Nominate your favourite Airdrie business
Airdrie is a great place to do business. A thriving small business community is part of the attraction of living in Airdrie and the efforts of city entrepreneurs is recognized every year.
The call for nominations for the 19th Airdrie Business Awards is out. Airdrie residents are invited to nominate a business that is making a difference, enhancing the quality of life in the community. Local businesses are also welcome to self-nominate.
There are five categories of awards that will be handed out this fall at the annual gala, scheduled to take place Oct. 20 at the Bert Church Theatre.
Winning Edge Award
Airdrie businesses with fewer than 50 employees qualify for this award which recognizes excellence in the areas of customer service, growth in the company and exemplary participation in the community. This award is for established companies that have been in business for a minimum of three years. Last year’s recipient was Astoria Asset Management Ltd.
Environmental Stewardship Award
This award was previously known as the Eco Edge Award. This award is for the business that exhibits leadership in environmental sustainability with evidence of environmentally-friendly business practices. The 2015 winner was The Hair Lounge in Airdrie.
Family Friendly Business Award
Those local businesses that promote family values, whether in the front office supporting employees or fostering a welcoming atmosphere for customers with families, can be nominated for this award. Last year’s winner in this category was Crossfit 403 in Airdrie.
Emerging Business Award
This is a new category for the 2016 awards. Airdrie businesses that qualify for this award are those with fewer than 50 employees and have been established for three years or less. Criteria for the Emerging Business Award include demonstrated growth, community connection and excellence in customer service. There are a large number of business permits and licenses granted in the City of Airdrie every year and this award was designed to offer encouragement to newly launched home-based and store-front organizations.
Airdrie Business Leader Award
One individual involved in business with outstanding ethics and service to the community will be recognized as a leader in the business community and the greater community of Airdrie. Nominations for individuals rather than business entities should be submitted in this category. Last year’s award recipient was Derek LaLonde.
Award organizers hope that new businesses in Airdrie will get involved in the awards this year either by nominating an individual or themselves or by purchasing a ticket and attending the awards gala.
The Airdrie Business Awards are presented each year by the Airdrie Business Resource Partnership which is a partnership of five local organizations. Airdrie Economic Development, Airdrie Women in Business Association, Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, Bow Valley College and Community Futures Centre West work together to accept nominations, select the award recipients and organize the annual gala.
The awards are supported by a variety of sponsors in Airdrie and local media.
Nominations will be accepted from now until July 31, 2016 by visiting the Airdrie Business Awards website.