It's time to nominate a deserving business or individual for one of Airdrie's premiere business awards. This year, the Winning Edge Awards organizing committee promises to shake things up a bit as they celebrate 15 years of honouring local businesses. We couldn't get them to tell us what they have planned, but Matt Carre from the committee did tell us they will definitely be looking to the past - and the future:

This is the 15th year that the Winning Edge Awards will be handed out, and the third year a local business visionary will be honoured with the Business Leader Award. Nominations can be made online at abrponline.com or pick up a form at City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce.

There are four award categories:

Winning Edge Award – a small business (less than 50 employees) that has been in business for at least 3 years, that best exhibits outstanding achievement in innovative practices, customer service, and growth, and actively participates in the community.
Sponsored by:  Airdrie Business Resource Partnership

Eco Edge Award – a business that promotes, takes part and provides leadership in the environmental arena.
Sponsored by:  City of Airdrie Environmental Services Board

Family Friendly Business Award – a business that demonstrates family friendly practices that support employees’ needs inside and outside of the workplace and/or make it fun for families to visit.
Sponsored by: Airdrie National Family Week Steering Committee

Self nominations are encouraged for these awards.

The Business Leader Award is presented to a local visionary who is an exceptional leader, in both business and the community. Past recipients are Pat Cashion (Vitreous Glass) and Dick Buchanan (Air-Alta Insurance.) Self nominations for this award are not accepted.

Finalists for the Winning Edge Awards and the Business Leader Award will be announced in late September. The awards will be handed out at a gala during Small Business Week in October.