Cranbrook celebrates excellence in business
Cranbrook is a great community to live in with great businesses and dedicated entrepreneurs making a difference. On Saturday, March 5, the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce honoured some of them in the annual Evening of Excellence.
“We’re very happy with the way it went,” says Mike Adams, Chamber board member and chair of the Evening of Excellence. “I was the chair,” Adams continues, “but without a doubt, the people who deserve the kudos are Karin Penner, Laura Kennedy and Cathy Bauer as well as the other staff at the Chamber.” He also thanks the MCs, Loree Duzcek and D’arcy Kennedy, and the many people who helped with planning and take-down and clean-up.
Adams says residents of Cranbrook and Chamber members play a vital role in the process. Anybody can nominate deserving businesses and Chamber members vote to determine the winner. “Without the sponsors, we couldn’t run the event,” Adams concludes his Thank You list.
“It was nice to see some newer businesses win awards,” Adams stated. These newcomers included The Paw Shop (Retail Business of the Year) and The Playpen (Entrepreneurial Spirit) as well as Hot Shots. Owners Sherry and Troy Jackson were able to take home two awards, Most Improved Business Image and Company of the Year (1-15).
Sherry Jackson says they are thrilled to be recognized in this way. Hot Shots operates two cafes in Cranbrook and Jackson remembers it was while getting ready to open the second store in its location on Victoria Avenue that she felt the spirit of Cranbrook. “This is when I really saw the community coming together.” She explains people would pop by to help and give encouragement. Jackson adds The Bedroom helped with the furniture and the Credit Union treated them exceptionally.
Jackson hopes to establish their business even more to be able to give back to the community that has treated them so well.
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