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Voting is now closed! Thank you to everyone who took the time to support their favourite local businesses in our Small Business Awards. Your votes help celebrate the hardworking entrepreneurs who make our community thrive!
Nominees for Agriculture Awards
Hines Farm Ltd.
Hines Farm Ltd. is built on a legacy of hard work, with roots going back to its establishment in 1953. Over the years, the Hines family has worked tirelessly to grow and diversify their farm operation, providing services such as bale hauling, tub grinding, custom spraying, seeding, and harvesting. Known for their willingness to lend a hand to fellow farmers—they truly embody the spirit of agricultural community support. Their strong work ethic shines through in the quality of their crops and the pride they take in their cattle.
Dustin Babij
Young Farmer who always wants to help out neighbours when he can.
Ireland Farm Equipment
Ireland Farm Equipment is deeply committed to supporting the agricultural community. They regularly host educational sessions for farmers, actively participate in community events and proudly support local teams and organizations, along with agricultural events. With a longstanding reputation for excellence, they are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to their customers.
Geneva Lake Cattle Company
Melissa and Andrew opened a farm stand in addition to their beef and pork sold by the cut to the Mannville/Vermilion/Myrnam area. Through their farmstand they fed our community by selling homegrown, meat, vegetables, eggs, baking and more at very reasonable prices. They hosted a day that all of the sales from their farmstand went to the local food bank, and then a second day where they matched all purchases of their pork with a pork donation to the foodbank. They had "Free Egg Sunday's" all summer as well as the invitation at any time if someone needed food from their stand, they were welcome to take it free of charge. They are an amazing asset to our community and give back in real and tangible ways.
Lakeland College
Lakeland college is a pillar within our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have a community minded entity in our town and they are (and should be) so proud of their contribution to Agriculture. In addition to the formal learning the college hosts various activities to promote awareness of the industry, and is extreme gracious in its cooperation with the Agriculture Society - which the synergy of these two entities being so important to the town, Vermilion would truly be a different place if it wasn’t for Lakeland college, and its deep roots in agriculture.
Rusylvia Cattle Co.
The Pashulka family is hard working and community-oriented, always innovating and improving, super involved in various farming and cattle organizations, and provides the best service to their customers. They are fantastics stewards of the lands and maintain strong relationships with other farmers, neighbours, and local businesses. Josie's work with the Sustainable Beef Program and teaching Artificial Insemination Courses at Lakeland College make her an agricultural leader.
Nominees for Business of the Year
Webb's Ford
Webb’s Ford is an outstanding pillar of our community, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back. Whether through generous donations to local sports teams and community events or by volunteering their time, their support is both genuine and impactful. The dedication of their staff shines in every interaction—whether someone is purchasing a new vehicle or coming in for a routine oil change, they go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. Webb’s Ford exemplifies what it means to be a community-focused business.
Quarter Cuts
Amazing service and they are expanding to reach even more people!
They are dedicated to growing their business and are bringing such a great business to vermilion.
We've been customers of Quarter Cuts since 2021, and with each passing year, and each increase in our butchering needs, our working relationship has grown stronger. Dallas, Morgan, and their entire team are an absolute pleasure to work with.
My cutting instructions are often more specific than most, but their willingness to go the extra step and their attention to detail means I always get exactly what my customers are looking for. That kind of care and precision makes a real difference.
The relationship between a farmer and a butcher is a unique one. As producers, with a farm to table program, we’re generally not the end “users” we don’t see inside the final meat packages, so we rely on our butchers to understand exactly what we’re aiming to provide to our customers. That requires clear communication, shared standards, and trust. Just as importantly, it matters deeply to us that our livestock continue to receive the same care and respect upon drop off and on the meat cutting table as they do on our farm. Quarter Cuts delivers on both fronts, and that level of integrity means everything.
I'm so excited to see Quarter Cuts continue to grow in Vermilion, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come. Not every farmer is fortunate enough to have skilled, reliable butchers so close to home, and I don’t take that for granted.
