Business Leader Award recipient announced

A longtime Airdrie business man has been awarded will be awarded the 2012 Airdrie Business Leader Award.

Hugh Hamilton, founder of Airdrie Registry, is pleased to be taking home the award, which is part of the Winning Edge Awards program organized by the Airdrie Business Resource Partnership.

“It certainly is an honour and believe me it fills me with joy,” said Hamilton, an accountant by trade. “It sure is nice this is happening.”

Hamilton founded his first business in Airdrie, Hamilton Agencies, in 1962. Back then, Airdrie had a population of 500, according to Hamilton

“We started out with an income tax, accounting and assurance business, then we got involved in real estate and development,” said Hamilton, adding they sold licenses 50 years ago as a private agent.

“Back then we only had a staff of one, but now we have a staff of 24,” he added. “We have a team here that provides prompt, courteous and professional service. Our customers are No. 1.”

According to Hamilton, he is handing his business over to his five sons, including manager Kevin Hamilton.

“We are very proud,” said Hamilton. “We are very fortunate.”

Hamilton will be presented with the Airdrie Business Leader Award at the Winning Edge Awards Gala on Oct. 20 at Woodside Golf Course.

“Mr. Hamilton was nominated not only for his length of service in the City of Airdrie but also for his business acumen, business results, and contribution to his community,” said Mike De Bokx, member of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce selection committee. “He has served his community in so many ways from village councillor to currently coaching and mentoring. We thank him for his guidance in supporting our community.”

Pat Cashion of Vitreous Glass Inc. was the winner of the inaugural Business Leader Award in 2010, while Dick Buchanan of Air-Alta Insurance was given the honour last year.

Finalists in three other Winning Edge Award categories have also been announced.

The Winning Edge Award honours a small business with less than 50 employees that has been in business for at least three years and best exhibits outstanding achievement in innovative practices, customer service and growth and actively participates in the community.

This year’s finalists include Astoria Asset Management Ltd., The Avenue Cakery & Bakeshoppe, Dairy Queen, Human Kanvas and The Hair Lounge. The award is sponsored by Airdrie Business Resource Partnership.

Last year’s recipient of the Winning Edge Award was Here’s the Scoop/ADvance Distribution, owned by Al and Lois Jones.

The Eco Edge Award, sponsored by the City of Airdrie Environmental Services Board, is awarded to a business that promotes, takes part and provides leadership in the environmental arena. This year’s finalists are Global A.P.E., Grace Family Dental, Kick it to the Curb Recycling, Natural e Green and T&K Curbside Recyclers.

Last year, the Eco Edge Award winner was Natural e Green, owned by Tamara Laschinsky, an online natural health and wellness store.

The Family Friendly Business Award, which is sponsored by the Airdrie National Family Week Steering Committee, acknowledges a business that demonstrates family-friendly practices that support employees’ needs inside and outside of the workplace and/or makes it fun for families to visit.

This year’s finalists are Daley Home Management Corporation and Daley Janitorial, Global A.P.E., Kumon Math and Reading Center Airdrie, Rockyview Insurance Services – The Co-operators and Woodside Golf Course.

The 2011 recipient of the award was Grow with Us Retail & Consignment, owned by Rebecca Reaville.

Finalists for these awards were chosen based on a number of criteria and all submissions were reviewed by selection committees. Nominations opened on June 1 and 45 companies were nominated for the various awards.

“We are very pleased with the quality and variety of finalists we have this year,” said Matt Carre, Winning Edge Awards organizing committee member. “It is very exciting to see peers and customers taking the time to nominate so many Airdrie businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our business community and our committee considers it a privilege to help honour so many of them.”

This year’s Gala will be the 15th and will be a celebration of local small businesses. All awards will be presented during the evening.

For more information about the finalists, visit www.airdrienow.ca

Gala tickets can be purchased online from the Airdrie Business Resource Partnership at www.abrponline.com.