The newest members of the local business community will be in the spotlight when the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce hosts its Business Celebration Gala next month.
Set for Saturday, March 2 at Spring Structures in Aldersyde, the second annual event will pay tribute to those operations that were required to weather the pandemic and its lingering impacts during their formative years.
“Rather than hand out awards for certain categories, we choose a sector to celebrate,” said chamber executive director Dawn LeMaistre. “Last year was our 50th anniversary so we celebrated the 50 oldest businesses in the Foothills and this year we’re celebrating new businesses with a theme of perseverance.”
LeMaistre said any business that opened in the Town of Okotoks or Foothills County from January of 2019 to December of 2023 is eligible to be recognized at the event, which is upwards of 500 businesses, according to lists provided to the chamber by the Town and Foothills County.
“Perseverance is the key word we’re attaching to it because that’s what these businesses had to have to work through everything that was thrown at them,” she said. “We really think that group has done a great job to stay afloat.”
The gala, which will have a Hollywood glam theme, complete with red carpet, black tie and paparazzi, will be a cocktail party featuring appetizers, desserts and live entertainment. After a brief program to pay tribute to new businesses, attendees will be able to try their luck at a fun money casino.
LeMaistre said she’s hoping to have representatives of as many new businesses in attendance as possible. She said the chamber has contacted all new businesses it could track down, but any that haven’t been sent an invitation yet are being encouraged to reach out to the chamber.
All members of the business community, not just new ventures, are welcome at the gala, she added.
LeMaistre said the gala is an opportunity to bring the entire business community together to celebrate a five-year stretch unlike any other.
"We learned coming out of COVID that we’ve got to take the small wins and celebrate them as often as we can,” she said.
For ticket or sponsorship information, visit okotokschamber.ca.
