The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award was celebrated last Thursday night at Lloyd Ex. Business of the Year went to Violet Eyes Optometry, Non-Profit of the Year to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster and Lifetime Achievement to Dave Schneider, owner of Cliff Rose for Clothes. Small Business of the Year went to Nader and Jess at The Proper Eats & Drinks, no name a few. Photo courtesy of Videre Images
It was all smiles and handshakes for recipients of this year’s Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
The majority of the Chamber’s 530 members took in the celebration at the Lloyd Ex last Thursday night to cap off small business week in Canada.
“Tonight, we also celebrate the many community-nominated member businesses represented here tonight,” said Counc. Lorelee Marin, who brought greetings from the city.
“We acknowledge your exceptional work in categories such as diversity, integrity, entrepreneurship and community spirit.”
Chamber president, Blaine Stephan, told the audience every nominee is a winner.
He kicked off the celebration with the president’s pick for Lifetime Achievement, presented to Cliff Rose for Clothes owner Dave Schneider.
The first category award for the Think Lloyd First Ambassador went to Home Hardware Building Centre.
“We would like to thank the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce for this award,” said store manager Arnie Arreglo.
“This award will strengthen our social responsibility in promoting our community and helping fellow business owners.”
The next award for Small Business of the Year went to Nader and Jess at The Proper Eats & Drinks, while Diamond 7 Meats was named for the Integrity Award and Lakeland College, the Diversity Award.
It was fitting that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster is the Non-Profit of the Year as the organization plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
BBBS matches young people six to 18 facing adversity with trained adult mentors with one-on-one and group mentoring programs.
A video introduction explained mentoring programs are financially supported through grants, donations and an extensive fundraising component.
The organization has been providing youth services in Lloydminster since 1994 and is headed by executive director, Brenda Robinson, who accepted the award.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to express their gratitude for the nomination and the award. It is a very special experience to be honoured,” said Robinson.
“It really does take a community to raise a child and to keep an agency going. In our 30 years, we need to recognize the other businesses, individuals, volunteers and all of you who help us mentor children every day.”
Robinson noted the local organization began as Big Brothers in the late ‘70s and added Big Sisters in 1980 with both parts officially amalgamating in 1994.
The Entrepreneur of the Year went to Iron Will Metalworks Ltd, while PWM Steel Services Ltd. got the nod for Community Spirit with owner Paul Klaassen accepting.
“I really enjoy sponsoring the Steelers,” said Klaassen.
“I’ve been with them since 2004 —chuckwagons—I really enjoy sponsoring stuff in the community, especially giving a hand up to the community when somebody needs something—give them a lift so they can have a better life.”
The Downtown Business of the Year went to Brighter Horizon Financial Services Inc. with the Customer Service award going to Lakeside Pharmacy.
Violet Eyes Optometry’s three female eye doctors received the Business Woman of the Year and the Business of the Year Awards.
