Strathmore small businesses recognized

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Five local businesses were singled out for their exceptional efforts among the Strathmore business community on Oct. 21, when they were presented with an award highlighting individual achievements.
Community Futures Wildrose, The Newsy Neighbour, the Animal Care Centre, Field Stone Fruit Wineries, and Home Hardware stood out in their categories during the Strathmore Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards, while surrounded by 80 community members and fellow nominees.
“It’s nice to know that somebody appreciates us after all the hard work we’ve put in,” said Glenn Ellingson, partner with the winery, who won the Rural Business Award.
“We are recognized nationally in the United States. It’s nice to be recognized locally.”
He added the success of the company’s product stems from large crowds that visit the farm each year, travelling from across Canada and as far-reaching as Europe.
As the economy continues to fluctuate, Chamber president Waldo Munoz felt it was the proper time to celebrate the local success. He further praised Strathmore businesses on their service to the community.
“In this town, Strathmore, you will succeed,” said Munoz.
“You’ve got so much potential here. Not just for you, but also for generations to come and I hope that you take these words I’m saying to you to heart. This is a very good community and united. We can succeed and overcome any economy downfalls and stick together as one.”
Among the many guests was Strathmore-Brooks MLA Derek Fildebrandt, who recognized the hardships facing small businesses and job creators today, especially when facing large tax hikes and less-than-business-friendly regulation changes. According to Fildebrandt, the event was a great way to highlight those businesses supporting the community, tax base, and their employees.
“As a community, for us, it’s important for those people because without job creators there are no jobs” said Fildebrandt.
“And without tax payers, there’s no government and this is some of the best our community has to offer.”
Fildebrandt added that many businesses are leary of making capital investments but continue to operate.
“Alberta has been through depressions but we’ve come out as the strongest in Canada,” said Fildebrandt.
“I think the government needs to be there for businesses. The government should not be doing things to make it harder to do business in an economy that difficult.”
For Strathmore Hard Hardware owner Perry Banadyga, the Community Service Excellence Award was not about the individual recognition but the jobs his employees perform every day.
“The kudos don’t belong to me, they belong to my staff,” said Banadyga.
“We’re really fortunate we have some really good people who are long-term people.
I think we’ve got a bit of a culture that we’ve tried to portray and everyone buys into it, and that’s what we do. Service is the name of the game.”
He wants to build on the award by improving areas of service in the home décor and garden centre.
Ron Cox of Community Futures Wildrose took home the Community Spirit Award, Aleesha Gosling for the Newsy Neighbour received the Chamber of Commerce Award, while the New Business of the Year Award went to Dr. Jodi Vista and the Animal Care Centre.