On Nov. 12, the Lac La Biche business community gathered at the Bold Center to recognize many achievements. The Business Awards of Excellence included 11 categories and saw hundreds of nominations leading up to the event.
“It is beyond belief how well this has gone across… 369 nominations [overall] for the 88 businesses that were nominated,” said Dave Phillips, president with the Lac La Biche & District Chamber of Commerce. He spoke to a crowd of about 250 people in the Bold Center’s Community Room about the hard work and challenges the business community has overcome over the years. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce itself is celebrating a milestone, being in the community for a full century.
"One hundred years of having the Chamber active has been incredible. There are lots of lessons learned over the last 100 years,” he said, kicking off the night’s gala dinner, aution, dance and awards night.
The Saturday night ceremony included a buffet dinner served by Snookum’s catering, an evening musical performance by Edmonton band W.O.W, a 50/50 fundraiser for the Lac La Biche Regional Humane Society, a silent auction, and dance for the guests who attended the event.
All 11 recipients received a glass plaque in honour of the accomplishment.
Leading up to the awards, community members and businesses participated in the nomination process, recognizing one another or themselves, said Phillips.
“So, if you felt you were deserving, you could have nominated [yourself]… The awards were open to all businesses in Lac La Biche County.”
It wasn’t said how many of the 88 nominated businesses self-nominated, or how many of the nominees were Chamber members. But that was part of the event, said Phillips ... to include everyone in the community showcase.
“The Chamber felt that it was time to do as other chambers are doing and open it up to all businesses. Of course, we hope to attract businesses into membership, but at the same time, there's value in joining together as a business community. And really, that’s what a Chamber is.”
Judging for the nominations, Phillips said, was carried out by Chamber of Commerce representatives from other communities across the province.
Celebrating 100
The awards night was dedicated to the recipients and provided an opportunity to celebrate all businesses in the community. Phillips says the Chamber plans to officially celebrate its100 years of service next year.
“We didn't have enough time to pull off a 100-year celebration, and we're going to for sure do it next year, so we'll have the big celebration at 101,” he said.
Included in the awards handed out was the Business Legacy Award, which was awarded to Lac La Biche Transport. The company celebrated its 70th anniversary this year, said President Gerald Work during his acceptance speech, thanking the community for all the support.
Category Winners :
Business Legacy Award: Lac La Biche Transport
Community Leadership Award: Omar’s Barber Shop
Excellence in Customer Service: Beaver Hill Shell
Outstanding Employer Award: Golden Sands
Young Entrepreneur Award: Costa Cafe Seafood & Steakhouse
New Business Award: Lac La Biche Massage Therapy Clinic
Business of the Year Award - 20 or less employees: Screenshot Computers
Business of the Year Award - more than 20 employees: North Country Co-op
Creative Marketing Strategy: The Mill Bakery
Hospitality and Tourism Award: Lac La Biche Museum
Indigenous Business of Distinction: Lee's Burger Baron
