Markham Board of Trade recognizes business excellence

Markham, ON, October 23, 2007 – Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) has received an Innovation Award and been named Company of the Year for 2007 by the Markham Board of Trade (MBT). The awards were presented at the MBT Business Excellence Awards Gala on October 18.

“The MBT Business Excellence Awards program provides an opportunity for the Markham business community to recognize achievements of companies through the presentation of specialized awards of excellence,” said Mary Ann Quagliara, Director of Marketing & Business Development, MBT. “The two awards that Saint Elizabeth Health Care received shows how truly remarkable this company is. We are proud to have this calibre of business in our community and wish Saint Elizabeth Health Care much success in their future growth.”

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti congratulated SEHC for winning the Innovation Award, noting that “enterprise, innovation and cultural diversity all help to strengthen Markham’s reputation for excellence.”

Headquartered in Markham, Saint Elizabeth Health Care employs 300 people locally (3,700 across the province) and has been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Employers and Best Places to Work. In keeping with the diversity of the Markham community and SEHC’s emphasis on culturally-sensitive care, SEHC employs a multi-faith community health chaplain as well as a diverse workforce, including nurses that speak Mandarin and Chinese.

“As the #1 provider of home and community-based health care in Ontario, SEHC contributes to our community in many ways,” said Shirlee Sharkey, president and CEO. “Every year, our multidisciplinary team of health care professionals deliver more than 100,000 home care visits across York Region, ranging from nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, to specialty programs such as child and family, mental health, palliative and spiritual care.

” To respond to the unique and evolving needs of local residents, SEHC actively collaborates with community partners such as the Central CCAC, Central LHIN, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Alzheimer’s Society and Seneca College. The not-for-profit charitable organization also has an active Foundation that is dedicated to funding and advancing knowledge and charitable initiatives in home and community care.

“As one of the largest business organizations in Markham, the Markham Board of Trade represents over 1,100 area businesses and their employees. The Board is dedicated to fostering, encouraging and building a strong business network and voice within our community—something that we manifest each year with our Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Gala,” said Mary Ann Quagliara.

The MBT Company of the Year Award is sponsored by the Bank of Nova Scotia – York Commercial Banking Centre, and Don Valley North Automotive Group. The Innovation Award is sponsored by Bell.

Saint Elizabeth Health Care (SEHC) is a Canadian not-for-profit charitable organization that shares its talent and wisdom nationally and internationally through direct care and service, consultation, and education and e-learning to support the transformation of care for families, health organizations and communities.

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Media contact:
Madonna Gallo
905-968-6430
mgallo@saintelizabeth.com