BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Resiliency Awards on Oct. 3. Nominees, sponsors, and supporters gathered at the Gen Mec Hall at the C2 Centre, which was decked out in a neon theme with glow sticks and fibre optic lamps.
Emcee Tim Graham took the stage, praising the community of Bonnyville for both its incredible businesses and the people who nominated them.
“Year after year, our community shows up to nominate so many incredible businesses and gives us the chance to honour them . . . Bonnyville is an awesome community because of you,” said Graham.
Executive Director Serena Lyons came on stage with Chamber President Lise Fielding. In March, Fielding will be stepping down from her role, though will remain on the board.
“This incredible lady beside me has been serving on the chamber for over 20 years,” stated Lyons. “She has volunteered her time tirelessly, she responds to all of my texts, however frantic . . . She has been an incredible leader to both me and the Chamber, and for the last five years she has served as the Chamber president.”
Lyons presented Fielding with an Alex Janvier print, in recognition of her dedication and service as president of the Chamber of Commerce.
“This print is from the Fort McMurray Series and one thing that Alex Janvier had written about this piece is that this flower was along the Athabasca River, but years later it did not grow back. Just like this painting, Lise Fielding is a rare flower, and we are very happy to have her serve with us,” said Lyons.
After milestone awards were recognized, the awards ceremony began with Robyn Ducharme, financial adviser with Edward Jones, winning the award for “Extraordinary Leadership.”
“What good company to be in. So many amazing veteran businesses and new businesses alike,” said Ducharme, accepting the award.
The acceptance speeches held a theme of community recognition, as winners recognized the people who helped them reach the podium, and the community that supports them.
The crowd erupted for the “Emerging Entrepreneur” winner Herb and Stone.
Owner Lauren Scherger said, “I have this amazing team of women behind me, and my family with me. I have two young kids, so it requires a village to do this, and I have the best village.”
Guests were delighted by a performance from Cheer Abilities, a cheerleading squad organized for children with disabilities.
Lyons spoke about the benefits of hiring disabled employees, and showed a video presentation from the Dove Centre, highlighting the benefits of hiring a disabled employee with the Dove Centre’s employment services.
The presentation included statements from local businesses that have hired through the Dove Centre, and each experience noted how enthusiastic and joyful their employees have been.
The winners of this year's business resilience award are:
Outstanding Small Business: Sees the Day Photography
Outstanding Large Business: S&T Energy Services Ltd
Outstanding Not for Profit: Lakeland Centre for FASD
Exemplary Customer Service: Tellier Guardian Pharmacy
Extraordinary Leadership: Edward Jones
Emerging Entrepreneur: Herb + Stone Wellness
Building Community Resilience: The Bonnyville Friendship Centre
People's Choice: CAFN8 On Main
