Morinville Chamber picks its winners

Gord Graber of the Bare ‘n Von Hair Musical Duo judges a name-that-tune contest with local politicians and business people.

Photos by Lucie Roy

Morinville – It was an evening in Paris for local businesses Thursday night during the Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards Night Gala. This year’s event sold 160 tickets, a strong increase from the past couple of years.

Awards were given out for home-based, small, medium, and large businesses of the year, as well as awards recognizing non-profit and community service, volunteerism within the Chamber, long-term contributions to the business community and youth entrepreneurial spirit. Chamber members were also recognized for years of membership.

Chamber President Simon Boersma said the evening was an opportunity to showcase businesses that work very hard to ensure that there is strong customer service within our community. Additionally, Boersma said it was an opportunity to celebrate the year’s business and economic development successes.

Small Business of the Year

The Green Bean Coffee House & Bistro took Small Business of the Year Thursday night, a category they were nominated in alongside Psychsupport Services, Sal’s Famous, and Vintage Petals Tea Shop.

Green Bean owner Doug Adsit said he was pleased with the win but attributed the success to his staff. “It’s very overwhelming,” he said shortly after receiving the award. “I’m proud of my staff. They’re the ones. I’ve got some great people and they’re proud that they’ve just won an award. It’s a great feeling.”

Medium Business of the Year

This year’s Medium Business Award nominees were H&R Block and Smith Music, the latter taking the award. Local music school owner Paul Smith said he was shocked to have been nominated and to have won. “I’m stunned,” Smith said after receiving the honour. “I’m absolutely honoured to win the Medium Business category. I didn’t even know my business was medium. I would have thought it was small.” Smith said he didn’t know what to attribute the win to but said the success of his business rests in having good teachers and good staff at the music school.

We were unable to speak with other business owners by our deadline.

Large Business of the Year

Capital Vision Care took Large Business of the year this year, a nomination they shared with Putnam & Lawson and Servus Credit Union.

Legacy Award

H&R Block, who were nominated for Medium Business of the Year, took this year’s Legacy Award. Other nominees included Putnam and Lawson, Champion Petfoods, and Infinite Event Services.

Community Service Award

This year’s Community Service Award had several nominees: Champion Petfoods, Knights of Columbus, Arctic Therm International, Servus Credit Union and Morinville Business Centre / H&R Block. Servus Credit Union was this year’s winner.

Home-Based Business

CrackMasters was the recipient of this year’s Home-Based Business Award, a nomination they shared with Koloa’s Pet and House sitting.

Non-Profit of the Year

The Midstream Support Society received the Non-Profit of the Year Award, a nomination they shared with Morinville Citizens on Patrol.

Volunteer of the Year

Sheldon Fingler was recipient of the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year. Other nominees included Chamber President Simon Boersma and Board Member Kym Moore.

Angela Proulx and Alyssa Short were both nominees in the Youth Entrepreneurial Spirit category. Short won the award but was not present to receive it.

The Chamber also gave out milestone plaques to recognize years of membership. Five year awards were presented to Fair Accounting & Tax Services, Syzygy Research & Technology, Wagging Tails Pet Resort & RV Storage and The Morinville News.
10 Year awards went to Sturgeon School Division and Dance Connections, 15 Year to Sturgeon Foundation, a 25 Year Award to Morinville Business Centre/ H & R Block, a 30 Year Award to Flynn Brothers and a 35 Year Award to ScotiaBank.