OSHAWA - Presiding over the metamorphosis from what was Conaby Stereo in the 1970's to what is now Conpute Coral Technologies, one of the region's largest professional information technology service providers, Don Conaby has watched Durham's business community grow with him.

Now, the civic-minded consummate professional is being honoured by that same community. On Sept. 25 at the Holiday Inn, Oshawa, Mr. Conaby will be handed the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce's (GOCC) 2003 Business Excellence Award for Business Person of the Year.

"It is a tremendous honour to be recognized for my community efforts and business achievements," said Mr. Conaby, whose work in Durham includes being past-president of the chamber, sitting on the board of the Durham Region Local Training Board and Business Advisory Centre Durham, and working with the Durham Region Cancer Centre Heroes of Hope fund-raising campaign.

"These kind of things, you don't do it for the recognition, you do it for the community."

Mr. Conaby will be joined at the ceremony by Civic Pride Award winner Murray Johnston Ltd., Communications Technology Award winner Promotional Products Fulfillment and Distributions Ltd., and Glen Bebee and Maurice Nesbitt of Corporate Aircraft Restorations Inc., who will share the New Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Representatives from General Motors of Canada and Millwork Home Centre will also be there to take home this year's Business Excellence Awards.

"These individuals and businesses embody the achievement of excellence," said Michael Bresee, president of the GOCC. To purchase tickets for the awards ceremony call the chamber at 905-728-1683.