2025 Business Awards of Distinction Gala - beige

2025 Business Awards of Distinction Gala

CELEBRATING OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS!

The Chamber Business Awards of Distinction Gala is a special celebration of our vibrant business community. For years, we have proudly recognized the exceptional standards that our entrepreneurs bring to their businesses, and our awards evening continues to elevate this tradition, honoring our nominees and winners with heartfelt congratulations.

Each year, the GPRC joins chambers across Canada in recognizing local excellence. The entrepreneurs, businesses, charities, and not-for-profits that shape our region are true leaders, and this gala evening of recognition is our way of expressing our deep appreciation.

What began as a simple community gathering to celebrate outstanding businesses and individuals remains at the heart of what we do today.

Event Information

Excellent Dining

Enjoy a high-quality locally catered meal.

Networking

Top-notch networking throughout the event with industry leaders, business owners, and community members.

Recognition of Business Excellence

Gather to recognize and celebrate excellence within the business community.

DETAILS

Date: Thursday, 6th November 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Heritage Pavillion, Stony Plain
Dress: Come dressed for the Roaring '20s
Cost: $139.00 Members | $159 Non-Members

Your Ticket Includes:

Supper
Live entertainment
Top-notch networking

2025 Business Awards of Distinction
Nomination Criteria

General Eligibility Requirements:

Have a valid business license or development permit, where applicable
Be operational for a minimum of three fiscal years, unless otherwise stated
Can self-nominate

Business of the Year - Small Business

Business of the Year (1 to 25 Employees)

Be at least 51% Alberta owned and operated;
Have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees;
Be profitable in each of the last three years.

This award recognizes a business that exemplifies outstanding business practices and achievements, demonstrates leadership, growth, and vision, contributes to the economic growth of the region, and plays a positive role in the community.

To be a valid entry, your business must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

exceptional customer service, healthy workplace environment, growth in business, and perseverance through challenges.

Business of the Year - Medium/Large Business

Business of the Year (26+ Employees)

Be at least 51% Alberta owned and operated;
Have 26 or more full-time equivalent employees;
Be profitable in each of the last three years.

This award recognizes a business that exemplifies outstanding business practices and achievements, demonstrates leadership, growth and vision, contributes to the economic growth of the region, and plays a positive role in the community.

To be a valid entry, your business must demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

exceptional customer service, healthy workplace environment, growth in business, and perseverance through challenges.

Diversity and Inclusion Award of Distinction

This award recognizes a business/organization that embraces diversity – meaning that the demographic of the organization reflects the demographics of our community. They intentionally create an inclusive workplace – by providing equitable opportunities for growth and involvement of all its people and customers. Creatively promotes a sense of belonging - by valuing its people and customers for who they are.

Marketing Award of Distinction

New Business of the Year Award of Distinction

Outstanding Customer Service Award of Distinction

Young Entrepreneur Award of Distinction

This award recognizes an individual who has played a direct and primary role in the business planning, financial investment, and establishment of the business, and is currently operating it in a leadership capacity. Be operational for a minimum of 1 fiscal year. The nominee must be between the ages of 16-35 at the time of awarding.

The business must demonstrate financial viability and sound potential growth. Shows a high level of social, cultural and environmental awareness. Demonstrates a commitment to the wider community; engages in continuous learning or other improvement opportunities designed to advance the economic, social, and environmental prospects of the enterprise.

Global Player Award of Distinction

The Gerry Levasseur Community Champion Award

The newly-created Gerry Levasseur Community Champion Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the Spirit of Community through their actions and commitment to the betterment of our community.

Nominees should possess at least four of the following attributes:

A business owner who invests in the Tri-Region;
A mentor who gives their time and expertise to mentor entrepreneurs including youth;
A visionary who leads new initiatives that create positive impacts on the community;
A leader who builds connections across communities, fostering teamwork, and uniting people towards common goals;
Actively participating in community life, understanding local issues, and working to improve the well-being of residents;
Volunteers of their time on local community boards or committees;
Philanthropist who believes in the importance of giving back to the community.

2025 Municipal Awards
Nomination Criteria

Expand the sections below to learn about each award and nominate a business.

Parkland County Innovation Award

The Innovation Award recognizes a Parkland County business that has introduced new ideas, technologies, or approaches that positively impact their operations, customers, or industry. This award celebrates the spirit of creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving that supports economic growth and community resilience.

