Business leaders packed the Sawridge last night for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards.
Awards were presented in eight categories, honouring everyone from Fort McMurray youth to some of its most well-established businesses.
MXC Racing and Off Road was presented with the Small Business of the Year Award, news that came as both a surprise and an honour to owner Colleen Tatum.
“You don’t go into business to win awards and get recognition,” she said. “But when you do, it just makes you feel like what you’re doing is for a greater reason than just selling rims and tires everyday. We try and do something that gives back to the community, and let the people around us know how much we value Fort McMurray.”
Chamber President Jon Tupper was more than happy with the turnout.
“We’re really pleased that the business community came out to show their support,” he said. “Not just for the business leaders in this community, but for the community leaders that help make our region strong.”
“It was well-attended by dignitaries and business leaders alike; we’re really happy that they all showed up, and next year is going to be even better!”
This year’s top prize went to Northstar Ford, who was honoured as the 2011 Business of the Year.
While owner Marty Giles accepted the award, he was quick to spread the credit around.
“The most replaceable people actually in that store are [wife] Dennine and I,” he said. “Because if we go away for a month – which we never have, but let’s say we did – it would affect it a lot more if our receptionist went away, or our service advisors, or our sales people – the dealership would feel them missing a lot more than us.”
“That’s why we always mention the team.”
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Community Award winners:
X-Ceptional Kidz Award 9-13 (Sponsored by: Nexen):
Maria Fustic
X-Ceptional Kidz Award 14-17 (Sponsored by: Nexen):
Max Weinberger
Leader of Tomorrow Award 18-25 (Sponsored by: Shell Canada Energy):
Brooke McMillan
Sustainable Communities Recognition Award (Sponsored by: Total E & P):
Diane Slater
Public Service Award (Sponsored by: Worley Parsons Cord):
Ashley Gillingham and Jennifer Teetaert
Business Award winners:
Family Friendly Business Award of Distinction (Sponsored by: The HUB Family Resource Centre):
The Chef’s Table by Mitchell’s
Environmental Leadership Award (Sponsored by: Kee Tas Kee Now/ Waste Management):
Coverall Rentals
Small Business of the Year (Sponsored by: ATCO Group of Companies):
MXC Racing & Off Road
Business of the Year (Sponsored by: Rogers Radio Fort McMurray, Country 93.3, Rock 97.9, mymcmurray.com):
Northstar Ford
