Business Awards
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Recognizing Excellence in Fort McMurray’s Business Community
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration as we honor the remarkable achievements of local businesses and organizations in Wood Buffalo. This signature event highlights the passion, innovation, and dedication that drive our community forward, showcasing the incredible stories of those who make a lasting impact in our region.
Event Highlights:
- 6:00 PM: Networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres
- 7:00 PM: Awards Celebration featuring a Local Arts Showcase
- 9:45 PM: After Party Reception
This prestigious celebration is the perfect opportunity to recognize excellence, foster connections, and inspire growth within our vibrant business community. By attending, you’ll not only celebrate success but also contribute to the ongoing development of a thriving Wood Buffalo.
An Unforgettable Night of Celebration, Connection, and Live Entertainment
This year’s show features incredible local talent bringing energy, heart, and hometown pride to the stage:
YMM Dance Company - An Indigenous-owned studio led by Melinda Richter, known for their vibrant, community-rooted performances that celebrate movement, culture, and connection.
Bryce Fabian Jr. - A signed country artist from Fort McKay whose soulful blend of modern country and storytelling has captured audiences across Canada and beyond.
Maxwell Noseworthy - A true Fort McMurray favourite, Max brings his signature mix of heartfelt vocals, community spirit, and authenticity to every performance.
Lady Luck - A powerhouse pop/rock band with infectious energy, optimism, and a message of self-empowerment and joy.
Dan Tulk and The Chambermen - The official house band of the Chamber of Commerce, led by Dan Tulk alongside Will Collins and Darcy Weavers - always a crowd favourite!
Celebrate business excellence. Connect with your peers. Enjoy an evening of incredible live entertainment and inspiration.
Presenting Partners
Show Your Support:
Looking to elevate your business and align your brand with excellence? Explore our exclusive sponsorship opportunities! Gain exposure, connect with key stakeholders, and demonstrate your commitment to the local business community. Custom packages are available to suit your goals and needs.
For more information, ticket purchases, or to discuss partnership opportunities, contact us at 780-743-3100 or email membership@fortmcmurraychamber.ca.
Together, let’s continue building a stronger, brighter future!
AWARD CATEGORIES
Female Leadership
Nominee(s) must have demonstrated excellence in their field. In addition, they must be acting in a leadership capacity and have demonstrated leadership qualities in enhancing entrepreneurship for women.
2025 Nominees
• Andrea Brisbane, Stillwater Therapy
• Cassandra Breau Godin and Natasha Landry, Cass & Nat Event Planning
• Dango Gogo, McMurray Regional Law Office
• Katie Ekroth, 20|20 Management & RE/MAX Connect
• Kierra Pelz, Premier Academy Cheerleading & Tumbling
• Natalie Kemeny, Printing Unlimited
• Renee Knight, Fort Mac Liquor Store
• Shannon Young, Jocelyn Morrison and Jillian Martin, YMM Collaborative Practice Inc.
Franchise
The nominee(s) must be a business that is a part of a franchise and operates under a franchise agreement. They have shown a dedicated focus on achieving a community-forward approach to operations and are consistently involved in giving back to the local community and supporting regional initiatives.
2025 Nominees
• FMT SALES Ltd.
• Kindermusik with Cass
• Rocky Mtn Chocolate
• Second Cup Café
Emerging Entrepreneur
The nominee(s) must have demonstrated bravery by opening their business within the past 5 years. As well, nominees in this category must be sustainable in nature and show growth potential.
2025 Nominees
• DV Facility Ltd.
• Encore Tents YMM
• Hexwave Media
• Integral Maintenance Systems Ltd.
• Radium North Inc.
• Stillwater Therapy
• The Dancery
Indigenous-Owned Business
The nominee(s) must be a business that is owned and operated by Indigenous individuals or communities. They support Indigenous cultural values and create opportunities for supporting and growing their communities.
2025 Nominees
• Acden Environment
• Delta Contracting Ltd.