Lakeside Pharmacy
Lakeside consistently demonstrates quality customer service every time I need to get a prescription filled.
Overall, exceptional! The staff go the extra mile every time.
Vermilion River Law
Outstanding and professional legal services in real estate transactions across Vermilion. Closing transactions on a timely manner and reasonable fees.
Ultimate Glass
They are amazing ! Very friendly and efficient . Randy and Ashlyn always go out of their way for customers!
Excellent service. Fair pricing. Top notch work. Above and beyond.
Cleveland's Hair & Beauty
She recently moved to Vermilion and has been a wonderful busy stylist. Always cheerful and a great stylist!
They are so good at what they do and great at making everyone who enters feel like a million bucks☺️
Best Hair Salon and best hairstylist. Ever does amazing jobs, very polite and courteous to all customers? I would recommend them to anybody.
They are dedicated to growing their business and are bringing such a great business to vermilion
Beautiful job a colour for my hair. Love my new do!
Moms Pizza
I think you know why
Journey Co.
They provide the most amazing customer service, are always so warm and welcoming, remember all their repeat customers and provide a much needed service in town. Being able to get children’s clothing right in town is a life saver!
Kneaded Relief
Brooke continues to have a positive attitude towards the local events and groups. She stands out as a huge supporter. Considering she is just a one woman operation, her heart and generosity speak volumes! She also volunteers on a number of boards. While being a single mom, she truly gives her heart to our community and other local businesses!
Delicious Bites
Exceptional food and service!
Vermilion Realty
This is little overdue as he assisted us awhile back. But we’ve never forgotten how he went the extra mile to prepare our purchased home with kindness and professionalism
Lloyd's Limb Services
Lloyd and his crew capture the spirit of a small town business that supports their community. This is demonstrated whether through their professional work by being proactive and visible in the community or helping out with non profits by donating, sponsoring and volunteering. Their crew often has a friendly wave as they pass by, aren’t afraid to go above and beyond when there is a task to do (again, professionally and through their volunteerism). Lloyd also obviously loves what he does and is a always willing to look at the picture on the phone of the weird bug or plant and tell you about them.
Lighten Up Wellness & Therapy
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Chatsworth Farm
The Wasylik family of Chatsworth Farm are amazing advocates for the Vermilion region. Their annual Open Farm Days event brings hundreds of people to the Vermilion area to experience farming in a hands-on way. Through their Open Farm Days event, they offer opportunities to other local businesses and artisans to promote and sell their products.
Charlotte speaks at and attends agricultural events across Canada, helping to promote her farm, agriculture as a whole, and the Vermilion region. They offer countless tours throughout the year to groups such as schools, seniors, and college students. Their operation is unmatched for communication and organization.
Rick has been a long-time volunteer with the Vermilion Ag Society.
Through their sales of products like beef, lamb, pork, turkeys, tallow and eggs, Chatsworth delivers farm-direct products to customers from as far away as Calgary.
Beauty from Bees
Michelle is a strong, intelligent, compassionate business woman with incredible loyalty and passion for her products and her customers. She is a beautiful soul and one of those individuals that fills your cup and feeds your soul just by being around her. She is an incredible mother and friend and she has worked incredibly hard to build this business for the last 8 years. She is a force to be reckoned with and I have the utmost admiration for her, as a mother a businesswoman, as a friend and as a member of the community. She is a top notch human and an incredible role model for young girls and women!
Wild Hare Salon
The owner Serena is such a beautiful soul and the stylists take so much pride into bringing people joy!
Nominees for Chamber Champion
Brenda Goad
Brenda Goad of Rural Roots Florists & Design consistently goes above and beyond for her staff, customers, and the community. She generously supports local sports teams, clubs, and events—often quietly, never seeking recognition. Though modest about her contributions, those who know her can see the heart and soul she pours into both her business and the town she loves. Brenda truly embodies the spirit of a Chamber Champion, always promoting local connections and supporting the growth of our business community.
