The first annual Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala was a resounding success from all accounts, held last Thursday at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
More than 300 community figures representing 55 businesses and organizations attended. Everyone from town and county administration and council members to business managers came out to show their support for local businesses, as well as the chamber’s 60th anniversary this year.
Some came with fingers crossed that they would be given the nod of approval in the form of eight awards handed out by the chamber.
“We wanted to do something special, and this is what we came up with,” said master of ceremonies Trevor Martin.
“The economic numbers in our area are staggeringly positive,” said Town of Athabasca Mayor Roger Morrill in his speech.
Mike Gismondi awarded the Rotary Business Integrity Award to Elizabeth Laframboise, who accepted on behalf of Ron Laframboise.
Up until this summer, Ron was the manager of TRU Hardware. He passed away in August at the age of 53.
“If you knew (Ron) like me, you probably knew him when you went in the back door to pick up bird seed or whatever I needed. And he always provided great service, but also his warmth and his friendliness to the community,” said Gismondi.
In 2008, Ron served as the county member at large on the community economic development committee. He was later president of the Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce for about a year between 2010 and 2011.
Eileen Chamberlain was recognized as a charter member of the Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce, having joined the chamber 60 years ago.
Chamberlain is the only remaining active chamber of commerce charter member.
During his speech, Athabasca County Reeve David Yurdiga called the chamber of commerce “an absolute necessity in any community wishing to grow and develop.”
Steve Splinter of Tracker’s Pet Supply took home the New Business of the Year Award.
Since Tracker’s Pet Supply opened on Aug. 23, 2012, Splinter has provided quality pet care products to the community.
“It’s very exciting,” said Splinter, at a loss for words. “My customers have said they like the place, what the staff and I have been trying to do. It’s working; it’s connecting with people. It’s great feedback.”
Buy-Low Foods received the Employer of Youth Award, accepted by Judy Gauthier.
Cal Gayowski of Northwest Fabricators won the Green Business of the Year Award.
Martin said Northwest Fabricators has installed machines that filter the air and that the company recycles all pieces of scrap metal “right down to the shavings.”
Yurdiga presented Meg Ryan of Meg’s 2 Scoop Ice Cream with the Blue Heron Award.
Yurdiga explained the Blue Heron Award is presented “to businesses who demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in the employment of peoples with developmental disabilities.”
Rick Baksza of Tridon Communications was named Manager of the Year, while Darcy and Shirley Zelman for Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures received the Marketer of the Year Award.
Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce President Penny Semashkewich presented Colin Derko of Grassland Trailer & Skidoo the Business of the Year Award.
Martin said Derko started Grassland Trailer & Skidoo over 16 years ago and has since drawn customers from Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche and throughout Athabasca County. He noted the company been honoured with several major sales awards from its suppliers.
Finally, Town of Athabasca Mayor Roger Morrill presented Al Hunter of Hunter Motors with the Lifetime Award of Achievement. Hunter Motors has been in business for 67 years.
“Credit the chamber of commerce, credit the businesses that are represented here, because I’ve always said business generates business,” said Morrill. “Further, I’m going to say business inspires business.”
