INNISFAIL – The town’s Business Awards, a long-cherished autumn tradition in town, is back fully energized.
It was a real joyous party on Nov. 1 with a full dinner, lively speeches, silent and live auctions, plenty of wine and a knock-out show from celebrated central Alberta singer/songwriter Randi Boulton.
The event had it all to wipe away three previous years of pandemic blues.
And the venue was different. The setting for the 2023 version, which once again was hosted by the Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce, was at the Innisfail Golf Club.
“I just think it's great that we're back having meals together and celebrating the successes of the businesses in our community,” said emcee Mark Kemball, adding he was impressed with the two-set show by Boulton. “She is an amazing gem for central Alberta.”
Of course the highlight was the awards presentations, and there were six that were selected by community citizens – including two new ones. There was also one additional award 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.
Accepting the award from chamber board chair Blaine Staples were Glen Fox, chair of the board at EQUS and company director Murray Stauffer.
“I can’t recall us ever winning it before but it's certainly a recognition of our staff and their dedication to the community and the values that we hold,” said Fox, adding the company’s new state-of-the-art headquarters on the east side of town has increased its exposure to the community.
“It certainly does. Many folks that drive by on Highway 2 and see it will call into the office and find out whether they can become members,” he said. “We're pretty proud of the building in that it demonstrates you can use conventional energy sources and future energy sources to power your building to provide independence and resiliency.”
Penhold’s Ma & Pa Bakery won the Customer Service Award. Husband and wife partners Joas and Allie Swartzentruber accepted the award.
“It's very surprising to us. We didn't know what to expect tonight,” said Joas. “We're very happy to finally see we have come to fruition and people are recognizing who we are. We’re happy to accept this award.”
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.
EFP owner Erika Fetterly said she felt “incredible” to receive the award.
“My goal through everything that I do with work is to impact the community and to create the safe space, and to be recognized for that is absolutely amazing. I feel joyous,” said Fetterly.
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.
A visibly thrilled Donna Arnold, the agency’s executive director, she was “shocked” to be recognized.
“It's wonderful being part of the community and being able to help so many people that we do and knowing that other people know that we do is really an honour,” said Arnold.
The Home Based Award, a new honour brought in this year, went to Donna MacPherson/Dayhome.
Announcing the award to Donna MacPherson was Reshann Butts, coordinator of the Innisfail & Area Family Day Home Society.
“Donna is one of our hardest working educators at Innisfail Family Day Home Society. She works long hours on her own,” said Butts. “She does amazing things with her children. We’re really, really proud of you. It’s a well deserved honour.”
Winning the Business Resiliency Award, which was also new for 2023, was Pharmasave Jackson’s. Co-owners Brent and Liana Jackson accepted the award.
Their business has roots in town dating back to 1896. The family purchased the business in 1952.
Brent said the award was especially important to him as it is a clear sign of longevity and commitment to the community.
“We've been able to last through the years; through changes the town's gone through, and we keep going,” said Brent, noting the award is the first one his business has won as a team. “It’s mostly a reflection of our customer base and our caring staff and being able to help a lot of people. That’s what keeps us going.”
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 Partner of the Year Award went to the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104.
Accepting the award was manager Dean Turnquist and longtime executive member Danny Rieberger.
“We just love being involved in the community,” said Rieberger. “It's nice to be recognized and we love being a partner in the community.”
