful opportunity to formally acknowledge their hard work." Proceeds from the evening provide funds for RCOW's youth and academic programs. To be eligible, businesses must be physically located in Oakville and cannot have won in any category in the last five years. For a complete list of criteria and eligibility rules, or to submit a nomination online, visit www.oabe.ca. Nomination forms are also available at the Oakville Chamber of Commerce office, 700 Kerr St., Ste. 200. The dog days of summer take on a new meaning when the Oakville Mutt Strutt and Fall Fair comes to town Sunday (Sept. 7). Held at Cornwall Road Park, 425 Cornwall Rd., the fundraiser benefits the Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS) and is presented by Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance. The event starts at noon with a pledged five-kilometre "strutt" through old Oakville, which will be led by The Shopping Channel host Carrie Oliver. New this year will be a half-kilometre "stroll" around Cornwall Road Park led by Ann Rohmer, CP24 lead anchor and host of Animal House Calls. "This has been a very challenging summer for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society," Brenda Dushko, OMHS manager of Fund Development and Communication, said in a press release. "The funds raised at the Oakville Mutt Strutt & Fall Fair will change the lives of many orphaned, homeless, abused and neglected animals forever." The fall fair portion of the event, which runs until 3 p.m., will follow and include a dog-agility demonstration by Team K9, a dog show, silent auction, kids' zone and vendor marketplace. Another new activity this year is a Dog Gone Great Dog Reunion at OMHS, 445 Cornwall Rd., where the shelter's canine 13 | Friday, September 5, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com This has been a very challenging summer for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. The funds raised at the Oakville Mutt Strutt & Fall Fair will change the lives of many orphaned, homeless, abused and neglected animals forever. Brenda Dushko Oakville & Milton Humane Society Interlocking Tumblestone, Retaining Walls, Garden Installation, Sodding & Excavating, Call for FREE Estimate plus more (905) 827-8158 · www.rogerslandscaping.org "alumni" come out to "paw it forward to help all the dogs still waiting for a forever home," stated the release. A group photo of the alumni will also be taken. The fundraiser goal for this year's event is $40,000, which will help the more than 6,000 animals in need at the shelter this year. Pledge forms are available at OMHS and throughout the community at local businesses. Online pledge pages can also be set up. For more information, visit www.omhs.ca.