INNISFAIL – It was back to old times for the town’s annual business awards.
The setting for the 2023 version, which once again was hosted by the Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce, was at the Innisfail Golf Club on Nov. 1.
And with the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic becoming just a memory, a full house of the town’s business community once again gathered for a full gala that included plenty of speeches led by emcee and prominent local businessman Mark Kemball, a full dinner, entertainment from Central Alberta’s Randi Boulton and lots of wine.
Of course the highlight was the awards presentations, and there were six that were nominated by community citizens and one chosen by the chamber.
EQUS, the Innisfail-headquartered rural electrical provider and Canada's largest member-owned utility, claimed the Business of the Year Award.
Penhold’s Ma & Pa Bakery won the Customer Service Award.
The best Home Based Award, a new honour brought in this year, went to Donna MacPherson/Dayhome.
The Business Resiliency Award was also new for 2023, and it was won by Pharmasave Jackson’s.
This year’s Community Impact Award was claimed by EFP Intimates, which prides itself not only for a diverse boutique but for creating a safe space for their clients.
The Non-Profit Award was won by the Henday Association for Lifelong Learning, an agency that assists local community citizens with needed education and support.
There was originally a seventh award to be chosen by the community, and that was the longstanding Farm Family Award.
However, according to chamber officials none of the three nominees responded to requests to fill out applications and no winner was chosen for 2023.
Meanwhile, the Chamber’s Best Partner Award went to the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104.
