Local Business Brilliance Shines Brighter Than Ever: Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 2023 Business Awards

Fort McMurray, Alberta (October 30, 2023). The annual Business Awards Celebration, hosted by the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce and proudly presented by ATB, Muessle Flett Law LLP, and MNP, was nothing short of spectacular, marking a zenith in the Small Business Week Celebrations.!

Over 300 of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo's finest from the business and community spheres graced the event, raising a toast to business excellence and the remarkable spirit of our entrepreneurial community.

"Every year, this event surpasses our expectations. It's truly an embodiment of the drive, passion, and innovation in our community," commented Sangram Hansra, Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce Board Chair.

A standout moment was when Nicole Borque Bouchier and David Bouchier received the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, as Bouchier celebrates its silver jubilee in business.
The awards were distributed far and wide, from the grit of home-based ventures to large corporations, spanning Indigenous and non-Indigenous sectors. Bouchier secured a hattrick, whereas Surekha’s on the Snye, Home Hardware, and Kumon Fort McMurray nabbed two awards apiece.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

Indigenous Business, presented by McKay Metis Group
Bouchier
Wild Feathers

Female Leadership, presented by Bouchier
Muessle Flett Law LLP - Corrie Flett & Waverly Muessle
Wine Women Well-Being YMM - Anita Parker

Emerging Entrepreneur, presented by Startup YMM
Cass & Nat Event Planning

Environment and Sustainability, presented by Canadian Natural Resources Limited
Birch Mountain Enterprises LP
Diversified Transportation Ltd.

Adaptation Award presented by Summit GM
Home Hardware

Corporate-Social Collaboration, presented by Suncor
Bowmans Martial Arts

Hospitality and Tourism
Surekha's On the Snye

Youth Entrepreneur, presented by Country 93.3FM and Rock 97.9FM
Red River Company

Business of the Year – Under 20 Employees, presented by GardaWorld
Muessle Flett Law LLP

Business of the Year – 21-99 Employees, presented by The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce
Home Hardware

Business of the Year – Over 100 Employees, presented by Imperial Oil
Bouchier

Lifetime Business Achievement, presented by Hines Health Services
Bouchier

Franchise Business, presented by Mix 103.7 FM and Cruz 101.5FM
Boston Pizza

The People’s Choice Category of Awards was presented the winners as follows:

People’s Choice: Business Leader of the Year, Presented by Stringam LLP
Dr Ijeoma Uche-Ezeala

People’s Choice: Small Business of the Year, Presented by Birch Mountain Enterprise
Kumon Fort McMurray

People’s Choice: Medium – Large Business of the Year, Presented by Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce
Surekha’s On The Snye

The evening was not just about accolades. Local artists like Bentley Penn, Tyler Wheelan, and the cast of Rent the Musical mesmerized the audience. The event, hosted by Jenny Price & Akshaya Lakshmi and featuring the in-house band Dan Tulk & The Chambermen, shone a light on the diversity and talent within Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

"Moments like this underscore the resilience and dynamism of our businesses. Every nominee, every business in our region, is a testament to tenacity and excellence," remarked Dianna de Sousa, Executive Director of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce.

The steadfast commitment and backing of our sponsors and partners are pivotal to the success of these awards. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from businesses across our region.

After the success of the 2023 Business Awards Celebration, the Chamber is all set to close the year with an engaging networking session, member mixer, and an upcoming holiday campaign spotlighting many of our local businesses.