Another great year for the local Chamber of Commerce, packed gala and lots of winners

 

The Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce held Small Business week from October 18 to 21 showcasing the many wonderful small businesses and organizations in the community. Different events and learning opportunities were provided over the course of several days. On Wednesday, October 18, marketing sessions were offered focusing on utilizing social media and being creative for maximum impact. Guest speaker Vik Maraj was a highlight of the full-day event.

On Thursday, October 19, keynote speaker Barbara Stegeman from Dragon’s Den, spoke with lunchtime attendees of the Ladies Who Love get-together. Both events were free to attend and provided information for growing businesses as well as tips for success.

The final event of the week was the Small Business Week Gala which celebrated different businesses, non-profit organizations, and staff members in Whitecourt. This year, residents were asked to vote for a new category, People’s Choice, through a 48-hour online vote. Complete with dinner from Eagle River Casino and entertainment by Calgary’s Dueling Piano’s Group, the night was a must to attend and enjoy.

Here are the nominees and winners of this year’s awards.

Woodlands Mayor Jim Rennie, and an ATB Financial representative, started off the presentations with the Growth Alberta 2017 Business Excellence Award which was presented to Colby Wells with Tri-Hi Pressure. Newly re-elected Whitecourt mayor, Maryann Chichak, was also on hand to help present awards to the following winners.

The Small Business of the Year winner was Evermore Art and Wellness Studio. One of the individuals who nominated Evermore referred to the shop as being “ridiculously awesome!” Also nominated in this category were Happy Tree, Beaver Creek General Store, Chez Nous, Linh’s Kitchen, Make My Fun Hobbies & Toys, North Country Market, T Kruz Contracting, Catering by Mama Gray’s, Janke Financial Services, and Kal Tire.

The winner for the Non-Profit Organization of the Year is the Royal Canadian Legion.  Nominees also included the Whitecourt Cancer Fighters, Rotary Club of Whitecourt, Community Lunch Box, Whitecourt Early Learning, Eagle Tower Victim Services, Wellsprings Family Resource & Crisis Centre, Whitecourt Gymnastics, Whitecourt Taekwondo, and Little Big Fort.

The biggest category of the night belonged to Staff Member of the Year which had 21 nominees. Taking the 2017 title was Jesse Sarvis from CJ’s Liquor Store who was commended for always being welcoming and knowledgeable about the products at the store.

Nominated alongside Jesse were Margo Salcedo from Days Inn & Suites; Jensen from Rexall; Clara Gann from Global Pets; Jeff from Make My Fun Hobby & Toys; Amanda Stanchfield from Remax Advantage; Crystal from McDonalds Restaurant; Jenna Shewchuk from Eye Wear & Vision Centre; Kim Rizzoli from the Holiday Inn Express & Suites; Robin McAurthor from Straight Arrow Screening; Tiffany Furlong from Whitecourt Auto Mall; Kelly Gray from Catering by Mama Gray; Brenda Hawkins from Janke Financial; Malinda Newhook from Violet Mae’s Bakery; Vicki Westendorf from Liquor Depot; Byron Baker, Lorri Sprlak, Todd Fraser, Shawna Binkley, and Quinn Fisher all from the Community Lunch Box; and Janice Milligan from Servus Credit Union.

The Youth Employer of the Year winner was Blush Hair and Body Boutique. Subway was also nominated. The new category, People’s Choice, had three winners: one each for three of the above categories. The winners were Clara Gann (Global Pets), Evermore Artistry, and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Outgoing Chamber president, Rand Richards received accolades from her fellow Chamber members as newly-elected president, Paula Miller, spoke highly of the work she has done for the community. All those in attendance gave Rand a standing ovation, acknowledging her passion and perseverance in her role as a leader for the business community of Whitecourt, and thanking her for all she has done.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees on another fantastic year and a job well done by the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce for the invaluable support they provide local businesses.