The efforts of local business and community leaders were in the spotlight at The Parkland Chamber of Commerce Celebration Night, Mar. 18, at Countryfest Community Cinema.
Dr. Kara Vanderheyden, owner of WillowBrook Eye Care, was presented the Business Person of the Year Award.
The award recognizes a well-known passion for excellence and leadership in the business community and a commitment to economic development, innovation, business ethics and community involvement.
Flying under the radar for many years, Ritz Machine Works came out into the light as the Outstanding Business Award winner for 2026.
Criteria for the award considers success in positive company growth including sales, growth prospects, and employment creation, while demonstrating a clear strategic vision and engaging in innovative practices, which have a continuing positive impact on the community.
Any healthy business requires the presence of young entrepreneurs, who exemplify the qualities of effective leadership, innovatively applied know-how, and excellent potential for growth.
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year, presented to an individual between the ages of 18 and 35, who has been in business no longer than two years was presented this year to Jarrod Delaurier of Delaurier Welding Ltd.
The Start-up Business Award, presented to an undertaking which has been in operation for less than two years and shows promise in positive growth, while creating new employment opportunities, was this year presented to Flett’s Custom Cutting in Gilbert Plains.
A pair of awards named after a former mayor, recognized contributions through personal efforts to the well-being of the community as a whole.
This year the Eric Irwin Community Appreciation Award Individual was presented to Lindsay Dingwall, while the Dauphin RIDE Program took home the Eric Irwin Community Appreciation Award Group.
Carla Vandenbrink of Carla’s Adventures accepted the Side Hustle Business Award. The award recognizes an entrepeneur, who demonstrates success within a venture they choose to operate outside of their regular job.
To bring the clebration to a close, Gary Sydor was posthumously presented the Legacy Award with his accomplishments highlighted in a video presentation of Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn reading a Member’s Statement in the Manitoba Legislature.
The award recognizing Sydor’s extraordinary accomplishments, which benefited the region in unique and meaningful ways and served as an inspiration for the community, was accepted by his wife Liz.
