The Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce has released the nominations for Athabasca’s finest businesses and entrepreneurs for the fourth annual Business Awards Gala.
The award categories include Employer of Youth, Green Business of the Year, Marketer of the Year, Community Spirit, Young Entrepreneur, Manager of the Year, New Business of the Year, and Business of the Year.
“I think this is really important, because it gets all of our peers together and the community together to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments,” said Athabasca chamber president Todd Dutchak “It’s also a good way to network with our peers.”
He also noted that there was an increase in nominations compared to last year. During the month of June, a total of 93 eligible entries were submitted for nine separate categories. The submissions included 64 different businesses, individuals and organizations. Each was evaluated by a panel of three judges from neighboring communities.
“We’re very excited with the number,” he said. “Lots new businesses were nominated, bringing some fresh faces. I think it’s a very good turnout this year, and hopefully we’ll have a good turnout at the event.”
The winners will be announced and awarded during the annual gala on Oct. 20. The evening will feature a dinner as well as comedian Andrew Grose, a 25-year comedy veteran who has been featured on Just for Laughs a number of times.
“We’re changing it up a bit – instead of having a general speaker, we have (Grose) performing,” Dutchak said. “He’s going to talk about business within his little act. We wanted everyone to leave on a happy note with some smiles on their faces and enjoy an evening out.”
He added that tickets are currently on sale for $60 and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com.
“Make sure you get your tickets fast and early,” he said. “And I hope to see all the nominees there.”
Employer of Youth: Great Canadian Dollar Store, Athabasca Value Drug Mart, Warehouse One – The Jean Store, Koch Ford Sales (Athabasca) Ltd., Blue Heron Bottle Depot, Red Apple, Tipton’s Your Independent Grocers, Athabasca Golf & Country Club
Green Business of the Year: Athabasca Community Chapel & Crematorium Ltd., John & Leita Fernandes, Craven Skintastics
Marketer of the Year: PRAAC (Athabasca and Area Prevention of Relationship Abuse Action Committee), Janene Kargus of Aspen Primary Care Network, The Fox Den Restaurant at the Athabasca Golf & Country Club, the Magnificent River Rats Festival, Tracker’s Pet Supply
Community Spirit Award: Birch Meadows Greenhouse, Steve’s Towing/TE Flagging, Koch Ford Sales (Athabasca) Ltd., Dominos Pizza, Athabasca Hutterian Bretheren Inc., Buy Low Foods, Servus Credit Union Ltd, Athabasca Dental Clinic, Tridon Communications, Select Equipment Rentals, Athabasca Value Drug Mart, Athabasca Home Hardware Building Center
Young Entrepreneur: Michelle Bishop of Elle’s Closet, Boutique & Beauty, Bromley Chamberlain of Photopia, Colton Gustafson of Northern Lights Archery Pro Shop
Manager of the Year: Todd Dutchak (Select Equipment Rentals), Greg Meyer (Athabasca Outdoor Products Ltd.), Theresa Bishop (ATB Financial), Greg Kociuba (Koch Ford Athabasca), Daniella Cameron (Athabasca Value Drug Mart), Adrian Krawec (Buy Low Foods), Karen Wintonyk (FCSS –School Mentorship Program)
New Business of the Year: Buttons Up Ltd., Paddymelon Gifts, Precision Touch Massage Therapy, 3% Realty Progress, The Medicine Shoppe, Soup’s a Rollin Ltd., Tizzco’s Riverside Machine & Welding, Elle’s Closet, Boutique & Beauty, Sal’s Famous Pizza & Donairs, Lolly Pop Thrift Shop
Business of the Year: Anne’s Fine Dining, Taking Care Counselling, Rock Solid Concrete Products Inc., Buy Low Foods, Athabasca Community Chapel & Crematorium Ltd., 49th Street Grill, Sal’s Famous Pizza & Donairs, Cheap Seats Sporting Goods, Deerland Farm Equipment, Penny’s Headquarters, Royal LePage County Realty, Athabasca Value Drug Mart
Award of Achievement: Half Diamond 4N Farms, Bubel’s, Riverview Tire, Athabasca Hutterian Brethern Inc.
