Small as well as medium businesses throughout Canada employ the bulk of the workforce, and are a critical backbone that not only supports but also propels our economy.
That’s why celebrating their invaluable contributions that make our community a better place is so crucial, said Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce president Connie Anderson.
“It is very important to have recognition for the businesses in town” as well as exemplary people and employees, Anderson said last week.
“That’s what we live for,” he said, referring to the chamber’s effort to support local businesses.
“We’re trying to get more people interested in the chamber, and this is one way to do it,” he said about the awards night.
The annual Sundre Business Awards are lined up for Friday, Oct. 18 at the Sundre Arts Centre, starting at around 6 p.m. with cocktails before the awards presentations begin at around 7 p.m., said event organizer Moe Fahey.
“We’d really like to see a lot of people come out,” said Anderson.
Hosted by the Sundre chamber with support from local financial institutions as well as the Town of Sundre and Mountain View County, the annual business awards features seven categories, and the online nomination process for people to pick their favourites ended on Sept. 30.
The award categories are as follows: Small Business of The Year, under 20 employees; Business of The Year, 21-plus employees; Rookie Business of The Year; Employer of The Year; Employee of The Year; Spirit of Sundre, which recognizes a business that gives back to the community through donations of time, effort, in-kind contributions and/or money; and Sundre Shines, which goes to a business that makes the best effort to maintain and beautify their property.
Heidi Overguard will be the evening’s MC, and the list of final nominees selected by the community as well as the award winners will be announced that evening, said Fahey.
Anderson encourages local businesses that are not yet members of the chamber to consider joining to gain access to a cost-saving group insurance plan that also covers employees with a variety of options to provide health, vision and dental packages.
“When people join that, there’s also a rebate that goes back to the chamber,” he said.
Additionally, Anderson said a chamber membership unlocks fuel discounts at some local gas stations.
Visit www.sundrechamber.ca for more information about the chamber.
