“When a dollar is spent locally in the arts, it will circulate in our community nine times before it leaves! That is an amazing reason to buy local and support our arts community.”
Small business is BIG business – that was the buzz at the 2019 Airdrie Business Awards held Oct. 24 at the Bert Church Theatre. More than 225 members of the business community celebrated as 36 finalists were honoured in seven categories.
Airdrie Business of the Year recipient Tara Pickford, owner of Ambition Performing Arts Inc., was 
overwhelmed by the win.
“It is exciting to win this award for so many reasons. We are raising tomorrow’s leaders through the arts. We are creating safe places for kids to grow and be loved for who they are and become the best version of themselves.
“We are teaching tomorrow’s leaders how to be good stewards of our community, how to care for themselves and for each other. We know that less than three per cent of our students will become professionals in the arts, but 100 per cent of our students will use the life skills we teach them.
“When a dollar is spent locally in the arts, it will circulate in our community nine times before it leaves! That is an amazing reason to buy local and support our arts community.”
Michelle Carre of the Carre Group of Redline Real Estate was the recipient of the Business Leader Award. “It’s truly an honour to receive this award. I could never be a leader if it weren’t for the great support I have in my life, especially my husband Matt, and for that I am so grateful.”
A new category – Business Innovation Award – went to Healthy Meals Made Easy Inc. owner Christelle Hitimana Uwamahoro.
“It’s a huge privilege and honour to me to be recognized. It confirms how much Airdrie loves its people and cares about anyone, any business, that makes a difference. It’s very encouraging especially at this time when the economy is not very strong and many businesses are closing doors or have to move. I’m hoping that our young people in the community, when they see someone like me, know that anything is possible; that they are not afraid to dream big. “
Recipients of the 2019 Airdrie Business Awards:
Business of the Year – Ambition Performing Arts Inc.
Airdrie Business Leader Award – Michelle Carre, The Carre Group of Redline Real Estate
Employer Excellence Business Award – Airdrie Family Eye Doctors
Emerging Business Award – Your Local Ranch Ltd.
Legacy Business Award – Advance Distribution
Franchise Business Award – Lathered Cleaning Company Inc.
Business Innovations Award – Healthy Meals Made Easy Inc.