• Three Rivers Beadwork
Corporate Social Collaboration
The nominee(s) must be a business that demonstrates a robust corporate-social responsibility program and promotes impact within the community through work with the social-profit organizations and volunteer programs found within Wood Buffalo. The winner will be one that is incredibly collaborative and committed to ensuring a better community.
2025 Nominees
• by CMPLIZTY
• Coverall Uniform Linen and Mats Ltd.
• G.O.A.T. Mechanical Services
• Printing Unlimited
• RMK Llemit Incorporated
• The Salvation Army Thrift Store
Environment & Sustainability
Nominee(s) must have demonstrated outstanding leadership in economic, social, charitable, or environmental activities. They have shown a dedicated focus on achieving a vision and mandate aligned with ongoing contributions to the environment and/or sustainability.
2025 Nominees
• Acden Vertex
• Clean Harbors
Youth-in-Business
The nominee(s) must be an individual under the age of 30. The nominee(s) must have played a direct and primary role in the planning and establishment of the business, and must be currently operating in a leadership capacity.
2025 Nominees
• FOY Medi Spa
• Hafid Soccer Training
• Nicole Maclean Photography
• Super Parties YMM
Lifetime Business Achievement
The nominee(s) must be an individual (or duo if appropriate). This award is to recognize a business leader’s contributions over their whole career, rather than a single contribution or time.
2025 Nominees
• Cooper & Company Law Firm
• Meyers Management Consulting Group
• Stratford Contracting Ltd.
Hospitality and Tourism Business
This award recognizes the active role of the nominee(s) in the development of the local tourism industry, making Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo a place to visit. The nominee(s) could have a business in the following areas: accommodations, restaurants/cafes, recreational facilities, attractions, etc.
2025 Nominees
• Athabasca Tribal Council Cultural Festival
• Events By Karen
• Tavern on Main
• The Alley YMM
Adaptation
The nominee(s) must be a business that successfully pivoted in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or changing business environment in innovative ways that allowed their business to show growth or sustainment during closures and economic or pandemic challenges.
2025 Nominees
• Aurora Training Corp.
• G.O.A.T. Mechanical Services
• Landmark Cinemas Fort McMurray
• SafCan Safety Solutions Ltd.
• The Little Pet Company
Door Prize Partner
We’re delighted to welcome YMM Airport as our Door Prize Partner! Their partnership brings an exciting opportunity for attendees to experience the newest connection coming to our region - Porter Airlines, arriving in Spring 2026.
As Door Prize Partner, YMM Airport is helping us celebrate Fort McMurray’s growing connectivity with an exclusive giveaway: roundtrip flights for two anywhere Porter flies, where winners can experience the comfort, style, and exceptional service Porter is known for.
Beginning Spring 2026, Porter Airlines will offer nonstop service between Fort McMurray and Ottawa, with seamless connections to Eastern Canada and beyond.
The total prize package value is $1,800.
Networking Partner
We’re proud to welcome CPHR Alberta as our Networking Partner! Their support helps foster meaningful connections within the local business community during both the Welcome and After Party receptions. As the Networking Partner, CPHR Alberta demonstrates its commitment to strengthening relationships and celebrating collaboration across our region’s professional landscape.
Large Business of the Year
Excellent Business with over 100 Employees.
2025 Nominees
• Acden Environment
• Clean Harbors
Medium Business of the Year
Excellent Business with over 20 and less than 99 Employees.
2025 Nominees
• 20|20 Management & RE/MAX Connect
• Cooper & Company Law Firm
• Coverall Uniform Linen and Mats Ltd.
• Delta Contracting Ltd.
• Landmark Cinemas Fort McMurray
• The Alley YMM
Small Business of the Year
Excellent Business with less than 20 Employees.
2025 Nominees
• Aurora Training Corp.
• Encore Tents YMM
• Hexwave Media
• Second Cup Café
• Tavern on Main
The categories of Small, Medium and Large Businesss of the year are decided by an independent adjudication panel from the winners in the various award categories.
