St. Albert is stepping back into the glamour of the golden age tonight as the local business community gathers for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards of Distinction. Hosted by the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce at the Glendale Golf & Country Club, the gala promises a night of “Old Hollywood” glitz, complete with red-carpet fashion and the recognition of 11 organizations that have shaped the city’s economic landscape.
The event serves as the grand finale to a week of advocacy and networking, following two successful breakfasts held during Small Business Week. These gatherings highlighted the grit and adaptability required to survive in today’s volatile market, where digital fluency is no longer optional.
Adapting to the Tech-Driven Marketplace
Technology has been a central theme for this year’s nominees, many of whom have had to pivot their operations to remain relevant in a post-digital-transformation world. Connie Clark, owner of Mission Computers Inc. and a nominee for the Business to Business Award, emphasized that modern entrepreneurship is defined by the speed of change.
Having run her training firm for 35 years, Clark has witnessed the evolution of computing from the early days of Windows and the struggle of teaching basic mouse mechanics to today’s complex integration of Microsoft Office and AI-powered tools like Copilot. Her advice to the next generation of business owners is simple: embrace perpetual learning. According to Clark, businesses that fail to evolve alongside these technological advancements struggle to survive in a competitive economy.
Authenticity in the Digital Age
While AI and high-tech tools are changing the back-end of businesses, entrepreneurs are finding that human connection is the key to front-end success. Lisa Bailey of Bailey Books, a past award winner who participated in this week’s panel discussions, noted that social media has been instrumental in keeping her brick-and-mortar store alive.
Bailey’s experience underscores a broader trend in the tech industry: the shift away from sterile, corporate marketing toward authentic, personality-driven content. She found that her most successful promotional efforts weren’t slick advertisements, but raw, personal reflections on literature and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her father’s bookbinding craft. This strategy, she argued, builds deeper customer loyalty than traditional sales tactics ever could.
Building Resilience Through Local Support
Karen Kordic, the artisan behind BlacKnot Jewellery, represents the growing movement of home-based creators who are leveraging e-commerce and local markets to build a brand. Nominated for Best Small Business, Kordic credits her success to the feedback loop between her digital presence and face-to-face interactions at the St. Albert Farmers’ Market.
As the business community celebrates tonight, the overarching sentiment is one of resilience. Whether it is navigating the pressures of the digital divide or managing the impact of regional socio-political instability, St. Albert’s entrepreneurs have shown a remarkable ability to pivot. By combining high-tech efficiency with genuine, authentic human connection, these businesses are not just surviving—they are setting the standard for local excellence.
The Chamber of Commerce expects to name the winners later this evening, closing out a chapter of recognition that will undoubtedly inspire the next wave of local innovators.
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