The 19th annual Airdrie Business Awards (ABA) is encouraging nominations from the public until July 31.
The awards recognize local businesses for exceptional business practices, family atmosphere, environmental leadership and early growth.
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lorna Hunt said the ABA committee tries to “recognize, celebrate and support business in Airdrie” with the awards.
“We want to recognize and celebrate remarkable business leaders in our community,” Hunt said.
The Airdrie Business Leader Award is sponsored and presented by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce and is for an individual “whose business ethics and philosophies extend beyond the walls of their business and have a positive impact on the Airdrie community as a whole.”
“We ask questions about their achievements, their leadership and vision and how they’ve leveraged their connection in the Airdrie Business community to better (it),” Hunt said.
Only outside source nominations are accepted for this award.
The Winning Edge Award recognizes a small business with less than 50 employees that exhibit achievement in practices, customer service, growth and community participation. This business must have been in business for at least three years.
The Environmental Stewardship Business Award goes to a business that is dedicated in the area of environmental sustainability by integrating environmental practices into their corporate culture.
The Family Friendly Business Award is for a business that “embraces family values” and creates a “welcoming environment for families to visit.”
The ABA will present the very first Emerging Business Award to “help recognize and celebrate those new to business.” The brand new award will be presented by BMO Kingsview Market.
Nominations for all five awards can be made online at airdriebusinessawards.com
Finalists will be announced Sept. 1 and winners will be announced during Small Business Week at an awards gala at Bert Church Live Theatre Oct. 20.
“Small business week is a national celebration for businesses under 50 employees – and that’s probably 98 per cent of businesses in Airdrie,” Hunt said.