Airdrie awards its winning businesses with style
Three businesses and one individual were recognized for their achievements in business at the annual Winning Edge Awards Gala held at Woodside Golf Course, Oct. 20.
The event featured a tapas-style dinner, and a performance by a Lady Gaga impersonator, before the awards began.
The Airdrie Business Leader Award was handed out by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce President Mike Watkins to longtime businessman Hugh Hamilton, owner of Airdrie Registries.
“Mr. Hamilton has provided a vision and leadership for this community for many years,” said Watkins.
“His business model is as follows: Build a highly accessible office, provide sufficient oversized parking stalls for cars and trucks. Provide special parking for mothers and children. Once they walk into your office, have a well-trained staff, with sufficient staff on hand to service the customer within a planned time frame. Focus on the customer and you will have customers.”
Hamilton, who had much of his family present at the event thanked the Airdrie Business Resource Partnership for the honour.
“Thank you ever so much. What a glorious honour for a family to receive this prestigious award,” said Hamilton.
“To even be considered by your peers is a privilege, but to win the award is beyond our highest expectations.”
Hamilton shared some of the wisdom he has gained over 50 years of doing business in Airdrie.
“You never give the customer an opportunity to go elsewhere,” said Hamilton.
“Along your pathway of success, never forget your family. It is the most important anchor any person can have.”
The next business award handed out was the Eco Edge Award. The award recognizes a business promoting, taking part and provide leadership in the environmental arena.
Vice Chair of the Airdrie Environmental Advisory Board and Alderman Kelly Hegg presented the award to Global A.P.E., owned by Jodie Simpson.
Global A.P.E. is a business that offers environmentally friendly products and fair-trade items.
The Family Friendly Business Award was handed out to a business who best demonstrates family practices, either through supporting employee’s needs or being a fun place for clients and customers to visit.
This year’s recipients were Rocky View Insurance, the Cooperators, Kim and Mike Acheson.
“I want to thank the nominations and the committee for selecting us,” said Mike.
“It is an honour to be nominated for this award, and an even bigger one to win.”
The 2012 Winning Edge Business Award was given out to an exceptional small business that demonstrates superior customer service, innovative practices and is a active corporate citizen.
This year’s Winning Edge Award winner was Wendy Bates-Wiebe, of The Hair Lounge.
“Wow. Thank you so much. I would like to take this time to thank the community for backing my efforts as a small business owner who believes in supporting her community,” said Bates-Wiebe.
“It’s great to recognize businesses who stand out as community supporters. Everyone in here is deserving of this award.”
For the 2012 awards, the Airdrie Business Resource Partnership received a total of 60 nomination for 45 businesses.
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