It was a night to honour the shining businesses of the community of Wetaskiwin, those that go above and beyond to create positive interactions and growth in the city.
The Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Awards Gala took place Oct. 19 and six businesses or industry leaders where honoured throughout the evening:The Horizons Centre – Non-profit of the Year
Next Level I.T. Solutions – Small Business of the Year
Jason Wombold of Baker Funeral Chapel Inc. – Customer Service of the Year
Samson Management – Employer of the Year
Della Wills of Best Western Wayside Inn – Employee of the Year
Edmonton International Raceway – Business of the Year
Annually, the chamber hosts its business awards during Small Business Week, which ran Oct. 15 to 21.
“This is part of small business week and so it’s an opportunity to recognize all the businesses that make our community so, so strong,” said Wetaskiwin-Camrose MLA Bruce Hinkley.
With provincial and federal direction continually changing, small businesses and community businesses are often left to manage the changes on a ground level they best they can. Businesses’ hard work in the face of adversity was also recognized during the Business Awards Gala.
“We recognize businesses have an uphill battle now more than ever,” said executive director Jennifer Garries.
“It’s been a great year. We thank the board and we thank our community,” she added.
Just shy of one year ago the Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Leduc Regional Chamber of Commerce to improve its business position and foster better relations with the community.
Negotiations are taking place to extend the partnership between the two chambers.
“A little over a year and a half ago this chamber was in dire straights,” said chamber president Wayne Di Lallo.
“And then a woman on a white horse, not a prince but a princess and her crew invited us to Leduc,” he added. “I don’t think we’ve had it so good in Wetaskiwin for a long time from a chamber perspective.”