Area businesses and persons honoured

Posted on: Staff Writer

From edition: February 5 2021 Strathmore Times

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Barb Stefanich (l-r) and Michéle Shave, co-founders of Happy Cat Sanctuary with the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce business award they won for best non-profit. During the awards, Happy Cat also received over $3,500 in donations during a painting auction

Sean Feagan Photo

The hard work and dedication of local businesses and individuals was recognized on Jan. 29 during the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce (SWCC) business awards.

This was the first year the awards, featuring an opening performance by local country musician Drew Gregory, were held virtually. According to Hayley Poirier, SWCC chair, the awards “was lighthearted. It was fun. It was an amazing evening.”

Poirier said the show was a success in part due to volunteers Cody Holdaway and Amanda VandenBrink from Strathmore High School, and the technical team of Scott Silva and Nolan Sander for their work throughout the night. Rebecca Cummings of Pure Bliss Massage helped with the theme, Glam In Jams, she said.

The event was hosted by Shawn Kisling, SWCC executive director, and Natalie Johnstone of StrathmoreNow/104.5 More Country.

During the show, local Jennifer Mamer created a painting that was auctioned via chat throughout the night, with the proceeds destined for the winner of the non-profit of the year, Happy Cat Sanctuary. Once the bid approached $700, several locals and businesses offered additional donations to the point where over $3,500 was raised for Happy Cat Sanctuary.

“The businesses all stepped up and started donating money to this worthwhile cause,” said Poirier.

From a list of over 100 finalists, 13 awards were given out to the following organizations:

Small Businesses of the Year: 

Lil Hoots

Medium Business of the Year: 

StrathmoreNow/

104.5 More Country

Large Business of the Year: 

Tina’s No Frills

Best Home-Based Business: 

CHF Photography

New Business of the Year: 

PJs Diner

Downtown Business of the Year: Strathmore Value Drug Mart

Wheatland Business of the Year: 

EH Farms

Ag Business of the Year: 

Origin Malting & Brewing

Social Media Pioneer: 

StrathmoreNow

Customer Service Business of the Year: Lil Hoots

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: 

Evan Weal, Weal Deals Landscaping

Individual Customer Service 

Winner of the Year: 

Randy, Strathmore Home Hardware

Nonprofit Business of the Year: 

The Happy Cat Sanctuary