COLD LAKE – The Cold Lake business community came together in celebration on Oct. 25, as the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business of the Year Awards.
Held at the Cold Lake Seniors’ Society, the event honoured local businesses and individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions, highlighting the strength and spirit of entrepreneurship that drives the region forward.
“Events like these are really great when we get buy-in and participation from our business community,” said Ryan Lefebvre, president of the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce during the event.
He added, “It’s about celebrating business achievement in our community, and Cold Lake has an awesome business community. . . You know, all your entrepreneurial abilities, your dedication to getting the job done and providing amazing products and services, and community spirit are one of the reasons that we want to celebrate you this evening. We want to celebrate you and everything that you’ve done and contributed to our region.”
Raymond Cowell, Director for the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, took the stage to explain the nomination process. Nomination forms are available at the Chamber website or by contacting the Chamber office.
Additionally, in early summer, forms are distributed to members and placed throughout the community asking the public to identify businesses they feel should be recognized.
“Officials from a variety of organizations, including the recipients of the previous year’s awards, then score the submissions based upon a point system,” explained Cowell. “The winners tonight are those who have received the highest score during the selection process.”
The first award of the evening was for “Community Involvement,” and was presented to a business demonstrating a strong commitment to the community through support for arts, sports, education, and more. The award went to the Cold Lake Aeros Junior A Hockey Club.
Next, Cowell introduced the “Outstanding Not-for-Profit” award.
“Not-for-profit organizations play an integral role in the community, often working with limited resources and relying on volunteer commitments to provide the services that they do,” he said. This award recognized The Dragonfly Counselling & Support Centre for making Cold Lake a better place.
The “Exemplary Customer Service” award followed. The award went to Michael Menzies with Lakeland Connect, recognizing his dedication and connection with the community.
The “Outstanding Small Business” award went to Kempe Fitness & Fighting, recognizing its economic impact on the community.
“We often hear that small businesses are the engines of job creation. Their value and the role they play in our communities are sometimes underestimated because they are in fact so small,” Cowell said, highlighting the importance of the category.
The “Outstanding Large Business” award, celebrating significant contributions to economic stability, went to KRW Construction LTD.
The final award was for “Most Promising New Business,” acknowledging innovation and the courage of new entrepreneurs. The award was given to The Casual Canoe Bourbon & Craft Kitchen.
“Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the improvement of mankind. They overcome the fear of failure in the pursuit of creativity,” Cowell noted.
During the event, Lefebvre announced this was his final year as Chamber president. Joanne Roche, current vice-president, took a moment to honour Lefebvre’s six years of serving the Chamber, saying, “Ryan’s brilliant start is a testament to his lifelong dedication to our region’s business community. Over the past six years, from 2019 to present, Ryan has led our Chamber with vision, passion and unwavering commitment.”
Lefebvre concluded the evening by thanking his wife, colleagues and past and present directors, and encouraged community members to participate in next year’s awards by accessing nomination forms on the Chamber website or office.
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