The Innisfail Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses for their sizable contribution to their community as part of the Gala Awards Evening at the Royal Canadian Legion on Friday.
Small business awards were handed out in four categories: small business of the year, the business contribution award, the farm family of the year award, and the customer service award.
Jane Duncalfe, the Chamber’s executive director, said it was poetic that with this year being proclaimed the year of the entrepreneur, almost all the nominees for the Small Business Awards fall into that category.
There were two nominees for the customer service award – Warren Bell of NAPA Auto Parts/The Source and the Gift Loft’s Dana Melnyk.
“They are both remarkable members of the community and have staff that exemplify their dedication to the service they provide,” Duncalfe said, noting that Bell is known for bending over backwards for his customers while Melnyk works to ensure every customer gets the personal assistance they require. She then announced Melnyk as the winner.
During her brief acceptance speech Melnyk thanked her patrons.
“It wouldn’t be much of a job unless we have our customers,” she said.
In the business contribution category, Complete Catering and Party Rentals won over fellow nominees Wild Tim’s Liquor Store and the Central Alberta Co-op.
“All three of these businesses are very well deserving of this award,” presenter Darryl Czuy said, noting that each provides significant support to groups in town.
An emotional Jolene Bjarnason, owner of Complete Catering, seemed surprised by the recognition.
“Thank you very much. What a great community,” Bjarnason said, her voice breaking. “What a great family I have that helps me have this business.”
Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Luke Ouellette presented the third small business award of the evening, for the farm family of the year.
While introducing the four nominees, Ouellette recognized the perseverance, determination and dedication of local farmers to keep it a viable and valuable occupation. Despite adversity and change, it remains the second largest industry in the province.
“You can say it’s the industry that connects all Albertans in our daily lives,” he said, saluting the nominees and all farm families across the province.
This year’s nominees were Merna Gisler of Gisler Boer Goats, the Nixon family of Nixon’s Honey Farm, Geoff Hoar of San Emideo Ranch and Carmen and Rene Vitterli.
In the end, Nixon’s Honey Farm, which produces honey and provides custom pollination services, was named as the winner.
The final award of the evening, the small business of the year award, went to the Central Alberta Co-op. The other nominees were Best Bet Paint & Body Ltd., the Gift Loft, Curves, the Doggie Door, Innisfail Electric, Sundance Realty & Management, furniture maker Jim Coffey, First Choice Towing and Bowden Physiotherapy & Gym.
Co-op general manager Mike Clement said they were shocked to be picked from a group of such “fantastic” nominees.
“I’m more than thrilled,” he said during his acceptance speech. “If it wasn’t for our customers we wouldn’t be here.”
