The Crowsnest Pass Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting on Thursday, November 4 at the Blairmore Legion, where members of the 2011 board of directors were elected, and the businesses of the year were announced.
Seven of nine nominees were elected as board members, including incumbent board President Rick Breakenridge or Spring Break Garden Centre, Vice President Jenine Trotz of Basset Contracting (and also an independent marriage commissioner), Markus Beck of Wood and More Ltd., Janis Entem of Tier One Travel, Anita Ferguson of Neat ‘Nifty and Sears, Shar Lazzarotto of Community Futures, and Dawn Rigby of Country Encounters.
Business of the Year was awarded to Border Building Materials, a business which “literally rose from the ashes this year”, according to Breakenridge.
The New Business of the Year award, which is awarded to a business that has been in operation for less than three years, went to Full Moon Adventures, headed by Crowsnest Pass Councillor Brian Gallant.
Trade/Professional Business of the Year went to Morency Plumbing and Heating, one of the Crowsnest Pass’s oldest businesses, with more than 100 years of service under their belts.
The nominees were voted for by a representative from nearly all of the 113 member businesses during the 2010 fiscal year.
During the proceedings, members were served drinks and a dinner catered by Country Encounters, in addition to a speech given by newly elected Crowsnest Pass Mayor Bruce Decoux.
Decoux emphasized the need for the community to revitalize its economy, informing guests that at the November 2 meeting of Council, he put forward a motion to assemble a task force comprised of seven experienced and credentialed individuals who will assess the economy and present their findings within 90 days.
“We have to get moving very quickly,” he said.