MY CITY
by LYNDA MOFFAT, St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce president and CEO
We have just come out of one of the most successful Small Business Weeks ever held in St. Albert. We set aside this week each year to honour the exceptional businesses that we have in our community, and the incredible work they do to bring goods and services to fortunate St. Albert residents. Our business sector is vibrant and growing, and the excellent selections for those who choose to “Shop St. Albert First” are the big bonus.
I have heard it said, and do believe, that small business drives the economy of our country and of our province. We are certainly a living testament to that in St. Albert. The economic impact to our community as a whole from the business activity generated by small and medium-size enterprises is astonishing. Also, the growing number of St. Albert residents who understand the part they play in our economic growth by shopping at local businesses, are responsible for great returns to the community at large and to the businesses here.
On Thursday, Oct. 16, there were over 40 businesses who received special recognition in eight categories of excellence. These categories included community leadership, business-to-business, Ignite, marketing, youth work experience/apprenticeship, young entrepreneur, outstanding customer service, and small business. At the Business Awards of Distinction at the Arden Theatre that evening, there was a recognition of all the nominees, a performance by the Cree Drummers, a special presentation by Carrie Doll, the announcement of the winners in each category, and a closing performance by Stephen Lecky. With our MC, Jackie Rae Greening, the event was meaningful and fun and exciting from start to finish.
These businesses were chosen as the best in their category:
- Community Leadership – Leading Edge Physiotherapy
- Ignite – Monjeloco Jeans
- Business-to-Business – Keldar Leadership
- Youth Work Experience – Tyson Nouta (St. Albert Transmission)
- Marketing – Sturgeon Valley Athletic Club
- Young Entrepreneur – Kelsey Bulmer, Cerulean Boutique
- Outstanding Customer Service – Sturgeon Professional Dry Cleaners
- Small Business – Tudor Glen Veterinary Hospital
The annual Chair’s Award of Distinction was given to Team Chiasson from McDonald’s restaurants in recognition of their exceptional work in the broader community.
Overall, St. Albert and district is a great place to live, and a great place to do business. It is the entrepreneurs in our midst who are willing to take a risk and who are following their visions and their dreams. We applaud them for the quality of life they bring to this great city.
