INNISFAIL – Every year several local businesses are recognized for their work and dedication to the community.
Innisfail’s DQ Grill and Chill was the recipient of the Business Contribution Award during the annual Community and Business Awards Gala at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Oct. 12.
“You can’t do business in a community and not give back,” said Mark Kemball, co-owner of DQ Grill and Chill. “I think it’s so important that (you in turn support) the people who are supporting you all year round. I think that’s extremely important and it’s something that we’ve always lived by.”
It was not the first award for DQ Grill and Chill in its 30-year history.
“This is the second time we’ve won this award, but it’s been a very, very long time,” said Kemball. “I think as time goes by we appreciate the community even more than when we first started. It’s a great place to do business.”
Kemball and his wife Christine co-own the local business, while Michelle Hennessey, an employee with them for 14 years, has managed DQ Grill and Chill for about five years.
“She has contributed to our success,” he said.
Kemball noted some of their contributions over the years, particularly to Innisfail’s youth, through both schools and minor sports.
"I think we’ve made an impact at the school. We’ve sponsored many events at the school over the years and as an employer to youth,” said Kemball. “We can’t do business without the youth.
“We’ve sponsored everything from minor baseball to minor hockey and we’ve helped with so many groups in the community.”
