The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce invites the public to recognize, celebrate and support business success in the community by nominating a local business for the 2021 Airdrie Business Awards.
“Nominating a business is such a simple yet amazing way to show them your support during one of the most challenging years in history,” says Marilyne Aalhus, executive director of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce.
“It will only take you a few minutes to nominate a business to make them feel special and recognized.”
There are nine award categories this year including three new awards:
- Airdrie Business Leader Award – Presented to an individual who has been operating a business for at least three years and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, business acumen, philanthropy and commitment to the Airdrie business community.
- Business of the Year Award – Presented to a business, that has been operating for at least three years, that best exhibits outstanding achievement in customer service, growth, and community involvement.
- Employer Excellence Award – Presented to a business that has been operating for at least two years and goes above and beyond for their employees and provides the best overall place to work.
- Emerging Business Award – Presented to a business that has been operating for less than three years, showing success and demonstrates a connection to the Airdrie community.
- Innovation Award – Presented to a business that has been operating for at least two years and demonstrates exceptional and transformative innovation and leadership in their processes, products or services.
- Legacy Business Award – Presented to a business that is independently owned and operated, has been operating in Airdrie for at least 10 years, has shown sustained growth and contributions to local employment.
- Exemplary Service Award (new) – Presented to a business that has been operating for at least two years and provides an excellent customer service experience. The award will recognize a business that implements one or more major customer services initiatives.
- Community Attraction Award (new) – Presented to a business that has been operating for at least two years and has major influence on attracting visitors and residents to engage in the community; making Airdrie a more attractive place to work, live, visit, and play.
- Greatest Impact Award (new) – Presented to a business that has been operating for at least two years and has had the largest impact in the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and overall commitment to making Airdrie a great place to live and do business.
“We wanted to be more inclusive and we wanted to celebrate even more businesses this year,” says Aalhus of why the Chamber added the three new awards.
“We also felt that the three award categories really captured the spirit of the Airdrie business community.”
All winners will be announced at the awards gala, at either the Bert Church Theatre or through a virtual event depending on COVID-19 restrictions at the time on Oct. 21.
“Either way, the event will be a wonderful and interactive opportunity to celebrate the many businesses that shape our community,” says Aalhus.
“With the constant change and many struggles since the COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners and their teams have had a tremendously hard year. We need to show the businesses that make our city great the love that they deserve.”
Tickets will be available for purchase in early September.
“We love Airdrie business, and we want people to share their stories, their victories and their perspective while celebrating small business in Airdrie and recognizing the cream of the crop,” adds Aalhus.
Nominations are open from June 1 to Aug. 3 at airdriechamber.ab.ca and as part of the adjudication process members of the community are encouraged to vote on the finalists once they are announced this September.
stacie@frogmediainc.ca
