Small businesses are the backbone of a community, and like all backbones, they need support.
On Friday, Oct. 13, the community came out in droves to show they support local businesses during the fourth annual Lakeland Business of the Year Awards.
Tanya Oliver, executive director of the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce, who host the event in partnership with the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the turnout despite the hard economic times.
“I thought tonight's turnout was amazing. Everybody is just so happy to be here and glad to be honoured,” she expressed.
This year, it was a business based out of the Village of Glendon that stole the spotlight by snatching up the Outstanding Small Business Award for Bonnyville.
Glendon Motorsports owners Julie and Shane Kissel were pleasantly surprised when they were named this year's winners.
“We were not expecting it, especially coming from such a small town,” Julie said. “I think it's such a big honour and testament to our level of customer service. We really try to go above and beyond.”
Above all, they were blown away that their small business in Glendon would stand out amongst the rest.
“Who would have thought a Glendon business ever would win Business of the Year?” added Shane. “I never thought it would be possible.”
Claiming the title of Outstanding Large Business for Bonnyville was Seven Lakes Oil Field Services.
Operations manager Hurley Locke said the company was “truly humbled” to receive the award.
“I think it's because of our community involvement and all of the effort we put into making sure our employees are safe and have a good place to work,” he said. “Everything for us is about our employees.”
The Bonnyville Outstanding Not for Profit award went to the Bonnyville Native Friendship Centre.
“It's awesome. I'm really thrilled because we're trying to do as much as we can for the community, and be involved in the community. It really shows that we are getting there and people value us and what we're doing for the community,” said Lauri Fitzpatrick, executive director of the centre.
Pauline Mawer, assistant executive director excitedly added, “It's humbling, and it's such an honour to be recognized by our community, the community that we serve.”
Both agreed that the award was a sure-sign they were on the right track with their involvement in town.
“To be in the community now for 42-years, we've served our community well. As we grow, we're going to serve them even better,” said Mawer.
Myles Morrison, president of Boon Energy Services, was also touched by being named Bonnyville's Most Promising New Business.
“Our company has been up and running since February of 2015,” Morrison said, adding they are thrilled to receive the award.
“It reassures why we do things and that we are doing the right things for the right reasons.”
Stephanie Wilmot of Tellier Gaurdian Pharmacy took home the Exemplary Customer Service Award for this year.
All of the award winners agreed that it's important to recognize small businesses in the community.
“I think it's important to take the time to recognize these businesses. Businesses have everything on the line, and they're who employ our people, they're the drivers of the economy. They support our clubs and organizations, and they're the reason that we are,” Oliver said.
Locke agreed, “I think these events are fantastic. It's all about community involvement, and that's great.”
In Cold Lake, businesses such as the Lakeland Humane Society, Muse Inspired, RBC Royal Bank, Jacknife Oilfied Services, Shannon Schumacher, and Nourish the Soul Wellness Centre, also went home with new hardware in their respective categories.
At the end of the day, Oliver was pleased to see business owners grinning with gratitude, after another successful Business of the Year Awards.
“Congratulations. Be proud and keep on doing the great work that you do,” she said. “Our small, large, and new businesses, they're the backbone of our community.”
