Casino magnates Bruce and Cindy McPherson were once again recognized for a lifetime of charitable giving.
Casino magnates Bruce and Cindy McPherson were once again recognized for a lifetime of charitable giving.
The former owners of the Apex (now Century) casino were presented the Chair's Award of Distinction during Thursday's 2016 Business Awards of Distinction hosted at the Arden Theatre.
"They've been generous with both their time and their money," said Ken Macrae upon presenting the award.
Bruce was humbled by yet another recognition for something he said came naturally to him.
Earlier this week he and his wife were named the recipients of the 2016 Philanthropy Award by the City of St. Albert.
"I just feel that any business that is successful in the community they're in, they've obviously had the support of the community in order to be successful and therefore I think (it) has the obligation to give back to the community, because the community has given them so much," he said.
The Business Awards of Distinction is a St. Albert Chamber of Commerce event put on annually to recognize the accomplishments of local entrepreneurs.
This year's awards saw 56 businesses nominated over eight categories.
After the Chair's award, the second most prestigious is the Small Business Award, which goes to a business that exemplifies outstanding sales and service, community involvement and strong management skills.
This year's recipient was Movimento Fitness, a premium personal training and nutrition facility.
"We've been in business now for six years and to be recognized with the award for small business distinction is really exciting for us," said Movimento co-owner Kim Sparks.
"It's always a little unnerving getting started. Right at the beginning you're a little unsure taking that step as a small business. But looking back we wouldn't have wanted to start a business anywhere else," added the Edmontonian.
The largest category was the Outstanding Customer Service Award, with 12 nominees.
Local HVAC experts, True North Heating and Cooling, were recognized for their personalized service and expertise.
Nicole Imgrund, owner of River's Edge Counselling, was honoured to receive the Ignite Award, which goes to a business that in its first three years has demonstrated itself as the most dynamic start-up business in the St. Albert community.
The counselling practice has been involved in bringing speakers like former Olympian Clara Hughes to town and in offering mental health clinics in the community. It also applies a sliding fee scale to ensure better access to mental health regardless of someone's financial situation.
"It's important to me not just to help individuals with the struggles they have, but to think about mental health in a bigger way," said Imgrund.
The Business to Business Award was presented to another HVAC specialist, Techni-Craft Equipment Services.
Active Physio Works was awarded Community Leadership Award. The Young Entrepreneur Award was presented to Gary Takhar, owner of Rockland Landscaping Supplies and Craig Pilgrim – RE/MAX Professionals was handed the Marketing Award.
The Youth Work Experience and Apprenticeship Award was presented to Paul Kane High School student Katherine Lee and her host The Dinner Factory.
