The best and brightest of Fort Macleod was honoured Thursday by the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber presented its annual awards during a banquet at Holy Cross Hall.
“We appreciate all of you for the contribution you make to the town of Fort Macleod,” Chamber treasurer Brian Nelson said.
Linda Ripley was named Citizen of the Year and ATB Financial was received the Outstanding Business Award.
Other award recipients were Tru Hardware, Fort Macleod Playground Committee, Fort Pharmacy, Barb Skog, Gurney Land and Livestock, Cafe Orange and Perfect Touch Massage.
“The people in Fort Macleod, care about Fort Macleod,” Nelson said. “There is a sincere interest . . . and that says a lot about the community.”
Deputy Mayor Brent Feyter praised Chamber of Commerce as well as the individuals and businesses who had been nominated for the awards.
“The hard work and dedication of individuals and groups is what makes communities great,” Feyter said. “Our community has so many examples of what can be done when we work together, and pull together.”
Feyter urged the residents of Fort Macleod, business owners and groups to continue their good work on behalf of the community in the coming year.
“A community that works together, stays together,” Feyter said. “Work builds character and strength, gives individuals hope and purpose.”
“So let’s together be the best we can. Let’s continue working together to make this community a great place to work, live and raise our families.”
Citizen of the Year
Linda Ripley was one of eight people nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award.
“This award is presented to an individual who embodies the spirit of community, co-operation and generosity,” Nelson said. “We have some fabulous nominees this year.”
Other nominees were Mike Collar, Kristi Edwards, Domiec Holwerda, Trish Hoskin, Frank McTighe, Angie O’Connor and Conrad Van Hierden.
Ripley was nominated for her work with the school breakfast programs, reading at seniors’ homes, house-sitting, shovelling sidewalks, delivering meals or groceries to people who can’t get out, working in the community garden and volunteering with the Fort Macleod Handibus Society.
“The thing about the town of Fort Macleod is you don’t have to look far to find a lot of great, dedicated individuals who are willing to better their community,” Nelson said as he prepared to announce the winner.
“It is really what makes the pulse of Fort Macleod thrive,” Nelson added. “I think we’re all proud to be from Fort Macleod and proud of the efforts everybody on this list has made in the last year.”
The following recipients were also honoured Thursday.
Small Business Award
Tru Hardware received the Small Business Award.
The award is presented to a business with one to five staff members and which is dedicated to continuously striving to exceed customer expectations and which has an impact on the business community.
“A great small store that offers a lot to anyone coming in to purchase product,” Chamber administrative assistant Kristi Edwards read from the nomination. “Josh is open early and is always there to assist in finding what you need. If they don’t find what you are looking for, they hunt it down for you.”
“The store is always clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. The variety of products is astounding for a small town.”
Other nominees were Art and Avon, Fort Pharmacy, Silver Automotive and The Macleod Gazette.
Community Enhancement
Fort Macleod Playground Committee received the Community Enhancement Award.
The Chamber presents the award to a business or organization that is making a difference in the community.
The recipient has invested in Fort Macleod and sees social responsibility as an integral part of its success.
“Without this dedicated and hard-working group of volunteers our community would not have the facilities available to us that we do.”
“The spray park has taken years of fund-raising efforts to become a reality,” Nelson read. “It is a beautiful addition to our community and there will be many smiling faces this summer when our community’s kids and adults get to play at the spray park.”
Nominees included ATB Financial, Hansen’s Family Foods and Omni Green Landscaping.
Customer Service Award
Fort Pharmacy received the Customer Service Award.
The award, which is voted on by the public, is presented to the business dedicated to continuously striving to exceed customer expectations, deliver industry-leading standards of service and which is creative and innovative about customer experience.
“On numerous occasions Ken (Harris) has been my saving grace with regard to his role as pharmacist,” Edwards read from the nomination. “Also the other employees, Cathie, Michelle, Lucinda, Carrie and the Harris children are always bright and helpful when I go in. Sometimes I’m there 20 minutes or more, just chatting.”
“I enjoy the small town service and the customer hospitality that they offer.”
Other nominees were Alberta Hardware and Variety, Economy Cashway Lumber, Fort Macleod Fire Department EMS and First Responders, Mac Auto Glass and Graphics Ltd. and Van Liere Shaw Chartered Accountants LLP.
Employee Service Award
The Chamber presented the Employee Service Award to Barb Skog of ATB Financial.
The award is presented to an outstanding individual, team or employee who has presented an excellent ongoing level of customer service.
“Barb is an essential member of the ATB Financial customer service team,” Nelson read from the nomination. “She is helpful and knowledgeable and as a result is a trusted advisor.”
“Barb always has the best interest of the customer in mind, and you can trust that the advice and information she is giving is sincere and honest. She is always seen smiling and has a cheerful greeting to go along.”
“She makes her customers a priority and everything else comes next. Customers will wait in line to see Barb, even though someone else might be available.”
“When Barb is away from work ATB customers definitely notice and ask when Barb will be back. She is a loved and respected member of this community.”
Nominees included Don Doherty, Naomi Faulkner, Josh Beusekom, Ken Harris and Kaley Murphy.
Agricultural Business
Gurney Land and Livestock received the Agricultural Business Award.
The award is presented to the business that promotes local, natural resources to be used in the best possible and most sustainable way. The award recognizes a business that is developing and promoting new and positive change in agricultural business practices and expertise in the district.
“Gurney Land and Livestock are purebred and Black Angus breeders in southern Alberta who take great pride in their animals,” the nomination read.
Cottonwood Co-op, Shane and Mary Anne Doyle Family Farm, Fairwinds Farm, Granum Hutterite Colony and White Lake Hutterite colony were also nominated.
Home-Based Business
Jody Litle of Perfect Touch Massage was chosen to receive the Home-Based Business Award.
The award goes to the business located in or operating out of the owner’s residence.
The recipient has been successfully active for a consistent amount of time and adds something beneficial to the community.
“Jody is a welcoming and lovely lady, making any visit to her comfortable and professional,” the nomination read. “She volunteers her time to various organizations in our community and always has a chipper attitude and a welcoming smile.”
Other nominees were DecoLaze Inc., Full Spectrum Hair Salon, Lee Holfeld RMT and Webo Syrup Waffles.
New Business Award
Cafe Orange received the Chamber’s New Business Award.
The award recognizes a business that has been established within the past two years and has already demonstrated notable achievement.
“Thijs is a young and energetic entrepreneur,” the nomination read. “He has created a wonderful atmosphere in the cafe and filled a social need for our community. It’s a great place for locals and visitors to come in and meet over a cup of coffee and treat or to enjoy a freshly prepared soup and sandwich.
“The cafe is always willing to host events such as The Taste of Fort Macleod and New Year’s party. They offer outstanding customer service, are hard-working, innovative and serve great quality product every time.”
“Thijs is approachable, friendly and a pleasure to deal with.”
Nominees included Aqua Tech Plumbing and Heating, Brok’N Spoke Bike Shoppe, Sinkel Floral Designs, Giftware and Home Decore and Tru Hardware.
Outstanding Business
ATB Financial was chosen from all the businesses nominated for an award.
“These gals and guys are always thinking about our community and are willing to work with others to see business and residents prosper in Fort Macleod,” the nomination for the Community Enhancement Award read.