And the winners are…

Times Reporter

 

Residents of Strathmore and area had a chance to doll up in their finest on the 21 to attend the Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce awards night. The deadline for nominations was Sept. 24, and on Oct. 21 nominees found out if they had been selected to win an award. 

“In the room there were only two people who knew who the winners were going to be,” said Lin Walker, president of the Chamber of Commerce.  

The awards were given as a way to celebrate and show support to businesses in and around the Strathmore area. The awards have likely been done in the past, but chamber members like to think of this as the first annual. Businesses nominated didn’t need to be in the Town, nor did they need to be a part of the chamber. 

“All of the businesses that were nominated, they all deserve to win, they all give excellent service and value and it’s just great to have them all here in Strathmore and supporting the community and surrounding (areas),” said Walker. 

Walker and other members of the chamber were happy with everything from the businesses to the people attending the event, and they feel the night was a success. 

“We just look forward to continuing to support business and advocate for businesses and just keep bringing great stuff to Strathmore for the businesses,” said Walker. 

Attendees of the event had a chance to cast their vote for the Emerging Entrepreneur after watching a video, which was put together by Ryan Parkins.  Parkins was nominated for Emerging Entrepreneur with his company Neverest Creative Inc.

Chamber members have already been busy discussing what they can do for next year’s award night, said Walker. Many of the chamber members put their businesses kind of on hold for small business week, so there was a quick discussion to get a few loose ends tied and to get things set for next year, get the venue booked and a calendar date set for next year. Businesses who won awards will have a chance to win again next year if they are nominated.

 

 Winners were featured in three categories: Business of the Year, Community Spirit and Emerging Entrepreneur. 

1) Business of the Year

• Small Business –  Ry-Dan Strathmore Glass

• Medium Business – Eagle Lake RV Resort

• Large Company – Strathmore Home Hardware

2) Community Spirit Award – M & M Meat Shops

3) Emerging Entrepreneur –  Jumphouse Gymnastics Centre