Zavitz Insurance & Wealth honoured with the 2023 Ontario Region Family Enterprise of the Year Award

Tuesday, December 5, 2023 — Family Enterprise Canada is pleased to announce Zavitz Insurance & Wealth and the Zavitz family as the 2023 Ontario Region Family Enterprise of the Year Award (FEYA) winner. This accolade is given annually to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Canadian family businesses to their local communities and the national economy.

With a 40-year-long tradition in insurance and group benefits, and now a stronghold in wealth management, Zavitz Insurance & Wealth brings sophistication and certainty to their clients. The company prides itself on managing risks that clients may not want to think about or haven’t anticipated, offering support in the initial stages of a career, during business growth and in transferring legacy to the next generation. Their approach is particularly valuable when facing unanticipated events, ensuring that the unpredictable does not have to be unmanageable.

“We are so incredibly honoured to be the recipient of this year’s FEYA for the region of Ontario,” said Justine Zavitz, Vice-President and Advisor. “As a family, we have always been engrained in this business – whether working in it or hearing about it at the dinner table. To be recognized alongside so many other amazing family businesses is a highlight for all of us and a great way to end our 40th year!”

In celebrating its 40th anniversary, the London-based firm has set a precedent in community engagement and support. President Terry Zavitz said, “In line with our core value of giving back, we celebrated our four decades with donations totaling $40,000 to various causes in our London community.“

These donations supported Atlohsa’s Zhaawanong 24-hour emergency women’s shelter, Circles London, Joan’s Place and Pathway’s Advocacy Department.

Chair of Family Enterprise Canada, Naim Ali, praised this year’s Ontario Region recipient. “Discovering and honouring successful family businesses like Zavitz Insurance & Wealth – that exemplify best practices beneficial to their business, family and community – is important because they lead others in Canada by their amazing example,” Ali remarked. “For it to be a woman-led firm with NextGen siblings in significant roles makes it even more special!”

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The Significance of the Family Enterprise of the Year Award

Established in 1986, the Family Enterprise of the Year Award (FEYA) is a significant accolade in the Canadian business landscape. It recognizes business families’ contributions to the economy and social framework of communities across Canada. Each year, family businesses are nominated for this award across various regions. Volunteer selection committees determine the award recipients. Each regional winner becomes a candidate for the National Family Enterprise of the Year Award and the annual FEYA celebration is a highlight of Family Business Symposium, being held next year in May in Calgary.

What distinguishes FEYA from other business awards in Canada is its comprehensive approach to evaluation. The award considers business performance, innovation and the integration of best practices that positively impact the business, the team, the family involved and their community. Winners of the FEYA are recognized for their exemplary role in contributing to Canada’s economic development.

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