It's that time of year again to pull out the stops and celebrate local businesses via the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce business awards gala.
The event runs Oct. 25 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede grounds.
Cocktails and a silent auction begin at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner and awards at 7 p.m.
A big highlight for this year's event is a Kentucky Derby theme, said Sherry Gummow, chamber president.
"It's also the culmination of Small Business Week, which is recognized across Canada. We have a diverse business community here, whether it's a small boutique or a larger business," she said, adding as the organization covers the local district as well, the goal is always to get more county businesses involved.
That includes the coming gala, where guest are encouraged to jump into the look of the famous Kentucky Derby, complete with fancy hats for the ladies.
"We are encouraging as many businesses as possible to come out as a team - it's a nice event! It's a catered dinner, and there's the silent auction. It's a time to get together as businesses and to celebrate the successes in our community," she said.
Beyond celebrating the achievements of businesses, Gummow emphasized how the chamber helps in terms of educational opportunities, advocacy, and marketing.
"The chamber does offer opportunities to interact with other business owners, so there is the networking aspect of it.
"I have also really come to appreciate the importance of advocacy from a business point of view," she said, adding the chamber helps to voice the issues facing local businesses these days on a broader scale, such as to various levels of government.
There are a range of benefits as well, including discounts on various services and an overall benefits program which is very competitive, she explained.
"We are concentrating more on the education side of things, and then doing some things that provide opportunities for networking," she said.
The gals is, of course, the chamber's biggest networking event of the year.
They also host a Stampede breakfast each year to further connect with the public and local businesses among other special events through the year, she added.
For Gummow, being involved with the chamber offers a source of fulfillment in not only being a local business owner herself, but as a means of community service.
For more about sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, visit www.ponokachamber.ca, email admin@ponokachamber.ca, or call the office at 403-783-3888.