Eligibility

Must be located in Parkland County
Must have operated for at least one year
Must show how innovation has improved their business or service
Business must be in good standing with all relevant Parkland County regulations

Award Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated based on how well the business demonstrates the following:

Innovation in Practice – Introduces new ideas, services, or ways of operating that show originality and forward-thinking
Impact – The innovation has made a positive difference in some way, such as improved service, efficiency, visibility, or growth
Creative Thinking – Approaches challenges or opportunities in a fresh or unconventional way
Potential – The idea or approach shows potential to evolve, expand, or inspire others
Mindset – Reflects an openness to experimentation, learning, and adapting beyond the usual approach

How to Nominate

To submit a nomination, email [email protected] with:

Business name
Award category: Innovation Award
A short explanation (3–5 sentences) of why they deserve the award
Your name and contact information

Parkland County Tourism Business of the Year Award

Tourism Business of the Year

The Tourism Business of the Year Award celebrates a business within Parkland County that has made a meaningful contribution to the local tourism industry. This award recognizes excellence in creating memorable visitor experiences, promoting the region, and adding value to the local economy and community.

The award highlights businesses that help showcase what makes Parkland County a great place to visit — from natural beauty and recreation to food, culture, and unique local experiences.

Eligibility

Must be located in Parkland County
Must have operated for at least one year
Must have a primary function or significant portion of operations that directly supports the tourism industry. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Food and beverage services
- Attractions
- Agri-tourism ventures
Business must be in good standing with all relevant Parkland County regulations

Award Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated based on how well the business demonstrates the following:

Visitor Experience – Provides memorable, high-quality, and welcoming experiences for both local and out-of-town guests
Promotion of Parkland County – Actively showcases the region’s landscape, culture, or character
Community Contribution – Positively contributes to the tourism sector in Parkland County through involvement, support, or connection to other local experiences
Operational Excellence in Tourism – Delivers reliable, high-quality service that enhances the overall visitor experience
Sustainable Tourism Approach – Supports long-term tourism growth by offering experiences connected to Parkland County’s unique identity or community

How to Nominate

To submit a nomination, email [email protected] with:

Business name
Award category: Tourism Business of the Year
A short explanation (3–5 sentences) of why they deserve the award
Your name and contact information

Stony Plain Award of Business Excellence

Stony Plain Award of Business Excellence

The Award of Business Excellence aims to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and leadership of local businesses within the Town of Stony Plain.

Eligibility

Be located within the Town of Stony Plain
Hold a valid Town of Stony Plain business license
Be in operation for a minimum of two years
Not have received the Ambassador of Action Award of Award of Business Excellence within the last five years

Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on their demonstration of:

Innovative practices: the extent to which the business demonstrates creativity and forward-thinking in its operations, products, or services
Customer service: the quality and effectiveness of the business's customer service and its ability to meet or exceed customer expectations
Growth: the business's expansion or development over a period of time, including financial growth, market share, and workforce size
Community participation: the business's involvement and positive impact within the community through volunteerism, philanthropy, and support for local initiatives

How to Nominate

Submit your nomination here.

Stony Plain Award of Creative Excellence

Stony Plain Award of Business Excellence

The Award of Creative Excellence celebrates individuals, organizations, non-profits, and businesses that significantly contribute to social and cultural cohesion, community identity, creative economic sustainability, and local tourism.

Eligibility

Events, projects, or initiatives undertaken by an organization or non-profit must take place within the Town of Stony Plain
Individuals nominated must be a resident of Stony Plain or be able to demonstrate that the initiative they are nominated for took place in Stony Plain or contributed to the economy of Stony Plain
Hold a valid Town of Stony Plain business license
Not have received the Award of Creative Excellence within the last two years
Events, projects or initiatives must have taken place within 18 months from the open date of nominations

Criteria

Nominees should possess at least one of the following attributes:

Offer cultural initiative(s) that promote(s) Stony Plain
Encourages accessibility and inclusion to participate relating to culture or tourism
Elevates the creative culture and identity of Stony Plain
Partners or collaborates with local artists or artisans to promote the creative industry
Contributes to the field of local cultural planning, programs, or services
Enhances the vitality and vibrancy of the culture or tourism sector
Is a cultural or tourism ambassador for the community of Stony Plain

How to Nominate

Submit your nomination here.

Nominate a Business Here

The nomination deadline is 12:00 PM on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025.

Download the Nomination Criteria Here

If you have any additional questions about nominating a business or individual, please contact [email protected].