CAFE Calgary Announces Finalists for its 2013 Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Awards

Feb. 22, 2013 - PRLog -- Calgary, Alberta - Tuesday February 18, 2013

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE), Calgary Chapter, is delighted to announce the four finalists for the 2013 Calgary Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award: Calgary Italian Bakery Ltd., Canyon Plumbing & Heating Ltd., Group 333 Hospitality, and Irene Besse Keyboards Ltd.   The winner will be revealed on March 13, 2013 at the annual Awards Gala

Calgary Italian Bakery Ltd. was founded in 1962 by Luigi and Myrl Bontorin.  They started out by making Italian and European-style bread, and today offer a full range of breads and rolls, producing  15,000-20,000 loaves a day for distribution across western Canada.  They are motivated by their Vision, “To be the local leading source of nourishment for family, community, and environment.”

Canyon Plumbing & Heating Ltd.  started in 1978 as a plumbing and heating contractor serving the residential housing construction market, and currently provides an extensive range of plumbing services in Calgary and the surrounding area.  Canyon established Calgary’s first plumbing showroom in 1997 and earning the SAM Award as Trade Partner of the Year in 1998.  

Group 333 Hospitality was established by the Haralabakos family, restauranteurs who owned a Manhattan restaurant before coming to Calgary, where they have had several family-run restaurants since 1999 (most recently 80th and Ivy, named for their first New York location).  In that time, they have grown from 10 employees to 250, and moved into a new Head Office building.  

Irene Besse Keyboards Ltd. was established in 1980 by local icon Irene Besse, former organist for the Flames, Stamps, Cannons, and 1988 Olympics. Irene started as a teacher and entertainer before entering retail. Her company lends or gifts many pianos to the Calgary community each year.  Irene’s legacy will be carried on by her daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Michael Lipnicki.  

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE), Calgary Chapter, showcases successful family businesses through participation in the national Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award.  Calgary finalists will be featured at an annual gala event to be held March 13, 2013 at the Calgary Golf and Country Club, 50th Avenue and Elbow Drive SW.  The recipient will be announced at the end of the evening and will go on to represent CAFE Calgary at the national competition at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Convention Centre on Saturday, June 8, 2013 in Toronto, ON.

“Family-Owned Businesses play an important role in the Calgary economy,” says Kurt Schurer, the current President of the Calgary Chapter of CAFE.  “The businesses on the list of 2013 Calgary Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award finalists are well-known in our city, and have demonstrated their dedication to their communities, their employees, and the ongoing success of family business in Calgary.  We congratulate each of our finalists, all of whom deserve recognition for their contributions to the Calgary business community.  We wish them continued success on the path towards the National award in June.”

Since 1983, the Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award has recognized significant achievements by Canadian family businesses, acknowledging their importance in Canada’s economy. Every nomination must meet eligibility requirements and undergoes a rigorous judging process to become a finalist and a winner.

“We are thrilled to be the National Platinum Corporate Sponsor of CAFE and the Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award. We are extremely proud to be associated with an organization that recognizes the complexities and challenges of managing a family business. We congratulate each of the nominees for their commitment, innovation, and dedication to growing business in Alberta.” said Todd Coleman, BMO Harris Private Banking.

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) is the pre-eminent association in Calgary that acknowledges the unique needs of family business and assists them to succeed. They are the local chapter of the national association, passionately committed to assisting families in business.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship information, contact Janice Kelner, Executive Director, CAFE Calgary, at 403-210-3013, or visit the CAFE Canada website at www.cafecanada.ca.

For additional discussion, photos, or to schedule an interview, contact Kurt Schurer, Chapter President at 403-890-7355.

National Corporate Platinum Sponsor:  

BMO Harris Private Banking


Calgary  Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award Sponsors:

Reception Sponsor:    Deloitte          AV Sponsor:   Evolution Technologies

ABOUT CAFE

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) is Canada’s only national not-for-profit that celebrates and supports family business. Founded in 1983, it has grown to include 12 chapters from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia. The organization facilitates peer interaction, allowing family business members to share experiences and learn from each other. CAFE also creates a community of families and professionals who can provide technical solutions and expertise to help families in business succeed. CAFE, as a result, is the voice of family business in Canada. For more information, visit www.cafecanada.ca.