It was a time to celebrate the community during the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce 2022 Awards Gala, held Oct. 21 at the LMC.
Presented by Lacombe Ford and following a James Bond theme, the classy event featured a full buffet, special music, a dance, and of course the handing out of several awards in 11 categories.
“It was incredible,” said Jeffrey Hanger, the Chamber’s executive director, when asked how he thought the event turned out.
“The combination of the videos, the people, the visuals, the lighting, the food - and the huge turnout - I just couldn’t have imagined it,” he said.
“I came to this with about 10 pieces of a puzzle - and all of it has come together.
“Ultimately, everyone needs to know that the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce is there for them,” he said, adding that plans are already taking shape for next year’s gala, which will be on the cusp of the Lacombe Chamber celebrating its 100th anniversary.
“This is just the beginning.”
As to the awards, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (sponsored by Jo(e) Social Media, went to Reuben Span of R&J Recycling, and the New Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Burman University) went to Milly Oak Cafe & Catering.
The Home-based Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Nowco Home Hardware), went to The Spaw Holistic Inc. and Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Black Press Media) went to Milly Oak Cafe & Catering.
LA Carpet & Tile landed the Large Business of the Year Award, which was sponsored by Fortis Alberta, and the Agricultural Business/Organization of the Year Award (sponsored by Lacombe County) went to Penner Farm Services.
The Lacombe & District Historical Society picked up the Non-profit of the Year Award which was sponsored by Sunny 94, and Gina Gallardo of Lacombe A&W won the Customer Service Award (sponsored by the Echo Lacombe Association).
The Citizen of the Year Award (sponsored by the City of Lacombe) went to Jo Phillips, and the Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by AFSC) was won by Dwight ‘Dewey’ Baird.
The Business Customer Service Award (sponsored by the Echo Lacombe Association) went to A&W.
For the New Business Award (sponsored by Burman University), the winner was Milly Oak Café & Catering.
Several local dignitaries were onhand for the celebrations as well.
“After a few years of ‘virtual’ awards, it’s wonderful to be back together again in person, to celebrate our hardworking community, citizens, business owners and operators. It’s my pleasure to stand here tonight and to say ‘thank you’ for all that you do,” said Barb Shepherd, Lacombe County reeve.
Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey said he felt appreciation for such, “Community-minded people who work to make Lacombe an even better place to live each and every day.
“From the businesses, the new investors, and a public that is eager to support all of these great efforts that we all value, I think it’s an accomplishment that everyone in this room and our entire community can be proud of.”
In other Chamber news, Hanger is also getting the word out about the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce 2022 Passport to Christmas program.
“This year, we are happy to be teaming up with Sunny 94 and Echo Lacombe,” noted a release. The way it works is that for every $10 spent at your business, the customer receives a stamp on their passport. Each passport can be dropped off at draw boxes at the participating businesses to be entered in draws for ‘Lacombe Bucks’.
Lacombe Bucks can then be spent at any of the vendors in the program.
The program runs from Nov. 12 through to Dec. 24, and the grand prize will be drawn on Dec. 31.
“During the 2021 event, Passport to Christmas confirmed that $3,390,300 was spent at the 75 participating businesses,” said Hanger.
Visit www.lacombechamber.ca for more information.
