Small business owners and their staff will be honoured next with the start of the ENMAX 2010 Small Business Week, which kicks off Wednesday.
Events happening throughout the week include breakfasts, lunches and an awards of distinction ceremony taking place on Oct. 20 at the Arden Theatre.
Chamber president and CEO Lynda Moffat said the purpose of Small Business Week is to recognize the exceptional efforts of the city's business community.
"We have an amazing business community and lots of times, I think that people don't really realize exactly who is here," said Moffat.
"So often in St. Albert, a lot of our businesses just quietly go about doing what they do, no big fanfare, no big hoopla, but a lot of these businesses are doing extremely well and they're based right here in our own city. It's really nice to be able to learn about them and to acknowledge what they do," she said.
Events kick off Wednesday with the monthly chamber luncheon at Cornerstone Hall. On Thursday, the Northern Alberta Business Incubator hosts an Oktoberfest from 4 to 7 p.m. at its building at 200 Carnegie Dr.
Business owners get an early start the next morning, with a breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Albert and the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. That event will be taking place at the Sturgeon Valley Golf Course and Country Club.
The Saint City Rotary Club luncheon will happen on the following Tuesday from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Hall.
Friday's events include a free business breakfast at the St. Albert Public Library from 8 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the awards of distinction ceremony at the Arden Theatre from 6 to 9 p.m.
New awards
This year, two new categories have been added to the awards ceremony. The first is an award for Outstanding Workplace.
"That's kind of a fun one because it's kind of coming from the perspective of the people that work there," noted Moffat.
A second new category recognizes participants in the Work Experience Program, which allows high school students to gain experience in their chosen work field while earning high school credits.
"They've been out working for these employers who participate in these programs so we're looking for, not only the exceptional young people who have been out there in the work world through the Work Experience Program, but also we're going to acknowledge employers that take these kids in and teach them and guide them and mentor them," Moffat explained.
In total, 32 businesses are in the running for seven awards.
Other categories include the Business to Business Award of Distinction, the Marketing Award of Distinction, the Outstanding Customer Service Award of Distinction, the Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction and the Small Business Award of Distinction.
Nominees in the Small Business category include the Active Life Centre Massage Therapy Clinic, Grenier Place Chiropractic & Massage Wellness Centre, Makin Trax Canine Care and Training Centre, Mission: Fun & Games, Nitza's Pizza, Ricci Hair Co., St. Albert Naturopathic Clinic, Studio 107 Hair Inc., and Sunshine Promotions. Last year, the award went to the Art of Dance.
Moffat said each category has different guidelines and criteria. She said a team of judges selects the winners.
The cost to attend each event varies. For more information or to preregister for an event, visit www.stalbertchamber.com.
