The Airdrie Resource Business Partnership has publicly revealed the finalists for its annual awards with nine different businesses up for different honours.
“It’s the cream of the crop,” said Matt Carre, communications director with the awards. “Each category has it’s own sub committee that goes over nominees in great detail and they came up with who they felt were the most deserving.”
On Oct. 21 the winners will be crowned to cap off Airdrie’s Small Business Week at Woodside Golf Course. Terry Rock of the Calgary Arts Development Authority Ltd. will give the keynote address to nominees and members of Airdrie’s business community.
“With ARTember and the way Airdrie is moving into the arts, we’re really excited to have him,” said Carre.
In a move that the Winning Edge Awards committee feels fitting, Dick Buchanan was given the Airdrie Business Leader Award. This is only the second year of the award’s existence with Pat Cashion of Vitreous Glass Inc. taking the inaugural honour.
“He’s Mr. Airdrie,” Carre said of Buchanan. “You hear his name everywhere you go. He’s such an icon of Airdrie business.”
Chamber president Mike De Bokx said what makes Buchanan such a standout is that his contributions have been sustained for decades.
“We didn’t want it to be a lifetime achievement award… where you did lots a long time ago, but don’t do anything now,” said De Bokx. “He’s still active and that really was the determining factor. This award says a lot about who you are in the business community.”
Some of Buchanan’s recent work includes volunteering with the Nose Creek Valley Museum, Airdrie Food Bank, Airdrie Rotary Club, Airdrie Airshow and the Airdrie Agricultural Society.
The Winning Edge Award:
• airdrielife
• Goodmen Roofing
• Here’s the Scoop
• Smart Automotive and Tire Craft
• The Hair Lounge
The Eco Edge Award:
• Grace Family Dental
• Kick it to the Curb Curbside Recycling
• Natural e GREEN
The Family Friendly Business Award:
• Bright Explorations Child Development Ltd.
• Goodmen Roofing
• Grace Family Dental
• Grow With Us Retail and Consignment
• The Little Gym
For more information on the awards, call the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce at 403-948-4412.
