The Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards gala had a disco theme this year. And Wayne Remple was probably in the mood for dancing.
Remple’s Lacombe restaurant, JP’s, was named Large Business of the Year at the Chamber banquet on Friday.
A town councillor, Remple has owned JP’s for 10 of its 15 years. The restaurant is known as a supporter of local causes, including school programs.
Other nominees for the award were Hopkins Construction (Lacombe) Ltd., Lacombe Dental Clinic and Sobey’s Lacombe.
Claiming the award for Small Business of the Year was Janitorial Supplies Plus Ltd.
Owned by Wayne and Catherine Armishaw, Janitorial Supplies Plus is also known for its community involvement.
Others in the running for Small Business of the Year honours were Fountain Tire Lacombe and Lacombe Physiotherapy.
The award for Rookie Business of the Year went to Orchid Rain Salon N’ Spa.
Owner Robyn Shackleton has been an active member of the community. Last year, she sent some 600 bars of handmade soap to Canadian Troops in Afghanistan.
The other nominee in this category was Real Women on the Run.
Lacombe Kinsmen received the award for Nor for Profit Registered Society of the Year.
The Kinsmen have raised money for community facilities like playgrounds, the Aquatic Centre, ball diamonds and the Lacombe Memorial Centre, and for causes like Santa’s Anonymous and the MS Society.
Also vying for the Nor for Profit Registered Society award was the Lacombe and District Historical Society and the Lacombe Foundation.
Finally, Farm Family of the Year honours went to Tony and Kathy Kamlah. They look after Lincoln Hall bookings, have been active supporters of 4-H through their children, and are involved in a variety of fundraising efforts in Lacombe County.
Also nominated in this category were Wolfgang and Ingrid Hainzmann.
The Chamber banquet also featured the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Charlotte Davidiuk.
Davidiuk owns Juniper Emblems with her husband Gordon, and has been an active member of the business community. She’s also volunteered with organizations like Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, the Kinettes and the Pony Club, served as police commissioner in Lacombe, and been active with bantam football.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com