Local Chambers have been forced to readjust their Business of the Year Awards and for the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce, things were no different. This year, Ponoka’s Business of the Year Awards were held through a virtual get-together.

“We wanted to be able to recognize the businesses even though we couldn't get together in person. Especially with everything that businesses have gone through and the resilience that they've shown, we're still behind them and we wanted to recognize them in one way or another,” said Heather Bendera Executive Manager for the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce.

At the virtual awards, slideshows, pre-recorded videos were shown and business owners were able to receive their recognition and give their thanks.

This year, the Ponoka Chamber renamed their Business Person of the Year award to the Laing Memorial Business Person of the Year in honour of their late Vice President.

Overall, this year, Bendera says Ponoka’s businesses have worked extremely hard to accommodate the pandemic and she hopes that all businesses recognize the tremendous achievement in just getting nominated.

“The Ponoka businesses have been extremely resilient. They found ways to adapt and started moving to on line and curbside pickup.  They've managed to muscle through this this hard time and are still carrying on. It's important for people to remember to shop local,” explained Bendera.

 

Here are Ponoka’s 2020 Business of the Year Award winners:

 

Small Business of the Year:

Makkinga Market

 

Medium Business of Year:

Tantec Electronics

 

Large Business of the Year:

Rowland Parker and Associates

 

Industrial Business of the Year:

Under Pressure Line Jetting

 

Agricultural Business of the Year:

Bobtail Nursery

 

Not For Profit of the Year:

Ponoka Ag Events Centre

 

Laing Memorial Business Person of the Year:

Jim Tangjerd from Tantec Electronics

 

Customer Service Person of the Year:

John Wynnychuk  from Ponoka Chrysler