George Warren hopes the old saying holds true, that third time truly is a charm.

The London Chamber of Commerce announced its 2009 Business Achievement Award finalists yesterday, and Warren's Centennial Windows has been nominated for business of the year in the large business category for the third time.

"We feel very privileged to be here. It is humbling but I do hope the third time is lucky," he said yesterday at the chamber office on Pall Mall, at a reception for the nominees.

In total, 15 businesses have been nominated for the honours in six categories.

While Centennial will make its third trip to the dinner as finalists, Westervelt College is there for the first time in 15 years and comes at a time the school is busy, boosted in retraining laid off workers for new careers, said Donna Doerr, president and owner along with her husband Allan.

"People who are in charge of retraining these workers are advising them to look at Westervelt too (along with community colleges).

"We have a strong reputation and are supporters of the economy in London for turning out these well trained grads," she said.

The chamber is also awarding its Corporate Icon Award to Labatt Breweries, which was established in London in 1847 and retains a brewery here today. The icon award is given to the business that contributes to the economic progress of the community.

"This showcases the best of London. The calibre of nominees is always good but this year it is just fantastic," said Jack Smit, chamber president. "It is going to be very tough for the judges to decide between these finalists. There is a great range of companies this year."

A new nominee in the human resources category is London's "accountants with personality," Davis Martindale, which got the nomination for supporting its staff, said partner Paul Panabaker.

"It is outstanding for us to be recognized for our culture. This acknowledges our achievement in everything from hiring to evaluation and promotion," said Panabaker.

The 26th business achievement Awards gala is March 25 at the London Convention Centre.

THE NOMINEES ARE

London Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award nominees

Small Business of the Year

Black Fly Beverage Company Inc.

Protek Systems

Westervelt College

What's Up Clothing Co. Inc.

Large Business of the Year

Centennial Windows Ltd.

Dillon Consulting Ltd.

Larlyn Property Management Ltd.

Environmental Leadership

General Dynamics Land Systems

London Hospital Linen Service Inc.

Excellence in Human Resources

Davis Martindale LLP

MP Engineering Inc.

Global Traders Innovation Award

Iceculture Inc.

Sciencetech Inc.

Quality Award

Attica Manufacturing

Guest House on the Mount