President's Dinner & Cornerstone Awards
Since its inception in 1864, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce gathers to welcome our incoming Chamber President at the Annual President's Dinner.
After many years of incorporating the formalities of the Annual General Meeting and keynote speakers, the Cornerstone Awards were incorporated to celebrate members for their Vision, Founder, Citizenship and Mentorship; sharing the real-life stories of the people who've helped build our community are a true inspiration.
Every year is different and the incoming President has the option of choosing a theme. In 2026, we welcome the Ontario Career Lab as our theme partner, capturing the enthusiasm of our career coaches and reflecting the every day priority of our incoming President, Sandi Ramsay, CEO, Centre for Workforce Development.
In a "high school yearbook flashback", guests are encouraged to think back to "what they wanted to be when they grew up" and let us guess by their dress what those dreams might have been, or come in their every day work wear.
We're going cafeteria style with food stations (but top-level tastes from Tulips & Maple) through an extended dinner hour before we settle in for the President's Procession, formal recognition of the work of the Chamber and the much-anticipated Cornerstone Awards presentations.
Partners
This event has been supported by a number of organizations, including OLG as our Presenting and Elexicon as our Premier partners.
With an average attendance of 170+, the evening brings together some of our community's most influential leaders, business owners, and stakeholders for a night as inspiring as it is memorable.
Additional thanks to our
GOLD sponsors: West City Honda & Wilkinson & Company LLP
SILVER sponsors: Bel-Con Design Builders Ltd.
Join us with a table of Champions, Cheerleaders or come as a Fan! There is room for everyone!
The Cornerstone Awards
The Cornerstone Awards are the heart of the evening. Presented annually, these awards recognize BCC Members behind Belleville's most successful and innovative businesses — the individuals who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our community, inspire those around them, and help make Belleville a place where business and people can truly thrive.
Awards are presented across the following categories:
Community Partner
Presented to an individual or organization that has been a valued partner in Chamber initiatives, receiving the honorary "Key to the Cabin" in recognition of their commitment to our shared mission.
Visionary
Presented to a BCC Member who has seen an opportunity to revive or create something unique and unprecedented, raising Belleville's profile and contributing to the overall prosperity of our community.
Founder
Presented to a BCC Member who has built a business from the ground up, or expanded an existing business in a way that enhances Belleville's reputation as a place where business comes to grow.
Citizenship
Presented to a BCC Member who has embraced the spirit of community through selfless acts and dedication to causes that improve the lives of Belleville's citizens.
Mentor
Presented to a BCC Member who, through their daily work, intentionally or not, helps develop others through their leadership and guidance.
Lifetime Achievement
One of the most distinguished of the Cornerstone Awards, presented to an individual who embodies the spirit of all the awards combined. They are, in every sense, a pillar of our business community.
Legacy
The Legacy Award, first presented in 2022, was created to commemorate a family whose impact on the economic development and growth of business in Belleville supersedes a single lifetime of achievement. The Legacy Award reflects a combination of the Cornerstone Awards: Citizenship, Foundation, Mentorship, and Vision. The prestigious Legacy Award is not awarded annually, but instead is awarded on special occasions.