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Spirit of Cambridge award winner:
Fibernetics Corporation
Through its unwavering support of several local initiatives,
this company is creating a solid foundation for the next
generation of residents to succeed and prosper, while at the
same time demonstrating extraordinary community leadership.
Among its ongoing commitments is a successful partnership
with Food4Kids, a program that is close to the hearts of its
employees. Also, this company also provides two days of paid
volunteer leave to ensure its employees have ample chance to
give back to their community.
Chair’s Award:
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award:
Graham Mathew Chartered Professional Accountants
Eric Johnson of Vitality Village Osteopathy and Wellness Graham Mathew has continued to be a valuable community
Utilizing business in relation to his many skills – including partner to countless organizations since it first went into
founding his own landscaping business which he maintained business more than 50 years ago. This company values the
until August of 2022 - has been a passion and has led Eric importance of creating an economically strong, healthy, and
Johnson to achieve great success in a short time. According to vibrant community. Among its many achievements is ongoing
many of his loyal clients, he is constantly trying to do better support of Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Its support also
for his community and is proud his business gives people the extends to local culture and Graham Mathew is a big financial
opportunity to connect and find commonalities in hobbies, supporter of Drayton Entertainment since the Hamilton Family
health, and goals. He has assembled a team that provides the Theatre Cambridge first opened in 2013. As well, Graham Mathew
perfect setting for his clients to foster healthy connections.
also continues to do its best to support our community’s most
New Venture of the Year award winner: vulnerable and is ongoing champion of the Cambridge Shelter
Java Jax Good Roast Coffee Inc. Corporation. This award is all about going above and beyond,
After navigating through the litany of startup requirements so which is something this company does nearly daily and for that,
many new businesses face, not to mention undertaking a major as a community, we couldn’t be more thankful.
construction project during a pandemic, this new business
managed to bring its plan to fruition in a relatively short time.
Creating a bright and comfortable setting has helped this
family-run business achieve steady success since opening its
door in the fall of 2022. In that time, Java Jax Good Roast Coffee
Inc. has become a ‘go-to’ spot for many loyal customers. The
growing number of its glowing Google reviews and Instagram
followers are clear indicators the owners are on the right path.

(Two recipients tied for the following award)
WoW Cambridge award winner:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge/Waterloo
Welcoming dozens of families that arrived in Waterloo Region Community Impact Award:
as Government Sponsored Refugees, Homewood Suites by Terry Kratz of HFK MacRae & Wilson LLP.
Hilton Cambridge/Waterloo employees left a lasting impression Terry Kratz has seamlessly blended his knack for numbers with
on a group of people looking for a new start, including many his passion for volunteering by continually assisting various
displaced by the war in the Ukraine, by treating them with organizations that make our community better. Throughout his
kindness and respect. They also didn’t let some negativity on successful accounting career, he has always been willing to step
social media from deterring them from helping others and up to assist organizations in need. From his past involvement
went on to garner this hotel a globally recognized travel award with the Grand River Film Festival, Cambridge Community
from Trip Advisor. Foundation, and Cambridge Library & Gallery, to his current
work with the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, his commitment
WoW Cambridge award winner: to ensuring these organizations and others flourish has never
Jeff and Angie of Sun Variety
The continued kindness shown by the recipients of this award wavered.
has made a lasting impression on many of the customers who In the 1990s, Terry played a key role in the creation of the
visited their variety store. Realizing one long-time customer city’s strategic plan ‘Our Common Future’, as well chaired the
was having mobility issues, they purchased him a four-pronged Cambridge Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and has
cane which immediately improved the quality of his life and remained our treasurer for the last 20 years.
enabled him to return to their store.

www.cambridgechamber.com Summer 2023 9