Bonnyville Businesses Shine at 2025 Business Resiliency Awards

The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Business Resiliency Awards on October 17 at the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre, celebrating the spirit of local entrepreneurship, leadership, and community pride.

The evening highlighted the many ways Bonnyville businesses continue to adapt, lead, and serve with excellence, with eight awards presented to deserving winners.

Celebrating Leadership and Service

Kress Law received the Extraordinary Leadership Award, presented by Andrew Bibo of Canadian Natural. “Your contributions make our community a better place to work, live, and grow,” said Bibo.
Kristen Kress credited her team and clients for their continued support, saying, “We couldn’t have done this without all of them.”

Lakeland Co-op took home the Exemplary Customer Service Award, presented by Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau, who commended the importance of making customers feel “valued and respected.”

Rising Entrepreneurs and Dedicated Non-Profits

Defender LTL, a local freight-forwarding service, earned the Emerging Entrepreneur Award. Corey Dows of Community Futures Lakeland praised the company for “hitting the gas” and keeping the Lakeland moving since its 2024 launch.

The Bonnyville Health Foundation received the Outstanding Not-for-Profit Award, presented by Dan Hoy with Imperial Oil. Hoy applauded the Foundation’s “resilience, creativity, and heart” in responding to community needs with limited resources.

Recognizing Growth and Excellence

Trinity Xpress Ltd. earned the Outstanding Large Business Award, presented by Ryan Friend of Friends Tubular Services. The company has grown from a small home-based operation to a powerhouse employer with more than 50 staff, contributing over $100,000 to community causes this year.

The Outstanding Small Business Award went to Bonnyville Dental Clinic, presented by Ronda Morin of Lakeland Credit Union. Primary dentist Dr. David Skuba thanked staff and patients alike, noting their patience through the clinic’s major renovations.

Community Spirit and Compassion

Fire King Kebab won the People’s Choice Award, presented by Chamber President Pauline De Leon, who highlighted the restaurant’s “local ingredients, family hustle, and Jordanian flavours.”

The Building Community Resilience Award was presented to Apidae Compassion Care by Chamber Executive Director Megan Wakefield on behalf of Excalibur Planning and BP Group Solutions. CEO Kathryn Vasseur dedicated the award to her team, saying it inspires them to “keep pushing forward, embracing new ways of delivering care and making a difference – one visit, one client, and one smile at a time.”

A Night to Remember

Former Chamber Executive Director Serina Lyons emceed the event and summed up the spirit of the evening: “We are very blessed to be where we are, to live where we do, and to have the businesses and the resiliency that is showcased here every single day.”