Calgary AB – At a Gala Event Dinner capping the 2005 Calgary Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week, Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats was announced as the Bennett Jones Emerging Enterprise of the Year Award winner. The award acknowledges young companies that demonstrate strong, strategic growth and solid future potential.

“We were thrilled to be honored this way,” said President Kelly Long in her acceptance speech. “This came as a surprise given the extraordinary caliber of the other two finalists. To be acknowledged is an experience we’ll never forget.”

Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats was started three years ago as a solution for ranchers Pieter Spinder (CEO Carmen Creek), Kelly Long (President Carmen Creek) and Dean Andres (Director of Sales and Marketing) to differentiate their products, and access highly competitive retail and food service markets in North America and Europe. Based on consumer and customer market research, an innovative marketing strategy, compelling merchandising tools and sheer hard work, Carmen Creek has earned retail and food service listings in Canada, the US and Europe. Each year, the company has increased sales incrementally and broadened its customer base to include major
food retailers and foodservice brokers.

One of traits that earned Carmen Creek its nomination was their commitment to building a value chain that embraced producers, processors and customers. Not only was Carmen Creek recognized as a company building a sustainable business, they were seen to be helping to create a solid foundation for the Canadian bison industry.

The award also coincides with the company’s move from an incubation office to new expanded facilities. “These are exciting times, “says Long. “However, post award, we’re back to work putting our focus where it needs to be – on our customers and the bottom line.”

For more information:

Dean Andres
Vice President Sales and Marketing
403.215.2325

Kelly Long
President
403.215.2320