Total Interiors
Shelly is An amazing business owner, genuine kind person, and also does what she can to support local non profits and groups. She is an all around triple threat when it comes to owning her business! She has to be the kindest business owner in town. And her knowledge is something that everyone should take a second to sit down and learn about. She truly is an inspiration to me!
Toland Cochrane
Toland is an amazing advocate for the business community in Vermilion. He often can be seen and heard talking business, sharing ideas, and standing up for what is right for the businesses and community as a whole. He also personifies businesses ability to give back. Not only with his volunteerism but also assisting, or directly, hosting events to help the community grow. The down town core would physically look different, as would community gathering spaces, if it weren’t for Toland and the individuals he surrounds himself with championing what a business can do for a community.
Nominees for Customer Service
Rural Roots Florists & Design
Such great customer service. Love visiting with them!
Donna goes out of her way to help anyone that needs it. She also goes above and beyond to get the customers what they want and need.
Shelly MacDonald
Shelly has had incredible growth in her position over the past two years. She had a steep learning curve with the wide range of products at Lighten Up Shop. Shelly loves learning and passing that knowledge on to customers, whether it is her experience with crystals, Good Protein, or selection of books she has read. Shelly is kind, compassionate and patient with customers always taking the time to understand them to give them the best direction for healing. If she doesn't know an answer she has a great sense of curiosity and will find out the answer for you. Shelly is definitely deserving of the Vermilion and Area Chamber Customer Service Award!
Michelle Feist
Michelle Feist exemplifies what it means to deliver outstanding customer service. While she may not always be at the forefront, she works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every family we serve at Reflections Funeral Services is cared for with compassion, professionalism, and respect.
Michelle dedicates countless hours around the clock to making sure that services run smoothly and that families have the best possible experience during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether she is assisting in our front office, answering phones, meeting with families, directing services, or stepping in quietly to resolve unexpected challenges, Michelle consistently demonstrates thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a calm presence.
What sets Michelle apart is her ability to anticipate needs and think on her feet. Families and guests attending services may not always realize the extensive behind-the-scenes coordination required, but Michelle is always there, ensuring that details are handled seamlessly, that people feel welcomed and supported, and that each service reflects the dignity and care every family deserves.
Her dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of our team and a shining example of exceptional customer service. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Michelle Feist for the Chamber’s Customer Service Award.
Cleveland's Hair & Beauty
Kind , goes out of her way to be helpful. Very unique individual at that age to have strong values.
Sheila Viel
She always goes above and beyond for my girls and I. She is dedicated to keeping those in her community healthy.
I have been a client of Sheila's for almost 5 years now and for the last 2 years I have been honored to be an employee of hers as well. Personally, she has helped me with my own health far more than I ever expected possible, and she has helped many of my family and close friends as well.
As an employee I see daily the lengths she goes to for her clients and it is like nothing I have ever seen from another professional. She strives for excellence and professionalism and is constantly pushing herself to continue learning all she can so that she can offer the best possible care to each of her clients. Her sincere compassion and empathy for her clients puts the most hesitant and guarded of clients at ease and allows them to open up and begin to heal wounds some don't even know they have. This woman gets more hugs than anyone I know, and she absolutely earns and deserves every single one. I'm blessed to call her my friend, my employeer and my healthcare professional.
Kneaded Relief
Brooke provides the best customer service. She is always willing to help out and squeeze clients in.
Linda Alhalabi
Linda is the kindest person! By far the best waitress I have ever come across! She has a huge heart and not only serves u but will take the time to sit and talk to u also. She has the biggest heart and the best customer service anyone could ask for! She truly is a gem who deserves to be recognized
Myles Arneson
Great customer service. Awesome to deal with. Willing to help however he can. Makes shopping there enjoyable.
