Stevenson Homes is the Olds and area Business of the Year for firms with 15 or fewer employees and Shoppers Drug Mart is the Business of the Year for companies with 16 or more employees.
They were among the award winners announced Thursday night during the annual Olds & District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Recognition and Celebrations banquet at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites.
Canadian Tire won the Community Spirit Award which goes to for-profit businesses or organizations. Chinook Arch Victim's Services received the Community Spirit Award for non-profit organizations.
Hunter Hutchings, who works at Westview Co-op, was named Youth Employee of the Year.
The 2016 Better Business Bureau Business Ethics Award went to CAB-K Broadcasting.
The People's Choice Business Award was presented to Preferred Rx Pharmacy.
David Ruan of Preferred Rx Pharmacy was the grand winner of the Exceptional Customer Service Employee Award.
“Shoppers Drug Mart demonstrates significant achievement in business,” said Melanie Hepp, who, along with her husband Brian, introduced nominated firms.
“They've grown along with the population of Mountain View County and are a very successful business in the community.”
She noted owner Paul Gustafson is chair of the Mountain View Seniors' Housing Foundation.
In addition, he is vice-chair of the Alberta College of Pharmacists' Commerce Committee and Alberta Pharmacists' Association Professional Practice Committee for Shoppers.
“Paul and his team at Shoppers provide exceptional customer service. Shoppers has a very knowledgeable, efficient staff and provides professional and friendly advice,” Hepp said. “Shoppers Drug Mart is a strong believer in community support.”
She noted Shoppers Drug Mart supports many local organizations like the Olds & District Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, Olds Regional Exhibition, the Grizzlys Junior A Hockey Club, the Mountain View Food Bank, minor hockey, figure skating and 4-H clubs.
“Congratulations to Shoppers Drug Mart,” she said.
Stevenson Homes has been building homes in the community since 2000,” Brian Hepp said.
He noted the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Alberta. It is also a great supporter of the Olds Grizzlys and local music concerts as well as the Mountain View Food Bank.
“Business achievements in the past three years include continuing to be the single largest builder in Olds, providing local employment and focusing on purchasing local products, being able to provide quality housing, including starter, estate and farm and acreage homes,” he said.
Melanie Hepp noted Stevenson Homes is actively involved in a number of business and professional associations including the Olds & District Chamber of Commerce, Red Deer Home Builders Association, and the Better Business Bureau Progressive Home Warranty.
“Being their 29th year in business and 17th in Olds and area, Stevenson Homes is still actively building homes and has built over 150 in Olds,” she said, adding the company is “a major purchaser of goods and labour throughout Olds and district.”
She congratulated owner Lyle Stevenson.
