The Innisfail & District Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2026 Business of the Year Awards, with a nomination deadline of August 31 at 10:00 pm. The chamber is inviting residents from Innisfail, Penhold, Bowden, and Red Deer County to nominate outstanding businesses and organizations for recognition.
This year’s awards feature 12 categories, including Business of the Year awards for each community, plus Home Based Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Customer Service of the Year, Community Impact, Non-Profit of the Year, Employee of the Year, Tourism & Visitor Information Business of the Year, and Employer of the Year. The awards gala is set for October 27 at the Innisfail Legion, running from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The awards program has seen significant growth, with last year’s event drawing over 300 nominations and around 130 attendees. The chamber expanded the awards in 2024 to include specific categories for Bowden, Penhold, and Red Deer County, reflecting its broader district focus. Lindsey Forget, the new chamber president, leads the organization after taking over from longtime president Blaine Staples.
Residents will be able to submit nominations through the chamber’s online platform. The 2025 Innisfail Business of the Year was Paul’s No Frills Innisfail, owned by Paul Begg. The chamber encourages community members to recognize businesses that make a difference locally.