Valerie Roberts
They always offer a friendly and welcoming environment to come and enjoy some delicious food. They offer tours to educate and share their passion of cheesemaking which enhances the customer experience. Overall, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the heart of vermilion and the atmosphere and customer service is always so warm and welcoming.
She will go above and beyond for the customers and offers tours to the students to educate them on our business and she shares her passion and energy with everyone. She works hard and she deserves this.
Lakeland College - Print Shop
Vermilion is incredibly fortunate to have the Lakeland College Print Shop as part of our community. I’ve had everything printed from small to oversized projects, in different paper qualities, and in both small and large quantities. Their work easily rivals large online printing companies, with the additional personal touch of exceptional local service.
Patrick and Holly are consistently kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. They make ordering simple and efficient, and can turn around projects the same day if needed. Their dedication to customer service ensures that every order, no matter the size, is handled with care and professionalism.
The Print Shop is truly a hidden gem that enriches our community from posters to raffle tickets to brochures, their work helps local events, businesses, and organizations thrive. Vermilion is very lucky to have them!
Lakeside Pharmacy
The addition of the drive thru windows is an example of the out-of-the-box thinking that happens when you strive for a people centered approach to service the way Lakeside staff does
Derwent Pizza
I’d like to recognize Derwent Pizza and the Pashulka family for all they’ve done this year to bring new life and energy to a much-loved local landmark.
They’ve worked incredibly hard to preserve the nostalgic charm everyone remembers, while thoughtfully modernizing both the space. From building the patio, to participating in Float Fest, to bringing pizza to town, they’ve done an wonderful job of creating a welcoming community space that brings people together.
We’re grateful for their efforts and commitment, and we wish them continued success as they build something really special in Derwent.
Ultimate Glass
So friendly, accommodating and fair pricing. We’ve had a few things done with them and they go above and beyond.
Always an outstanding service at his shop!
Quick and affordable!
Randy and his daughter gives a great customer service to our little town.
Linda Stangeland
There is such enjoyment and relaxation when we support Cutting Edge. Linda goes the extra mile to fit us in when we request hair cuts. We so appreciate her kindness’s.
Shawna Frankiw
Shawna has gone above and beyond to make sure all banking transfers go smoothly and easily.
Grant Danderfer
Grant goes out of his way daily for College Park Motors customers. He always goes above and beyond to get customers information, as well as his staff members information to help serve their customers better.
He has also been known to go to customers location when needed to lend a helping hand and get them on their way !
Grant has a great rapport and no matter the conditions Grant ensures he does his best for both staff and customers.
Candice Anderson
Candice is always such a welcome to see (which is intended to be a bold statement given the nature of her work). When you see her show up you know that things will be done to the best of her ability consistently. She’s infectious with her positive and real approach to often hard situations. Offering a comfort when it’s needed most and (proudly) willing to share a tear. On top of her professional business, which has been nominated so many times in the past for various categories, Candice throws herself into various non profits and other worthy causes where she continues to bring her drive and infectious positivity to everything she does.
Toni Teasdale
Very knowledgeable, excellent customer service and very friendly.
Mark Protsch
I’m nominating my dad, mark protsch, for customer service of the year because he always goes above and beyond for his customers. He will always greet you with a “hey how’s it going?” And will always stay late to help the customers. Mark is well known around vermilion as his job is 99% customer service based.
David Rein
David consistently goes above and beyond in every interaction, demonstrating the highest level of professionalism, empathy, and dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Nominees for New Business of the Year
Cleveland's Hair & Beauty
Outstanding service!!
She’s exceptional at what she does and provides the best customer service experience around. She’s worked so hard to open her business this year and juggle being a new mom to the most adorable little boy. She deserves this award through and through!
For their superb job this year!! Welcome to Vermilion
For their outstanding performance running the salon and accommodating customers!
For outstanding hair colouring and haircut with exceptional customer service. Best place to get your hair done.
Cleveland is a talented hair stylist and has warm wonderful personality.
