A night of business camaraderie fuelled with laughter and community appreciation filled the WLS Convention Centre at the Lloyd Ex for the 2022 Lloydminster Chamber Awards.
Headline awards included:
- Employer of the Year sponsored by ATCO and Business of the Year sponsored by Tim Dyck Financial/Chamber Group Insurance – T Bar 1 Transport
- Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by StartUp Lloydminster – Upstream Data
- Lifetime Achievement sponsored by Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce – Robin & John Acton of Acton Lower Shannon Farms
- Diversity Award sponsored by Synergy Credit Union – L & L Oilfield Construction/Mechanical
A new award category – the Women In Business sponsored by Red Bicycle Communications went to Lindsay Sedgwick and Can-Do Auto & Lube.
In celebrating the win, Sedgwick as a first-time recipient toasted all the nominees.
“It feels pretty special. There are a lot of powerhouse in our community and a lot of great women that are doing some amazing things to help support and service the community. And it’s an absolute honour.”
More honours from Thursday night included:
- Think Lloyd First Ambassador Award sponsored by City of Lloydminster had three winners – Century 21 Drive Ryan Topley, Narra Studios and Bardsbridge Marketing
- Integrity Award sponsored by Border City Rotary Club –Â Ecoplast Solutions Inc.
- Small Business of the Year sponsored by Bexson Construction –Â On The Border Bakeshop
- Non-Profit of the Year sponsored by Lloydminster & District Co-op – Lloydminster Social Action Society which runs the Men’s Shelter and Gibney House
Executive director Valerie Lazicki at the Men’s Shelter expressed their honour for the recognition as she noted the challenge of homelessness.
“The needs are off the chart. They are growing every year. We see it this year more than last -it’s troublesome, but we do what we can. We are happy to be there to support our clients – men, women, couples and families.”
Accolades continued in the categories:
- Customer Service Award sponsored by Bralin Technology Solutions –Â Rice Cravings
- Community Spirit Award sponsored by Servus Credit Union – Michael Welygan aka Mikey Dubz
- Downtown Business of the Year sponsored by Stingray Group –Â Dawn Interiors & Fashion
Chamber president Jody Herbus in saluting the awardees noted the values of diversity and inclusion.
“In award, after award, after award; we saw a very similar message. Companies are getting more inclusive and more diverse – and it benefits Lloydminster.”
He said the awards also highlighted good internal company relations as well as community involvement and contributions. Reflecting on the recession headwinds that are blowing, he related the story of buffalos that head into the storm as opposed to cows that “sit around and wait.”
“The buffalos are smart – they charge right through it and that’s what we have to do. We charge right through it. We don’t sit back. We don’t wait for the pain to come – we know it’s coming, so that’s fine. Knowing it. Rush on headlong into it. Get a good plan. make sure that your company is solid. make sure that you’re prepared. Make sure that your staff is prepared. And we will always come out of these situations stronger, through grit and determination.”
Herbus concluded that the awards night celebrated its own success, but with Business Month ongoing, next steps will be “waking up tomorrow and doing something better than you did today.”
The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce commended all the nominees and recipients of this year’s awards.