Canmore Business and Tourism took the time last week to launch its inaugural business awards and celebrate the best the local business community has to offer in seven categories.
CBT president Andrew Nickerson said the award event is a celebration to honour the achievements of Canmore’s businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Canmore, as we know, is home to many remarkable people and right amongst them are all of you, you are an amazing business community,” Nickerson said, adding the community has an active business registry of 1,511.
“What is really remarkable about it is it is not just the number of businesses, it is the quality of businesses that are here. It is the uniqueness, it is the authenticity, the innovation, the professionalism and, above all, the passion of owners, managers and employees throughout many economic sectors.”
Throughout the past year, CBT has developed the Go Beyond award to recognize businesses that have gone above and beyond in the call of duty. So far the honour has gone to the Coast Hotel for its support of the Canada West Marketplace, One Wellness and the Yoga Lounge for contributing to the process of mediation between the private fitness sector and Elevation Place and the Mutt Hut, which has opened a retail location in the Calgary International Airport.
At last week’s event, local optometrist Joanna Phillips was recognized for her exemplary service at her business, Canmore Family Eyecare.
“Tonight we want to take business recognition to a new level,” Nickerson said. “As part of Canada’s small business week that happens this time of year and in conjunction with our partners at Communities Futures Centre West, we are very proud to present these Canmore business awards.”
The awards saw 57 nominations and an independent panel of judges selected the finalists and a second panel the winners.
The customer service award went to Riverstone Insurance and community impact award to Paintbox Lodge.
Sara Renner told the crowd she is proud to have the award and at the lodge they have a motto of “earth care, people care, return of surplus.”
“We found by giving back, by caring for the people who work for us, by loving the people in our community, that it just creates a successful business,” Renner said.
Grizzly Paw Brewing Company won the environmental stewardship award and PD3 by Blake the innovation and new business of the year award.
Business of the year was awarded to Communitea Café and owner Marnie Dansereau took the opportunity to note just how many businesses, especially in the downtown core, are locally owned and operated.
“We are each other’s customers and we are each other’s team,” she said. “It is such a great town and it has been neat to see it evolve since 2007.”
