The Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce celebrated excellence in business at its 36th Annual Business Awards on Wednesday night at Red Deer College.

This year, 12 finalists were chosen out of more than 60 nominees.

Business of the Year 1-10 Employees: The Bra Lounge

Sheena Johnson and her sister Cortney Hollenga are co-owners of the lingerie boutique, which employs six and has just hit 10 years in business.

Johnson said that over time, they've found themselves becoming mentors to other business owners, who've approached them for advice.

After receiving help themselves early on, she said it's a boost to their confidence and an affirmation of their methods.

They pride themselves on providing a comforting, unintimidating atmosphere. Their business has also retained customers from abroad, through fittings done over Skype and Facetime.

"It's not easy to ask women to get half-undressed in a fitting room with strangers ... It's a big ask to tell them to put their faith in us and their trust in us and take our advice," Johnson said.

The Bra Lounge was also nominated for Business of the Year in 2012.

Business of the Year 11-20 Employees: 360 Fitness

Left, 360 Fitness CEO Jack Wheeler delivering his acceptance speech.

Much like Johnson, CEO Jack Wheeler was thinking about his business mentors while accepting the award.

"We look up into the crowd and it's people that we idolize. It's people that we mimick and follow and look at their decisions," Wheeler said.

Wheeler calls 360 Fitness the "anti-gym," where service is friendly and personal.

"We help them with, not just fitness but we help them with life, we help them with nutrition, we help them with everyday choices and we just help them move better ,live better and feel better," he said.

The business has been operating for eight years and employs just under 20 in management, administration and personal training. They have about 500 personal training clients.

Business of the Year 20+ Employees: Olymel

Rob Ackerblade, Red Deer plant manager for Olymel.

Rob Ackerblade is the Red Deer plant manager for the pork-processing company.

He was happy for his team -- his very large team.

"Extremely proud moment for our employees. They work hard. It's not an easy job at the plant every day -- assembly line work," Ackerblade said.

"I share this moment with them. I accept the award on behalf all our 1,500 hard working employees."

He hopes the honour will get Olymel's name out in the community.

"Not too many people know about us. I wish more people did. For those that do know about us, I'm grateful for their support."

Young Entrepreneur Award: Postma Electrical

Jesse Postma, of Postma Electrical.

Jesse Postma ran his company out of a garage for several years. Postma Electrical opened in 2013, now employs 11 and is a heavy supporter of Women's Outreach.

"Just really grateful for our current clients, customers, our staff, my family for being so supportive. Super estactic really," Postma said about the award.

There were 22 nominees for the award this year, double the number from last year.