The Ponoka Chamber of Commerce will be ‘Taking Care of Business’ this year at its annual awards Friday night.
Take Care of Business - Celebrating Canada’s 150 is the theme for the business awards banquet that will be held at the Kinsmen Community Centre.
Deb Nicol, chair of the Chamber awards committee, explained the theme is about celebrating not only the awesome business sector that Ponoka has, but also to honour this country’s 150 years of confederation.
“The evening is going to be just as fantastic as it has been in the past,” Nicol stated.
“We have some amazing nominees this year and received a good amount of nominations, including some from new businesses, which is encouraging and reassuring as it shows our business community is growing.”
She added the long-term vision is to maintain the basic format as is, including changing up the theme annually. However, Nichol stated there will be discussions coming about possible adjustments or additions to the current categories.
This year’s list of finalists include:
Small Business of the Year:
• Direct Travel
• Husky Ponoka
• Ponoka Health Foods
Medium Business of the Year:
• Integra Tire and Auto Centre
• Ponoka Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Clinic Ltd.
• Vantage Physiotherapy Clinic Ltd.
Large Business of the Year:
• Altitude Laser Spa
• Legacy Ford
• Rowland Parker and Associates
Agricultural Business of the Year:
• Bobtail Nursery
• Central Veterinary Clinic
• Cervus Equipment
Industrial Business of the Year:
• Alberta Flares Energy Services Ltd.
• Town and Country Supplies and Rentals Ltd.
• Under Pressure Line Jetting
Non-Profit of the Year:
• Kinsmen Club of Ponoka
• Ponoka County
• Ponoka Legion Branch 66
Business Person of the Year:
• Greg Bratt — Co-operators - Battle River
• Jim Hamilton — IGA/Hammy’s Spirits
• Jamil Rawji — Ponoka Professional Pharmacy
Customer Service Person of the Year:
• Carey Harrison — ATB Financial
• Marcelle Maki — CIBC
• Debbie Walcheske — Ponoka Reddi Mart
Alongside the award presentations in various categories, the evening will include a wonderful catered dinner as well as some fun games and prizes.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony to follow. Tickets are still available for the event, at $60 each, and can be purchased by calling the Chamber office at 403-783-3888.