Alternative Landscaping, Webber Printing earn honours

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This article was published 16/03/2013 (4767 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two local independent businesses took home one of the most prestigious business awards in the region.

Alternative Landscaping and Webber Printing were recipients of the annual business excellence award during the 130th annual Brandon Chamber of Commerce dinner last night at the Keystone Centre.

Founded in 1998, Alternative Landscaping, like so many business, started with one employee. In 16 years, it has grown to have close to 50 employees in its peak season and continues to expand.

“We’re very excited to get the award,” said Karin Griffin, who co-owns the business with her husband Chris. “It’s nice that people recognize we have moved forward and we’re doing well.”

The latest addition to the rapidly expanding business is a greenhouse attached to their retail centre on Maryland Avenue, which will open in April.

The company has grown to offer everything from conceptual designs, to excavation and construction, to yard care.

The landscaping company has also evolved into a go-to place for smaller operations, Griffin said.

“We’re here to support the smaller landscapers as well, that maybe have just started out,” she said.

Aside from the company’s immense success, the award also recognizes its ongoing community work. Alternative Landscaping has been involved in projects such as Hanbury Hill Toboggan Park and the YMCA redevelopment project.

Chamber president Nate Andrews said the company is well-deserving of the award in part because of how fast it has grown.

“I think it’s pretty cool they were able to find a niche and expand so rapidly in our market,” Nate said.

Meanwhile, in an industry that has seen more creativity and capability put in the hands of the individual, Webber Printing — the other business excellence award winner — has been able to stay ahead of the curve by offering promotional products, decaling and signage, wide-format printing and image matting.

“People don’t want something run-of-the-mill anymore, they want something a little more specialized and they’re not capable of doing it,” said the company’s president Don Webber.

“If you want professional work done, you should have it done by a professional.”

Andrews said Webber’s staying power in the quickly changing industry is indicative of the loyalty among Brandonites.

“People, in this size of community anyway, still have a lot of loyalty to someone who they know is going to provide them with good service,” Andrews said. “They back up their word with their service and that hold a lot of weight in our community.”

And like the other winners from last night’s gala, Webber continuously gives back to the community.

He and his son Steven both play a major part in Ducks Unlimited, Westman Dreams for Kids, the Calvary Temple, and the Wheat Kings hockey organization.

Like the business person of the year, the business excellence awards are picked by a business development committee and based on submissions from the public.

» gbruce@brandonsun.com