Local Businesses Honored at Annual Fort McMurray Chamber Gala

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta— Over 300 people gathered at Keyano Theatre last weekend for the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce annual Business Awards Gala. During the celebration of local enterprise,16 awards were handed out recognizing achievements ranging from entrepreneurship to community impact.

The Fort McKay First Nation Group of Companies took home both the Indigenous Business of the Year award and Business of the Year for large enterprises. NorthStar Ford, led by Marty and Deninne Giles, was also a top honoree, receiving the Lifetime Business Achievement Award and the Play 103.7 – 100.5 Cruz FM Franchise Business of the Year.

Generation Dance Productions won Business of the Year in the small enterprise category for companies with fewer than 20 employees and the People’s Choice Business Leader of the Year award. East Village Pub took home Business of the Year for medium enterprises, as well as the People’s Choice Award for Medium Businesses.

Ruchi Pachauri of ALOHA Mental Arithmetic was recognized with the Female Leadership Award, while ZAG Contracting Ltd. received the Emerging Entrepreneur award. TLC Disposal earned the Environment and Sustainability Award, and North-West Construction Management took home the Adaptation Award.

Summit GM was honoured with the Corporate-Social Collaboration Award, and McMurray Aviation received the Hospitality and Tourism Award. Three D’s Photography was named Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

Dianne de Sousa, the Chamber’s executive director, praised the nominees and winners, stating, “Events like this highlight the incredible strength and creativity within our business community. Each nominee reflects the dedication and passion that drive our region’s success.”