A number of Prince Albert businesses and organizations were recognized for their accomplishments and for giving back to the community Thursday as the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for the 2019 Samuel McLeod Business Awards.
Over 100 nominations sent in and 60 applications filled out. The applications were judged by a panel to determine who would best qualify for the awards.
Seeing so much participation is a good sign, said chamber CEO, Elise Hildebrandt.
“There’s a lot to be proud of,” she said.
“Judges said ‘you have some good companies in Prince Albert. Find a way to celebrate them.’”
And celebrate they will. The shortlisted companies were each given a piece of art Thursday. The winners will be named at the annual Samuel McLeod Business Awards Gala, set for April 18 at the Ches Leach Lounge.
“Each of those companies has got a story. They’re growing, they’re innovative, and they’re finding new ways of doing different things and bringing new features to our community. Anything that helps our community look awesome is a good thing.”
Thursday’s luncheon also served as a chance to honour the 2019 Legacy Award recipient, Roses Stewart.
Stewart spoke about her business journey and gave advice to the next generation of business owners. She also spoke about the importance of recognizing successful businesses in the community.
“It’s hard work and it takes a lot of dedication,” she said
“It doesn’t stop when you get your financing and you’ve been through your first year. The challenges go on and on.
“It’s a huge contribution that improves the quality of life in a place like Prince Albert. All of them should be and have been thanked.”
One of the new businesses up for an award is Paved to Pines.
The company, started by friends who met playing hockey in BC, converts vans, motorhomes, school buses and ambulances into custom designs that can include solar power and reclaimed materials.
The business also rents out custom campervans for others to enjoy.
“It’s super exciting (to be nominated). We’re fairly new to the P.A. community” said Steven Glass, who is up for young entrepreneur of the year.
“Being recognized this early is really promising going into our first big summer with our rental fleet and build lineup.”
Glass said that having support from other small businesses and from the community as a whole is vital.
“It makes everything easier for us, helping us with where to go and who to turn to when we have problems. We learned really early how exciting and nice it is to have … support. When you have the support of the whole community, it’s awesome.”
Nominated businesses:
Business transformation:
East Hill Esso
North Country Spa
TJ’s Pizza
Community involvement:
Junior Men’s Softball World Championship
Lake Country Co-op
Northern Lights Casino
Customer service
My Place Catering
Pet Planet
Trudel Auto Body
Female business leader of the year:
Bernadette Lavoie & Lindsey Rask – North Country Spa
Corinne Penner – Pet Planet
Marlyn Philips-Leson – Now Grant Thornton formerly Grayling Consulting
Male business leader of the year:
Dan Yungwirth – Miller Contracting
Jeff Stumpf – PA Alarms
Marketing:
Calypso Bay
Paintball Paradise
Junior Men’s Softball World Championship
New venture:
Oh Pair Shoes
PA Wand Wash
Paved to Pines
Non-profit organization:
Habitat for Humanity
KIN Enterprises
Victoria Hospital Foundation
Young Entrepreneur:
Ali Mysiorek – The Foggy Lemon
Lukas Werner – Access Tire
Steven Glass – Paved to Pines
Business of the Year:
Lake Country Co-op
North Country Spa
Northern Lights Casino
Legacy Award winner:
Roses Stewart
