The Ritchot Chamber of Commerce handed out their 2016 Business Awards at their annual gala on Saturday, December 3 at the TransCanada Centre in Île-des-Chênes. In addition to the awards, approximately 100 guests were on hand for dinner, casino night, and performances by the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band and South Town. Chamber President Larry Kniebel emceed the evening, which included messages from Bob Lagasse, MLA for Dawnson Trail, and Chuck Davidson, President of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
This year’s Entrepreneur of the Year is Colibri Canada, a company began in 2008 in St. Adolphe. Colibri sells a range of popular eco-friendly products, including waterproof bags, wet bags, and reuseable snack bags, all of which are manufactured locally and can be found in stores across the country. Also nominated were Simply You Photography and St. Adolphe Pharmacy.
The Business of the Year award went to Ste. Agathe Service. Chris Ewen, owner of last year’s winner, Capo Di Grande, presented the award to Ste. Agathe Service owner Alain Robert. The nominees also included Adventure Power Products and Delaquis Antiques. According to the Chamber of Commerce website, the award seeks to honour a business that demonstrates “unique marketing strategy and success, community involvement, and exceptional, informed customer service.”
Centennial Gravel & Excavating in Île-des-Chênes was recognized with the Corporate Volunteerism Award. Capo di Grande and George Dyck Autobody were also nominated.
The Chamber also introduced a new award this year, for Most OUTSTANDing Business. The award, which seeks to recognize businesses which have received national or international recognition for their products or services, is sponsored by the OUTSTAND Chamber Affinity Program. This year’s winner was White Cap Distribution, and other nominees were Keystone Western and Titan Environmental Containment.