Great new Buisness, great stylist, friendly, reasonable. Salon is very nicely laid out.
Very friendly , personable , goes out of her way to do the best job. Had my haircut and I love it. Shop is nice and cosy.
Thriving salon with the most friendly staff!
Cleveland’s hair and beauty has a great environment and a very kind welcoming hairdresser!
Cleve is awesome. So accommodating to all her clients.
Started that business from scratch not knowing a soul and has thrived in this great community.
New, welcoming, friendly, inclusive to all!
They are welcoming, fantastic at what they do and support the community.
Cleveland is an exceptional hair stylist, and a great business owner always greats you with a smile.
The Loft
The Loft is a welcome addition to our district, offering a unique alternative country-style wedding and event venue. Their commitment to creating memorable experiences, while actively supporting local vendors, sets them apart as an exceptional new business in our community.
Zayn's Diner Plus
Such a great friendly group of people that work there. Make everyone feel welcome and special. The food is so delicious.
They have wonderful customer service, participated in various events in the community, they have great food.
The way this family has stepped up in our community in just a few short months is something that needs to be recognized! If everyone had the same attitude of supporting each other and local groups like they did, this community would thrive! They are such a loving family, who genuinely care about their customers and the locals. They have given back to a number of organizations already and they r only in their first months of business! They deserve this for much more than their generosity. Their attitudes about vermilion is just so positive! Coming from Edmonton they have nothing but supportive and good things to say about this town. One heck of an amazing addition to Vermilion.
Zayn’s Diner has been an excellent recent addition to the community! They are a happy family business who are always welcoming whether it’s a date with the spouse or family meal with the kids. On top of their great business they are already giving back to the community in so many ways by helping feed volunteers or supporting in whatever way they can when approached.
They are a wonderful addition to Vermilion! Their Sunday brunch is absolutely delicious, and they've truly stepped up to support events in our community. Not only did they participate in the fair, but they also managed to keep the restaurant open throughout the weekend — that must have taken a lot of effort and dedication. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. We’re lucky to have them here!
Kalinkina Nail Studio
Because they go above and beyond in excellent nail care and actually help you have healthy, happy hands and feet! Super sweet people, too!
Journey Co.
Absolutely amazing customer service, local owners who support other local businesses and provide a much needed service in town. It is so nice to be able to get children’s clothes right in town.
Journey Co. has been nothing but amazing for this community since they opened! Having this store in town is so important and I know many people are happy to see it is still open! They have been working so hard to bring trendy clothing to the Town of Vermilion for all ages and sizes and I say they are doing a great job! They are great people to work for, provide great customer service, and quality products!
Spare Button Studios
Its like they have always been upstairs in the Craig's building because it fits right in with the vibe of the businesses. It presents new ideas and options for the community in the fun Art Cafe.
Lashes & Brows Lounge
From my very first appointment, Merim made me feel so comfortable. She brings a warm, genuine energy to her work, and it’s always a pleasure to chat with her during appointments. Her attention to detail and dedication to her craft are evident in every aspect of the experience.
Merim recently moved to Vermilion with her son, and I’m so glad she’s found the community welcoming because we’re truly lucky to have her here.
Merim continually invests in her training and skills, staying up to date with the latest techniques and she takes the time to carefully assess your unique features and preferences to choose the perfect brow shape and shade. Nothing is rushed; everything is tailored with care and precision and I happily recommend her to everyone I know.
The Crumb & Co Apothecary
It’s a very good cause what they are doing. Trying to help the community.
Very good baking and we love the pay what you can cart.
We love that she is trying to feed the community by offering healthy food that’s accessible to everyone by making it affordable.
Nominees for Volunteer of the Year
Candice Anderson
Besides caring for her family she is ready to lead and volunteer in the community in many ventures to make the community shine and improve as well as having the funeral services business to run with compassion and caring.
Just all around great person in the Vermilion Commuity. Tries to bring people together and see what Vermilion is really all about.
