A new company in town swept away the Sundre Business Awards last week, winning three out of eight categories.
About 150 people came out on Friday night to the Sundre Community Centre for the annual event that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of local enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Community members recently had the opportunity to vote for their favourite nominees by participating in an online survey. Backwoods Bakery and Café was a clear favourite, winning Best New Business, Marketing Excellence as well as Business of the Year Employees 1-10.
But regardless of whether nominees won, they should nevertheless all hold their heads high for being named finalists, said Jon Allan, Sundre’s economic development officer and event MC with Coun. Cheri Funke.
“This is the community that has selected you, that has voted for you, and basically has recognized you as being a valuable presence within the Sundre and district area. Be proud of yourself whether you win or lose,” Allan said before naming winners.
Jason Nixon, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre riding MLA, again returned to the event to present the young entrepreneur award, which was won for the second year in a row by Jordan Gallais, of Jordan Dean Beadwork and Jordan Dean Makeup Artistry, who was among six nominees.
“That’s quite a group of great young entrepreneurs right here in this community,” said Nixon.
Allan added that Sundre has a substantial proportion of female entrepreneurs.
“It’s worth noting that every single young entrepreneur nominated as a finalist was a woman. That is telling — it is a progressive community,” he said to applause.
Following the presentation of awards, Allan pointed out the programs the municipality makes available to local small businesses.
“I recommend that you look into some of them,” he said, adding that helping to retain businesses as well as assisting their efforts to expand are among the most important things a town can do to support economic growth.
The Town of Sundre also offers programs such as a storefront improvement grant as well as event development assistance, and is in the process of planning upcoming business training seminars in collaboration with the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce, he said.
“We also have a new program with Olds College, which is a business management consulting program with the Olds College School of Business,” he said, adding business owners can get free feedback.
“I’m proud to say that we are the first town to have ever done this with any college in Alberta,” he said, adding the program has grown since its inception in 2015.
Kodiak BBQ and Deli catered the function with Twisted Pantry Catering and Events also contributing a charcuterie board. The awards night was hosted by a collaboration among Mountain View Credit Union, BMO, ATB, Mountain View County as well as the Town of Sundre. Proceeds from a 50-50 draw supported the Sundre chamber’s scholarship fund.
Sundre Business Awards 2018
Best New Business (in operation two years or less)
- Backwoods Bakery and Café, winner
- Rusty Brush Art and Gifts
- The Children’s Emporium
- Pure Bliss Day Spa
- Jordan Dean Makeup Artistry
- Sundre Family Pharmacy
- Twisted Pantry Catering and Events
Legacy Business of the Year (in operation 15 years or more)
- Sundre IGA, winner
- Home Hardware
- Sundre Pharmasave
- The Old Sundre Hotel
- Sundre Flower Shoppe
Marketing Excellence Award
- Backwoods Bakery and Café, winner
- Small Town Girl Promotions
- Tranquility Day Spa
- Smart’s Trophies
- Original T’s Restaurant
- Rusty Brush Art and Gifts
- Redline Real Estate
Farm Family and/or Farm Operation of the Year
- Dougan’s Farm and Feed Supply, winner
- Overguard Farm
- Jim Smith Farm
- Marv and Barb Jackson
- Grace’s Feedyard
Young Entrepreneur Award 30 and under, presented by MLA Jason Nixon
- Jordan Gallais, Jordan Dean Beadwork and Jordan Dean Makeup Artistry, winner
- Britiny Seymour, Pure Bliss Massage and Day Spa
- Megan Boday, Meg’s Place Hair Styling
- Amanda Werdal, Amanda Car Detailing
- Bailee Jones, Well Works Energy Services
- Courtney Felker, Lethal Lashes
Employee of the Year
- Frank Dziadek from IGA, winner
- Chris Aingworth from Sundre Community Drug Mart
- Tanner Gruna from Backwoods Bakery
- Amber Wolfe from Tranquility Day Spa
- Adrian Beck from Tranquility Day Spa
Business of the Year 1-10 Employees
- Backwoods Bakery and Café, winner
- Tranquility Day Spa
- Rusty Brush Art and Gifts
- Sundre Family Pharmacy
- Pure Bliss Day Spa
Business of the Year 11-plus employees
- Moose and Squirrel Medical Clinic, winner
- Sundre IGA
- Home Hardware
- Fountain Tire Sundre
- Milestone Oil Field Service
