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Celebrating local businesses

Businesses big and small were recognized for the work they do in the community. Business owners and employees strutted their stuff on the red carpet on Friday, Oct.
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The BOYAs will be at the Cold Lake Energy Centre this year on Oct. 25.

Businesses big and small were recognized for the work they do in the community.


Business owners and employees strutted their stuff on the red carpet on Friday,                      Oct. 12, while celebrating their accomplishments during the fifth annual Lakeland Business of the Year Awards (BOYA).


Nominees such as Mach 1, Lakeland Credit Union, 4 Wing Military Family Resource Centre, and Wheel Fit Co., among others, danced their way across the stage to accept the night’s highest distinctions.


The event is a partnership between the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce and the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, with the hosting community switching back and forth each year.


“The turnout (this year) was awesome,” expressed Bonnyville Chamber president, Robyn Ducharme. “We always have a good turnout in Bonnyville, so I was really excited to be in Bonnyville this year.”


Accepting the award for Outstanding Not For Profit in Bonnyville was the Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre.


“It’s still an emotional experience (to win), as well as an exciting one,” exclaimed Cheryl Bujold, executive director for the centre.


The nod from the area confirmed what the Dragonfly Centre is doing is making a difference, and helping create a dialogue about sexual violence.


“We’re just so appreciative to our nominator, we don’t even know who nominated us, but we’re just really humbled by this experience because our organization was created by the community, for the community. The non-profit itself has experience such a substantial growth in the last three years, and a lot of work and effort has gone into creating services, education, and information to meet the need within our community,” Bujold detailed.


Kudo Energy Services was named this year’s Most Promising New Business in Bonnyville.


Owner and general manager Kurt Richard said it felt great to have the business recognized for the work they’ve put in.


“Honestly, we don’t really pay attention to what others are doing. We just keep our heads down and work hard,” he noted, adding that it’s great to have an event like the BOYA to recognize the efforts of small businesses.


The evening is a chance for local businesses to celebrate their hard work, one that Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce president Ben Fadeyiw has enjoyed since the two chambers partnered in hosting the event a few years ago.


“It’s been fantastic, because we were overlapping the same event and sponsors. We thought, we’re a region why not do it as a regional thing?” he detailed.


Ducharme added, “We’re here to celebrate small business, to really celebrate all of our successes. The chamber of commerce, all of us are volunteers on the board of directors, and we’re all business owners. We’re all colleagues, and we support each other and support all the businesses in town. To be able to come together to celebrate all of our successes throughout the last year is pretty amazing.”


Along with announcing winners, the event allows business owners and staff to mingle and let their hair down


“It’s to recognize the outstanding job our businesses do, and also gives them a break from the grind. It gives them a chance to relax, and really network with like-minded businesses. With having the dual with Bonnyville and Cold Lake, Cold Lake guys can get together with Bonnyville guys and have a relaxing, fun night,” emphasized Fadeyiw.


Simply being nominated was an honour for businesses, and Ducharme said “that in itself is the only award you need. To have your clients or customers say ‘hey, we thought enough of you to nominate you for this award.’ Everybody’s just excited to be nominated.”


For the full list of winners, and for more photos from this event, see our gallery.
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