Tim Deroo
Vermilion is fortunate to have many outstanding volunteers who all deserve recognition, but I would like to nominate Tim Deroo for his leadership as President of the Vermilion Curling Club.
Curling has faced challenges across the country in recent years, especially after 2020, with smaller clubs competing for people’s limited time and attention. Despite this, Tim has shown remarkable dedication to ensuring our local club not only survives, but thrives.
As a passionate curler and past ice maker of the club, Tim devotes his energy to keeping the club running smoothly and offering bonspiels that are not only enjoyable, but also aligned with the changing social environment and financially sustainable. He takes on essential operational work such as ice installation, manages countless behind-the-scenes projects, builds strong relationships with sponsors, and represents Vermilion at other regional clubs to spread goodwill and support.
Tim is both competitive on the ice and deeply committed off it. He has led innovation by bringing in an ice-making and facility enhancement consultation to improve the club’s ice surface and programming, continues to build a strong team of volunteers and staff, and has successfully guided the club through financial challenges following 2020. Thanks to his leadership, the Vermilion Curling Club is stronger, more resilient, and well-positioned for the future.
Tim’s passion, commitment, and vision embody the very best of volunteerism, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.
Toland Cochrane
I don’t think there is another person in this community who volunteers anywhere close to the same amount of hours as Toland does. He sits on the Ag Society, volunteers for the outdoor oven all the time, I can go on and on and on. Whatever time isn’t spent at work, he is volunteering. I have never seen that guy say no to anything. He deserves recognition for his genuine care for this town.
Alexa Conlon
Following the heartbreaking experience of her own stillborn loss, Alexa transformed her grief into a mission of service by founding The Kayde Foundation. Recognizing the lack of resources and support in rural communities in this particular situation, she committed herself to ensuring that families would not have to navigate pregnancy or infant loss alone. Through her compassion, determination, and vision, Alexa has built a foundation that is working towards emotional support, practical resources, and a sense of community to grieving families.
As a volunteer, Alexa has organized grief groups, coordinated bereavement kits, hosted and spoke at memorial events, and raised awareness around pregnancy and infant loss. She is both a leader and a hands-on, while also advocating publicly to reduce stigma and improve access to care in rural areas. Her courage in sharing her story has inspired many, and her dedication has created a lasting impact that will continue to serve families for years to come.
Paulette Moir
I would like to nominate Mrs. Moir for the volunteer award in our community. She has been a retired teacher and vice principal for many years now but has always continued to volunteer. She pours her time and energy into St. Jerome’s School. Her dedication truly makes a positive impact in our community. She takes time to make kids feel special. With her kind heart she connects with kids everyday showing an interest in them or handing out a candy to connect. She truly inspires me with her selfless giving without expecting anything in return. She shows up for the school and community in so many ways and with countless hours. On weekends you may see her picking up garbage from playgrounds or hauling and setting up Christmas trees, so each classroom has a special tree during holidays. She goes above and beyond. She has created a nurturing environment at St. Jerome’s through connection that makes kids feel valued and seen. Mrs. Moir is a role model and makes our community a better place.
Florence Tovell
Florence's leadership facilitating a grief and loss support group in Vermilion through The Walking Through Grief Society has created a safe space where all ages are able to connect, learn together and support each other. Her commitment is unwavering.
Sean Tennant
Sean is currently president of Vermilion Minor Hockey for his 2nd season. He gives up countless hours trying to find a welcoming spot for each player. He makes a point to come out and watch multiple ages play games and practice. He has helped the organization grow as part of the board for years. Hockey isn’t just a Sept- March season, he works at it all year long.
Bevin Hamilton
Bevin can be found at most any volunteer event either by supporting/spectating or actively participating. He has committed himself to various non profits in the community and is always happy and enthusiastic to help out worthy causes. He’s an individual that is a relief to see show up when there is volunteer work to be done!