The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce wants to recognize businesses in the community.
With the help of the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, they will be able to do just that, with the Lakeland Business of the Year Awards (BOYA).
On Oct. 13, business owners will flock to the Cold Lake Energy Centre for the annual event recognizing small businesses in the area.
“We host the awards to recognize all of the hard work that the business owners, managers, and workers, put into their business day in and day out,” said Tanya Oliver, executive director for the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce. “It's a really good opportunity for them to take a step back and celebrate their accomplishments.”
This year, over 50 businesses from Bonnyville and Cold Lake were nominated for one of the 11 awards being presented at the fourth annual BOYA taking place at the Cold Lake Centennial Centre. The event starts at 6 p.m.
Awards vary from outstanding small business, to outstanding not-for-profit, most promising new business, and community involvement.
“For someone to take the time to acknowledge and recognize them, I think that means a lot,” Oliver said. “This is an event where they can focus on themselves.”
Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director Sherri Bohme said it's an event everyone in the community can enjoy.
“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,” she said.
Tellier's Pharmacy, which has been in Bonnyville for 45-years, is one of the businesses up for an award.
Ruth Tellier, owner of the Bonnyville store, said she is proud to be named a nominee, and it just goes to show that they're “doing something right for our staff and our customers.”
Like Oliver, Tellier believes in the importance of supporting local businesses, and acknowledging the work they put in.
“Recognizing local businesses is a shout out saying that they do more for the community than driving to Edmonton and shopping in the city does,” Tellier said.
But, businesses are more than just a place to shop.
Tellier noted the ripple effect small businesses have on a community.
“They're the ones who are creating local employment, and economy. They're the ones contributing to service groups and sports clubs,” she continued.
When it comes to what made them stand out, she believes it's their outstanding customer service.
Another community business nominated is Brosseau's Department Store.
Reg Brosseau, co-owner of the store, believes it's the service they have been offering to residents since 1928 that has truly made them stand out.
He agreed with Tellier that recognizing small business owners is important.
“We're a dying breed. Big stores are taking over, and it's a lot tougher for us little guys,” he expressed.
Knowing their customers by name, and giving personalized service is what Brosseau believes has landed them a nomination for this year's event.
Glendon Motorsports owner Julie Kissel was delightfully surprised that they too received a BOYA nomination.
“It's truly an honour,” Kissel noted. “I think it is just a wonderful confirmation of how hard we have been working.”
Business owners are not the only ones who will be recognized during the BOYA.
Also up for grabs is an individual employee award for customer excellence.
“That is an employer-nominated category. An employer will nominate a staff member they feel goes above and beyond,” Oliver explained.
The BOYA is not exclusive to business owners or nominees. Oliver encourages residents to attend the event and show their support for local businesses. Tickets for the event can be purchased at either chamber office.
