Six businesses and individuals were recognized on Saturday for exceptional community service and contributions to the community during the 2018 Business Excellence Awards.
A sizeable crowd turned out to the Barrhead Golf Course for the awards, which are organized by the Barrhead and District Chamber of Commerce.
“This is an opportunity for us … to recognize the individuals and the businesses that have done a lot for our community in the past year, whether it’s through their participation in different events or providing excellent customer service,” said Chamber president Megan Perry.
She urged the crowd to personally give thanks to all of the businesses who had been nominated that evening.
It should be noted that all of the nominees were chosen by the public, with the winners being decided by an awards committee.
The one exception was the Business of the Year award. In that case, Perry explained that all of the nominees were chosen by Chamber executives.
“What we’re looking for is a business that has really gone above and beyond … to play a key role in our community in the past year,” said Perry.
“We had a lot of great names discussed and businesses that have definitely done a lot for our community.”
Ultimately, the award went to the Flower Shoppe. It was accepted on behalf of the business by employee Katie Magill.
Also nominated were the Pembina West Co-op, the Blue Heron Support Services Association, Servus Credit Union, West of 5th and Freson Bros.
Other awards
The Rural Business of the Year Award, which is sponsored by the County of Barrhead, was presented to the Neerlandia Co-op.
It was noted that the Neerlandia Co-op is a strong business that serves a wide area and many local farmers and contractors. They are also heavily involved in sponsoring 4-H events.
Also nominated were Pots and Pansies Greenhouse, Blum Construction and Steele Tech Fabrication.
The Agricultural Business of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Martin Deerline, was presented to Schmidt Livestock. The only other nominee was Brian and Kim Geis.
It was noted that Schmidt Livestock is a cornerstone of the Barrhead community that supports many local charitable events, including the Festival of Trees. Schmidt Livestock was also lauded for hiring and purchasing locally.
The Outstanding Customer Service Award was presented to Michelle Rau of ScotiaBank.
It was noted that Rau “dedicates her personal and business life to serving the community better,” and that she goes above and beyond the scope of her job requirements to provide exceptional service and community spirit.
Also nominated were Barrhead Sound, Stephani Motors, The Flower Shoppe, Eileneke’s Bakeshop, Jeff Parsons of Sunnyside Realty, Barrhead Building Products, Classic Furniture Gallery, Van Leeuwen Photography and Freson Bros.
Next up was the “Heritage Recognition Award,” which goes to a long-standing business that has chosen to stay and grow in the Barrhead area while employing locally, was presented to Pembina West Co-op.
The award, which was sponsored by Servus Credit Union, was given to Pembina West Co-op.
It was noted the Co-op employs close to 200 people from Barrhead and the surrounding area. As well, the business donates roughly $70,000 per year to local charitable causes.
The final award was the “New Kid on the Block” award for businesses started within the last two years.
The winner of the award, which was sponsored by Barrhead Transit Mix, was Elieneke’s Bakeshop.
It was noted that Elien Mueller hails from Barrhead and graduated from high school here. After leaving the community to sharpen her skills, she returned to open the bake shop.
Nominations for the business stated that she offers great community service and baked goods.
Also nominated were Clickin’ Sticks Yarn Shop, Clarke Creative, West of the 5th and Country Junque.
