Top businesses earn kudos in Richmond Hill
Board of Trade recognizes eight local businesses

Yorkregion.com
By Kim Zarzour
March 13, 2017

Richmond Hill’s Board of Trade members were touring Cosmo Music as part of the judging process for the board’s annual awards, when their tour guide pulled out a piece of warehouse packing material and popped it in his mouth.

Well, why not, thought Jason Cherniak, Richmond Hill lawyer and board member.

“It was good, actually. Tasted like nachos. I could have served it for the Superbowl,” he jokes.

While the packing peanuts Cosmo uses are not meant to be consumed, they can be; they are an edible, corn-based product designed to be biodegradable and better for the environment.

It’s one of the reasons Cosmo was chosen as one of the eight winners of the Richmond Hill business awards for 2017.

Cosmo, a 45-year-old business and largest musical instrument store in North America, was awarded best in the Large Business category.

Other winners include an orthodontist business, retirement community and medical equipment manufacturer.

The goal in recognizing Richmond Hill’s outstanding businesses is to honour successful companies that are doing something unique and giving something back to the community, Cherniak says.

The municipality has transformed from a sleepy suburb to a vibrant business community, which is why board recently changed its name from Chamber of Commerce to Board of Trade, he says.

“We believe Richmond Hill is becoming more of a centre of commerce, more urban...with bigger businesses that have international reach.”

Here’s a list of companies that won the best of business awards for 2017:

Non-Profit: Hill House Hospice

Hill House is a home-like alternative to institutional care and in-home care for those who are in the final stage of a terminal illness.

Large Business: Cosmo Music

Recognized for its impressive transition to the age of online sales, Cosmo sells instruments around the world, all tested in the warehouse before shipping. Those who live close enough to visit their Richmond Hill head office on Leslie Street are immersed in a musical experience unlike any other in the industry.

Medium Business: Oak Ridges Retirement Community

This local retirement home focuses on patient care, community participation and quality of service.

Small Business: 88 Keys Music School

This local music-teaching business has grown significantly with a focus on quality instructors, systematic training and successful student practicing.

Innovation: Mackenzie Health

Local hospital Innovation Unit has been transformed into a living and breathing laboratory for innovations.

Environmental: Elgin Mills Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres

Elgin Mills is the first in North America to use state-of-the-art techniques to reduce emissions.

Professional Services: Davis Orthodontics

Formerly a one-orthodontist shop, Davis Orthodontics has transformed to a business with multiple locations offering similar, effective and reliable services.

Mayor’s Award: Amico Corporation

Occupying more than 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space and employing more than 500 people, Amico is a state-of-the-art manufacturer of medical equipment.

It is one of the largest and fastest growing companies in Richmond Hill, according to Mayor Dave Barrow.

“The scientific and technical health care industry is a large component of our employment in Richmond Hill and our Mededge event showcases those businesses to York Region.”