Chamber picks its award winners for this year

by Stephen Dafoe
The annual Morinville & District Chamber of Commerce Gala took place on Saturday, Oct. 28, at
the Morinville Community Cultural Centre with an Around the World theme and the largest
roster of nominees in recent history. The Chamber received over 400 individual nominations for
53 businesses in eight categories this time, plus Youth Entrepreneur and business integrity
nominees. But not all of the nominees could walk away with the award.
The Ag Business/Farm Family category nominees include Deb’s Greenhouse, Bokey Blooms
Farms, Rosy Farms, Chuck’s Berry Farm, and Birchwood Meadows. Deb’s Greenhouse was
chosen as this year’s winner.
R.T. Septic and Water Systems was the Business Legacy category winner. Other nominees
included Black Bar Crossfit, Rene’s Vacuum, Flynn Bros., and The Flower Stop & Gift Shop.
The New Business Category drew seven nominees: The Niche Hair Studio, Fusion World Rentals,
Bon Accord Liquor Store, Free Spirit Ranch, Optimal Yoga & Wellness, Movement Dance Studio,
and Hair & Holistics. Niche Hair Studio was this year’s winner.
Home-based business nominees include Skinsational, Nancy Johnson Fitness, Crazy Diamond
Crystals, A Worthy Cookie, Dark Sky Distillery, J’Lynn Esthetics, and Christy Chubaty, Chartered
Professional Accountant. Skinsational took home this year’s award.
All Mixed Up won the Small Business category award, drawing the largest number of nominees
at 14. Other nominees this year included Sturgeon Brewing Company, The Ice Hut, Smokehouse
Grills & Purolator, Grass Theory, JLS Decals & Signs, Panchita’s Taqueria, Morinville Pizza, Au
Chocolat, Legendary Liquor, Black Bar Crossfit, Odin Renovations Inc., Madaflo Craftsman, and
Rentz & Rover Pet Services.
Medium business nominees include Coach’s Corner Sports Bar & Grill, Celebrations Flare
Catering, Ok Tire Morinville, Bistro Di Madre Piccola, Drayden Insurance Ltd., and Animal
Wellness Veterinary Clinic. OK Tire took home the award.
The Large Business category drew three nominations: Sturgeon Cleaning Service, Morinville
Shell, and Atlas Premium Home Development with Sturgeon Cleaning Services winning this
year.
Community Spirit is open to businesses and non-profit organizations that enhance the
community. Midstream Support Society, who have operated in Morinville for years, won this
year. Other nominees included Fusion Thrift Shoppe, Morinville Adopt-A-Family, and Second
Chance Animal Rescue Society.
Young entrepreneurs were also recognized at the gala with Emily’s Petdana’s, Willow Ralph –
Panchita’s Taqueria and Movement Dance Studio instructors Elizabeth Nelson, Brooklynn
Payne, Kenzie MacRae, Jade Van Lersberghe, Haley Oullette and Grace Dundass, each
nominated for the award. Willow Ralph of Panchita’s Taqueria was this year’s winner.
The Chamber also has its own Integrity Award, which is selected and voted on by the Chamber.
Hunters Print & Copy was chosen as the Integrity Award winner this year.
The Chamber chose to hold the annual event on a Saturday this year, rather than the usual
Thursday, to allow more time for networking after the dinner, entertainment and awards.