Getting down to the finalists is pretty much the hardest part.
A record number of nominations for the annual Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce business awards were received this year.
The awards feature a Golden Night theme and will be held Oct. 19 at the Kinsmen Community Centre.
“It was great to have the public, not just chamber members, involved in the process this year,” explained executive manager Heather Bendera.
“There was also great participation among the members during the voting process, with several of the category results being extremely close.”
One category was so close that four finalists will be recognized this year.
Award nominees
Customer Service: Susie Bell — finance manager Adams Chevrolet GMC; Brenda Selke — customer service at Shoppers Drug Mart; and, Penny Van Petten — Ponoka Dental Centre.
Businessperson of the year: Jim Hamilton of Hamilton IGA and Hammy’s Spirits, Gary Colyn of Sommer Home Hardware and Kris Bingeman of Twisted Label.
Not-for-Profit: Calnash Ag Events Centre, Ponoka Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66, Ponoka Family and Community Support Services.
Industrial business of the year: Under Pressure Line Jetting, RTS Services and Battle River Coatings.
Agricultural business of the year: Darcy’s Drilling Services, Heartland Feeds and Ponoka Veterinary Clinic.
Small business of the year (four this year): Pet Valu, Torch and Teal, Prairie Boys Truck and Car Wash and Hot Express Food Truck/Stafford Catering.
Medium business of the year: Vantage Physiotherapy Clinic, Tantec Electronics and Siding 14 Brewing Company.
Large business of the year: Sommer Home Hardware, Shoppers Drug Mart and Altitude Laser Spa.
The evening will include a catered dinner by Bob Ronnie, balloon prize draws and a celebrity horse race fundraiser.
This year’s entertainment is the band Tap9, with an original style best described as classic rock with a bit of country twist at times.
Tickets are still available by contacting the chamber office at (403) 783-3888.
**Editors note: An error in the print edition was made is Not-for-Profit category and has been changed for the online edition.
jordie.dwyer@ponokanews.com
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