91原创

Two of the biggest events on the Greater 91原创 Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 calendar are about recognizing the achievements and triumphs of people in the community.

Every year, the chamber鈥檚 Business Excellence Awards in November honours a number of winners across various categories 鈥� big and small businesses of the year, employer of the year, environmental leadership and entrepreneurial excellence, as well as categories for the charity or non-profit of the year, and the George Preston Memorial Business Person of the Year Award, named after the late 91原创 mayor and car dealership owner.

Then in December, the chamber bestows its H.D. Stafford Good Citizen of the Year award. That award goes to someone who has made a difference for the community, through volunteerism, organizing, and helping others.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important that the chamber recognizes good leadership in the community,鈥� said Angie Quaale, a director at large and former president of the chamber.

Quaale has been on both sides of the awards process 鈥� she has nominated people for the Stafford award, and she鈥檚 been nominated for, and won, Business Excellence Awards.

In 2013, she was named the George Preston Business Person of the Year both for her food and kitchen supply store, Well Seasoned, and for working tirelessly to promote 91原创 through community events and culinary tours.

鈥淭hings like that are super meaningful to me,鈥� Quaale said.

The awards mean recognition by peers in the local business world, for contributions to the whole community, she said.

That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important that the chamber runs the awards every year, despite the fact that it鈥檚 a big job for the chamber鈥檚 staff and directors.

Every year, nominations come in from many people, they have to be handled well, and the entire process needs to be fair and seen as trustworthy, Quaale said.

Beyond the benefits of recognizing businesses and local leaders who have done outstanding work, Quaale said the events also help to promote and increase awareness of businesses in 91原创.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned a lot over the years about businesses in the community because of the awards,鈥� Quaale said.

It鈥檚 also a chance to spread some good news.

鈥淚 think this is an opportunity to talk about positive things in the community,鈥� she said.

In 2022, Freybe Gourmet Foods took the award for Business of the Year for large businesses, White Canvas Design Studio for small business, Gemma Martini of Martini Film Studios won the George Preston Memorial award, and 91原创 Hospice Society was named the non-profit of the year.

In December, Kathy Derksen, president of the hospice society, was also named 91原创鈥檚 Good Citizen of the Year.

READ MORE: Kathy Derksen named 91原创鈥檚 citizen of the year

READ MORE: 91原创 chamber crowns Freybe best big business of the year