Edmonton businesses offer embarrassment of riches
The businesses of Edmonton defy expectations.
Small firms chase worldchanging dreams with unmatched hustle. Large companies try to create personal connections with each customer. Businesses of all sizes have created a rich tradition of giving back to the community.
Combined, they create a unique mix of energy and entrepreneurialism that is attracting increasing notice. The annual Canada Business list of the fastest-growing companies in the country features 20 firms from Edmonton this year, mostly small- and mid-sized companies, while the city’s burgeoning downtown earned headlines across the country and around the world.
Macroeconomic indicators are showing promise too after a prolonged downturn, with employment and disposable income both up in the most recent figures.
Even Edmonton’s restaurant industry had a banner year, earning three spots on EnRoute’s annual ranking of the 10 best new restaurants in Canada—more than any other city on the list.
The business community’s success contributed to Edmonton’s growing stature on the world stage, as the city made the top 100 of Resonance Consultancy’s World’s Best Cities list for the first time this year. Ranking ahead of cities like Venice, Glasgow and Shanghai, Edmonton’s ranking was pulled up by its strong economic performance, thanks in no small part to the efforts of its businesses. All of this creates an embarrassment of riches for the 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Whether you’re looking for help with real estate, car repair, marketing, legal affairs, or dozens of other areas of business, Edmonton overflows with businesses that deliver quality and integrity. This year’s winners range from a veteran home renovation company that has been around for more than 35 years, to a fine-dining establishment known for great food and theatrical flare.
This makes choosing winning businesses is a tremendous challenge, yet one that must be met. Our readers admirably rose to the occasion to pick the best of the best for these awards.
Congratulations to them and to everyone who helped make the business community in Edmonton a success this past year.