Several small businesses in Sundre were recognized at the third annual small business dinner event held on Oct. 20 at the Sundre Legion.
Eighteen awards were presented for six different categories, including a gold award and then a silver and a bronze for the runners-up.
The Small Business of the Year for up to 10 employees gold award went to Cowboy Trail Liquor Store, silver went to Little Country Cappuccino and bronze went to Joko Convenience Store.
Medium Business of the Year for 11 to 20 employees gold award went to ATB Financial, silver to Anderson Tire and bronze went to Westview Insurance Services.
Large Business of the Year for 21-plus employees gold award went to Sundre IGA, silver went to ACL Manufacturing and bronze went to Country Road RV.
The Employee of the Year gold award went to Hasdrubal Norella from A&W, silver went to Bonnie Nylund from Zim's Mini Mart, and bronze went to Amelia Rock from Tranquility Day Spa.
The Outstanding Corporate Citizen gold award went to Marty Mennear, silver went to Chris Aldrich and bronze went to Chris Newton.
The Jacksons took gold for Farm Family of the Year, with Trevor Macklin taking silver and Duane Grace taking bronze.
The Town of Sundre, Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce and ATB Financial began a partnership in 2012 to host the small business dinner event.
Monica St. Dennis, member at large for the chamber, as well as a recipient of an award, as she is the branch manager for ATB Financial, said it is important to recognize small businesses for their successes.
“I really think it's very important that as a business community we stop and take a minute to celebrate successes,” said St. Dennis.
Residents were asked to fill out a survey in September to vote for individuals or businesses that they think should receive each award.
There were close to 70 entries this year, which is more than the number of entries submitted in previous years.
