By Treena Mielke
The Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was a gala affair filled with fun, congratulatory speeches, a wonderful meal and amusing local entertainment.
Chamber president Melvin Durand welcomed everyone and thanked chamber board members for all their hard work and commitment to the community.
He congratulated the winners of the awards.
“These businesses help keep our community alive, vibrant and growing,” he said later.
Durand expressed appreciation for all Rimbey businesses, noting they all deserve a prize for their contribution to the community.
“We appreciate the work of all of our business members and the hard work. Rimbey continues to be an excellent place to shop, stay and play. Rimbey has it all and we should be proud of what we offer.”
Master of Ceremonies Kim Short thanked Mad Catering for the meal and recognized entertainment sponsors legacy Ford and Community Futures. Event sponsors were Sunny 94 and Rimbey Review.
She then thanked chamber committee members Jackie Stratton, Amanda Lucas, Felicity Cole, Mandy Swanson, Melvin Durand and Rick Moon for organizing the event.
The Rimbey Junior/Senior Dram Club then performed Ski Marks.
The awards then got underway and deserving recipients were recognized.
Leading the way was Scratchin’ the Surface and ATB Financial, who tied for the business of the year award with 14 or fewer employees sponsored by ATB.
“Jackie selflessly donates her time to the chamber and her business is built on integrity and excellent customer service,” was one of the comments in the nomination for Scratchin’ the Surface.
“The past two years ATB has been very involved with the community, grown their customer base, are a Central Alberta leader in customer survey scores and are obsessed with their customers,” was commented about ATB.
The next award went to Business of the Year with 15 or more employees sponsored by ATB. This award went to Rimbey Builders.
“Huge community supporters, helping out at every opportunity. used to close the store for street drag races,” was the comment during voting.
The new business of the year, sponsored by Evergreen Co-op, was won by DH Custom Sausage.
“Duncan and Jalaines’ new business is a wonderful addition to our community. (They offer) amazing service and great meats and sausage. They really do strive to be the best at what they do.”
Neffren Nazarra from ATB won the People’s Choice award sponsored by Mandy’s Fashion.
“Neff is never having a bad day. He always greets his customers by name and with a smile. He delivers consistent customer service and has a way of making his customers feel special and always welcome.”
The Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Rimbey FCSS, was won by Phil Swanson.
“Phil has gone above and beyond for our community for many years. He is always willing to help and contribute.”
The Business Community Spirit Award sponsored by Servus Credit Union went to Evergreen Co-op.
Evergreen Co-op Rimbey donates more than $30,000 annually to charities and non profit organizations. Their support makes a huge difference to Rimbey, its businesses, clubs and organizations.”
Evergreen Co-op is very proud to be the recipient of the Business Community Spirit Award for 2018. Your Co-op prides itself as being known as a Community Builder, so in winning this award… it is truly the nicest thing you could have said to us. Congratulation to all the nominees and award winners. Rimbey is a community on the move,” said Rick Moon, operations manager.
FCSS won the Non-profit of the Year award sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
“I love their support of the community including our seniors, the food bank, their volunteers, meals on wheels and so much more,” was commented during the voting.
The lifetime achievement award went to Michael Jarmoluk. It was sponsored by The Town of Rimbey.
“Michael has been an active and committed volunteer throughout the years. He will be 95 this month and is still an active volunteer.”
