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Airdrie Chamber of Commerce announces award finalists

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 23rd annual Airdrie Business Awards.
LN-BusinessAwards2020
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce has announce the finalists of the 23rd annual business, which included three new categories this year.

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 23rd annual Airdrie Business Awards.

“I think obviously the year has been quite interesting. More than ever, people really do need to feel [supported] and celebrated,” said Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus. “So, we’re really happy to continue with the business awards this year and to continue to showcase the amazing contributions businesses have in our community.”

Three new categories were added to the existing six for this year’s awards, resulting in a total of nine awards up for grabs this year – giving residents the opportunity to recognize even more local businesses for their contributions to the community.

Aalhus said the community attraction award, the greatest impact award, and the exemplary service award were new additions this year.

She added that giving Airdronians the chance to nominate businesses for their outstanding work through the exemplary service award – especially during what has been a difficult time – was a no-brainer for the chamber’s staff.

“People want to be able to thank businesses for showing amazing customer service,” Aalhus said.

One of the nominees this year is Annette Brown, owner of Fountain of Youth Esthetics and Spa – a nominee for business of the year and a finalist in the exemplary service category. Brown said she was very excited to make it to the final round of voting.

“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “In the service industry, I guess [people] kind of take for granted that that’s what we expect when we’re being served – we want exemplary service.

“So, to be recognized that again, and again, and again, that’s what I’ve been doing, is giving that service – it’s wonderful,” Brown said.

Aalhus explained the greatest impact award was added as a way to include non-profits in the awards this year, but also as a way to recognize businesses for supporting each other throughout the pandemic.

Ambition Performing Arts (APA) was announced as a finalist in both the greatest impact category and the exemplary service category. 

“There’s so many businesses here in Airdrie that have just been working so hard to serve our community under some really difficult circumstances,” APA owner Tara Pickford said. “So, to have been selected in such a difficult time to do business has been really exciting for my team and myself.”

Pickford added small businesses are truly the heart of the community, and it is important to lift them up and show support, especially during difficult times.

“We need business to be able to sustain itself here in Airdrie – these businesses are the ones that donate to teams. They keep a lot of our non-profits and charities that our community relies on up and running,” she said. “It’s really important that we support our small businesses because they are what keep our community in such a way that we’re able to support everyone, not just those who have.”

Aalhus said the decision to add the community attraction award to the categories this year was to recognize unique businesses.

"We also really want people to come to Airdrie to enjoy us and to take part in some of the amazing services and businesses that are here in our community,” she said.

Residents have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favourite businesses in each category until Oct. 8. A full list of finalists and voting can be found on the chamber’s website.

The awards gala will go ahead on Oct. 21 at the Bert Church LIVE Theatre. Finalists, guests, sponsors, and members of the public will be permitted to attend with proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test, as the City-owned venue is participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program.

Tickets to attend the event went on sale Sept. 29 and can be purchased on the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce website. The ceremony will also be available to stream virtually.

 



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