The Centennial Centre field house was packed with roughly 200 local residents, business owners and dignitaries as the Bonnyville District Chamber of Commerce hosted their second-annual Business of the Year Awards ceremony on Oct. 19.
The event saw six local businesses awarded for their hard work, success and dedication both in the community and the business world, with organizer and the Chamber's executive director Tanya Oliver declaring herself delighted with how the night went, calling it a “huge success.”
“I think the event and the whole night in general went fabulously,” Oliver said. “We had an awesome crowd of people out to enjoy the ceremony and the entertainment and some incredible local businesses in attendance to (win awards), so I think it went really well.”
Master of Ceremonies Vic Sadlowski returned for his second year as host, while Erik Williams and Lesley Pelletier of The Dueling Ivories also came back for their second stint as the night's entertainment, after wowing the crowd at last year's event. Prior to the awards ceremony, Chamber of Commerce President Robyn Ducharme took to the stage, thanking all of Bonnyville's small businesses for the hard work and dedication displayed over the past 12 months to make the town's business sector what it is today.
“This district is home to a very diverse and successful business sector and we know how much work, effort and commitment you put into not only your business, but the community also,” Ducharme said. “So to every business nominated this year, we wanted to say you're all already winners. Your customers thought so highly of the service you provide that they took the time to fill out a form and nominate you, so congratulations.”
She added, “We here at the Bonnyville District Chamber of Commerce are very proud of all of our local businesses and we look forward to another year of (prosperity) and success.”
The big award of the night – Most Outstanding Small Business went to April Charrois and her business Encore Hair, following a tumultuous nine and a half year path to success. Thinkwerx Inc. was the recipient of the Outstanding Large Business of the Year award, while Brian Fieger accepted the award for Most Promising New Business following the success of his company Pivotal Safety. He said he was delighted to have even been nominated for the award, and is looking forward to expanding the business in the near future with the help of his two partners.
“It's absolutely amazing to even be here tonight, never mind accepting this award. It really is beyond my wildest dreams,” Fieger said. “There has been times where it's been difficult and challenging, but a lot of time and effort has gone into building the company up to what it is today, not just from myself and my partners, but by the amazing cast of loyal, committed and talented staff members we employ today.”
Pivotal Safety employs 44 individuals and has recently opened a new head office in Calgary to assist its office in Bonnyville. Fieger said he hoped to see the business grow even more in the future, indicating they were looking to expand in the Edmonton area.
Bonnyville Chrysler was commended for its efforts in health and safety, while the Bonnyville Vet Clinic was awarded for going above and beyond when it comes to customer service.
The Bonnyville Nouvelle was also honoured, collecting the Community Involvement Award.
Publisher Clare Gauvreau said the Nouvelle was “honoured” to receive such recognition.
“There are so many businesses in this community deserving of this award and so it is a huge honour for the Nouvelle to be the ones to receive it,” Gauvreau said. “Bonnyville is a vibrant community with many organizations, groups and individuals going the extra mile to give back and we are often able to partner with them and do what we can to lend our support to them. It really is a pleasure to be able to shine a little light in a community that is so supportive of us.”
With many staying to take in the late-night entertainment, Oliver said she was already looking forward to next year's event, as she hopes to see the local business sector thrive even further.
“The business sector in Bonnyville is growing every year, and in turn I want to see this event grow every year,” Oliver said. “This is only our second event and it's already so much bigger than last year's, so everyone here at the Chamber is committed to adding to this event and making it bigger and better for everybody in the years to come.”
