The who鈥檚 who of Jasper were in attendance for the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 annual ambassador and business awards gala, Oct. 28.
Held at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, more than two-dozen nominees were showered with praise for their contributions to the community, but in the end 10 businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals were recognized for their efforts.
Among the winners, Oka Sushi picked up the business of the year award and Shirley Dorin won the individual award of distinction for her years of dedication working at the cafe at the Jasper Activity Centre, also known as Shirley鈥檚 Place.
鈥淪hirley has been a fixture in the community for so many years that I seriously doubt if any of us have never experienced a Shirley butter tart,鈥� said Wayne Hnatyshin, the chamber鈥檚 former president who presented the award.
鈥淲here else can you go where she knows your name, young and old?鈥�
The Jasper Royal Canadian Legion was named the non-profit organization of year, while the Friends of Jasper National Park earned the communities in bloom award.
鈥淲e are really blessed in Jasper to have so many non-profits,鈥� said Warren Waxer, president of the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives.
In his preamble about the Legion, Waxer praised the legion鈥檚 perseverance in the face of financial uncertainty.
鈥淒espite its financial struggles the crew soldiers on to develop new creative, artistic and inspiring ways to meet all those financial struggles head on,鈥� said Waxer, highlighting the legion鈥檚 weekly meat draws, games night and shows.
Pat Crowley, who recently retired as the general manager of Maligne Tours, won the pioneer award for her 36 years of dedication to the company.
David McKenna, president of Brewster Travel Canada, accepted the award on Crowley's behalf who wasn't in attendance. Brewster bought Maligne Tours Limited in January, 2016.
鈥淗er work and dedication should not be overlooked or underappreciated,鈥� said Soula Jackson, secretary for the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce.
鈥淧at may not always be visible, but her mark is all over the success of many of Jasper鈥檚 iconic attractions.鈥�
Wicked Cup picked up the corporate citizen of the year award, while Servus Credit Union won the community ambassador award. The Carpet Studio picked up the exceptional customer service award.
Wrapping up the evening, Jessica Montgomerie, received special recognition for her countless hours of volunteering while Paul Schmidt, Jasper鈥檚 Victim Services coordinator, was awarded the people鈥檚 choice award by popular vote.
Paul Clarke
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