The St. John’s Board of Trade says it is important to celebrate the innovation and dedication that local business leaders bring to the table.

The board hosted its annual Business Awards Gala last week in St. John’s, during which 10 businesses were recognized with awards.

CEO AnnMarie Boudreau says hearing the stories about what entrepreneurs are doing in the community underscores why it is “imperative” that they be recognized.

She says the room was “electric” at the awards gala. Boudreau says there were people there who work in competing businesses at the event, but the competitiveness was put to one side to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.