The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards were presented at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre Thursday evening.

Evan Schroeder won the Future Leader Award and his business Splatters Paintball was awarded the Medium Business of the Year. He says Splatters started out of a necessity for something to do and it has evolved into a wonderful place for team building and entertainment. He notes he never expected to be acknowledged for business excellence.

“It was quite overwhelming. I didn’t expect to be a finalist, never mind to win. I am honoured, the class of future leaders this year was phenomenal, last year was phenomenal so to be chosen as the winner is a huge blessing.”

Schroeder says it has been a wonderful experience working with the business community here in Steinbach over the years.

“It has been such a blessing to have a relationship with so many businesses in Steinbach, from building the park, from hiring people locally who have ties to so many businesses. The workforce in Steinbach is phenomenal. They come to work on the weekends, they want to work hard, they are out to impress customers and it is such an easy place to be an employer. We are so fortunate here.”

The Complete List of Business Excellence Award Winners:
- Customer Service Award: Earl’s Meat Market
- Community Involvement Award: The LumberZone
- Non-Profit Excellence Award: South East Helping Hands
- Future Leader Award: Evan Schroeder
- Small Business of the Year: Viethouse Restaurant
- Medium Business of the Year: Splatters Paintball
- Large Business of the Year: Barkman Concrete