Airdrie's premiere business awards will be handed out at the Winning Edge Awards banquet on Friday, October 21. The Range would like to introduce you to the nominees. From October 17 to 21, we'll profile the nominated businesses.

Smart Auto & Tirecraft - Winning Edge Award nominee

Kerry Oswald thrilled to be nominated - again

Kerry Oswald, owner of Smart Auto & Tirecraft, is proud to do business in Airdrie and to be a nominee for the Winning Edge Award. Having served Airdrie and surrounding area for over 20 years, this Tirecraft tire dealer currently employs nine staff members. They also provide automotive service, repair and vehicle maintenance, and carry a wide range of car and truck accessories.

Oswald and Smart Auto & Tirecraft have won the Winning Edge award before, back in 1999. He says it's just as thrilling to be nominated this time around:

Smart Auto & Tirecraft also is involved in the community, as a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Airdrie Breakfast Club, and as a sponsor of the Airdrie District Soccer Association. The company has also chosen to support Breast Cancer Research.
Oswald sends a monthly newsletter to all his customers that both advertises his upcoming special offers, and also provides important information about tire and auto care.

www.smartauto.ca

The Hair Lounge - Winning Edge Award nominee

Owner Wendy Bates is proud of her business and her employees.

Airdrie's The Hair Lounge is not your typical hair salon. The company was established in 2008 and has quickly carved out a niche for itself as a place with a heart. This year, their Second Annual $10 Hair Cut Day raised $2000 with all proceeds going to the Airdrie Food Bank School Programs. Staff members also take part in the Tour de Airdrie and have run contests to give deserving individuals makeovers.

Owner Wendy Bates reacts to the nomination:

The salon currently employs 10 staff members. The Hair Lounge is a full service hair salon, providing cuts, colours, highlights, perms, updos, Japanese hair straightening, and Keritan Smoothing Systems to their customers.

Bates is a committee member with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, the CMSD Breakfast Club, and the Airdrie Rotary Club. The Hair Lounge was also named the recipient of the Modern Visionary Award by the Modern Beauty Supplies this year.

www.thehairloungeairdrie.com