People's Choice Exclusive Awards Partner
The 2025 People’s Choice Award Nominees:
People’s Choice - Small Business of the Year (business with less than 20 employees)
• 20|20 Management & RE/MAX Connect
• Aurora Training Corp.
• by CMPLIZTY
• Cass & Nat Event Planning
• Cooper & Company Law Firm
• DV Facility Ltd.
• Encore Tents YMM
• Events By Karen
• FMT SALES Ltd.
• Fort Mac Liquor Store
• FOY Medi Spa
• G.O.A.T. Mechanical Services
• Hafid Soccer Training
• Hexwave Media
• Integral Maintenance Systems Ltd.
• Kindermusik with Cass
• McMurray Regional Law Office
• Meyers Management Consulting Group
• Nicole Maclean Photography
• Premier Academy Cheerleading & Tumbling
• Printing Unlimited
• RMK Llemit Incorporated
• Rocky Mtn Chocolate
• SafCan Safety Solutions Ltd.
• Second Cup Café
• Stillwater Therapy
• Stratford Contracting Ltd.
• Super Parties YMM
• Tavern on Main
• The Alley YMM
• The Dancery
• The Little Pet Company
• The Salvation Army Thrift Store
• Three Rivers Beadwork
• YMM Collaborative Practice Inc.
People’s Choice - Medium-Large Business of the Year (business with over 20 employees)
• Acden Environment
• Acden Vertex
• Athabasca Tribal Council
• Delta Contracting Ltd.
• Clean Harbors
• Coverall Uniform Linen and Mats Ltd.
• Landmark Cinemas Fort McMurray
• Radium North Inc.
People’s Choice - Business Leader of the Year
• Andrea Brisbane, Stillwater Therapy
• Cassandra Breau Godin and Natasha Landry, Cass & Nat Event Planning
• Dango Gogo, McMurray Regional Law Office
• Katie Ekroth, 20|20 Management & RE/MAX Connect
• Kierra Pelz, Premier Academy Cheerleading & Tumbling
• Natalie Kemeny, Printing Unlimited
• Renee Knight, Fort Mac Liquor Store
• Shannon Young, Jocelyn Morrison and Jillian Martin, YMM Collaborative Practice Inc.
• Shawn Chaulk, Stratford Contracting Ltd.
• Terrence Cooper, Cooper & Company Law Firm
• Tracy Meyers, Meyers Management Consulting Group
The winner of the People’s Choice category will be determined by public ballot.
About the Nominees
The nominee(s) have enhanced the quality of life for the community, and attracted people to the area. They will have promoted and added vibrancy to the well-being, health, and development of the community. The nominee(s) have demonstrated long-term community engagement, and have taken opportunities to showcase the region through marketing and community events, and/or programs. As well, they have promoted cultural activities, tourism, and/or sporting events.
While nominees in all category will be determined by the Committee based on the predetermined criteria, the winner of the People’s Choice category will be determined by public ballot.
About the Award Process
To be eligible as a valid nominee in any category your business must:
- Maintain operations in the Wood Buffalo region at the time of awards
- Have not won in the category in the past three years
- Within the past 2 years:
- Contributed significantly and demonstrably to the economic and social well-being of Wood Buffalo
- Evidenced sustained financial viability, growth and success
- And have derived no more than 30% of annual revenue from any combination of donations, grants and/or subsidies.
All nominations are reviewed & evaluated by an independent judging committee made up of local, qualified members of the business community.
Their mandate is to objectively determine the finalists and ultimately the winner in each category based on the applicable criteria outlined.
In that regard, all nominees will be evaluated as follows:
- People & Clients - This criteria explores the business relationship internally with employees and externally with clients
- Profit & Growth - This criteria explores the history and future plans for growth
- Community Involvement - This criteria relates to the social aspect of business extending to the community
- Global Community & Sustainability - This criteria relates to aspects of business that extends to an awareness of business as it relates to the larger global community
