Every business is worth acknowledging, and this year, 11 businesses will be in the spotlight.
The Business of the Year Awards are right around the corner.
On Oct. 13, nominees for this year's awards will gather at the Cold Lake Energy Centre in anticipation of being named the recipient of their respective award.
“It's an event that we host in partnership with the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce each year. It alternates between communities, this year it's in Cold Lake. The event is really just about celebrating small business and everything the small business community does,” said Sherri Bohme, executive director for the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event is open to the public, and tickets are available through either chamber office.
Now that the nominees have been named, each business up for an award had to submit a profile about themselves, their business, and why they should win.
Once all of the profiles are in, a business of the year award committee will select the winners of each category based on a points system.
Bohem hopes everyone will come out to the event, whether they are up for an award or not.
“It's a lot of fun. We like to have both our members and non-members come. It's open to everyone who wants to come in, they get to network and meet new people. We have a great meal and then our awards program.”
Brittany Tucker, owner of Celebrate Life, said they are honoured to be named one of this year's nominees.
“It's nice, because people don't see the behind the scenes of business sometimes... Being nominated is like an award for all of our hard work. It's nice to be noticed,” expressed Tucker.
Celebrate Life opened officially in July, but it took over a year of hard work to get the business where it is today.
Offering cremation services is a first for the area, which is why Tucker decided to include it in her business.
“We're bringing a different business to the community. Yes, there are other funeral homes in the area, but there aren't any crematoriums, and we have that. That's what was needed,” said Tucker, adding it will also help residents save money.
Also nominated for an award is the Lakeland Humane Society.
Nicole Mbanefo is the head animal care attendant and volunteer coordinator for the non-profit, and said they are thrilled to be nominated for an award.
“It feels great. I know we won a few years ago, but it's been a while since we've had a nomination. It feels really good, because it means people out there are thinking about us,” Mbanefo described.
The nomination is a clear indication that they are not only noticed in the community, but are also noteworthy.
“Hopefully the nomination says that people think we're an important part of the community and that we contribute to the community,” added Mbanefo. “I think that people are recognizing this is a good place to get an animal, because you really do get a lot for your money, and you get the comfort and satisfaction of knowing that you're getting a healthy, well-adjusted animal.”
Puur Athletics is new to the area, and has been nominated for one of the 11-awards up for grabs. Jennifer Grey, owner of the local small business, said they are just filling a need they saw within the community.
“I think it's because we are unique. We're providing a service to the community, and products to the community that otherwise aren't there,” she said about being nominated.
For Grey, it's important to recognize local businesses and all of the effort they put in. As a business owner herself, she knows just how much work goes into starting a business.
“I've put hours of work into the store. It's really my heart and soul,” Grey said.
Cornerbrooks Pet Bed and Breakfast offers it's own unique trade. Tanya Lehtinen is the owner of the pet kennel, and is hoping that their out of the box thinking will land them a business of the year award.
“I think this nomination says that we're doing a good job. I think we're doing what people want for their pets,” Lehtinen said.
Grey said it's not everyday that they are told they're doing a good job, but the nomination alone reminds them that they're on the right track.
“I know that a lot of times your employees don't tell you how awesome you are. This is a great way to tell business owners that people are noticing what they're doing,” she added.
