2013 Pincher Creek Awards of Excellence

2013 Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence winners
T. Lucas photos except *

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Heritage Inn was the site of the  2013 Pincher Creek Awards of Excellence on Wednesday, October 23.  It was the 18th annual edition of this event,  which is organized by the Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce.

Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Roberts

Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Roberts opened the event.  She talked about the role the Chamber of Commerce plays within the community.  Bob Westrop acted as the gracious emcee for the evening.  He brought outgoing MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Bjorn Berg and outgoing Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Ernie Olsen  up to the microphone to lead the room in a rousing rendition of "O Canada" as Jackie Therriault played the piano.

Grace was led by David Green followed by a dinner featuring roast beef.

The Spirit of Pincher Creek - MC and award winner Bob Westrop

"It's always fun," said Westrop about the awards ceremony. "It's a great tribute to the people in our community, what we accomplish here, and why people like to come to Pincher Creek. We've got a lot to offer."  Westrop was also the winner of the 2013 Spirit of Pincher Creek award.

Livingstone Macleod MLA Pat Stier

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier welcomed everyone and reminded us all how fortunate we are to live in this area, also reminding us of the tragedies that many in Alberta faced just a few short months ago because of the flooding that happened in June.  He talked of the strength of spirit that makes us strong, and congratulated both the winners and the nominees.

Bjorn Berg

Bob Westrop and Ernie Olsen

Outgoing Reeve Bjorn Berg and outgoing Mayor Ernie Olsen each returned to the podium and extended greetings from the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No.9, and the Town of Pincher Creek respectively.  Westrop thanked them both for their years in public service.

ATB Managing Director Gary Friesen

Alberta Treasury Branch Managing Director South Team Business and Agriculture Gary Friesen came back to town to speak at this ceremony.  Friesen lived in Pincher Creek from 1992 - 1995.  He spoke of the 75 years that ATB has been operating. He spoke of the drive and dedication that entrepreneurs have in Alberta.  He said that clients come to him in the banking industry and ask "Know me, understand me, and make it easy for me."  Words of wisdom for any service based business to follow. "I congratulate all of you, and all that you do for this community, and for our great Province."

Chamber of Commerce Administrator Lieve Parisis was lauded for her work organizing the evening.  The Heritage Inn banquet room was full to capacity for this event.  Chamber President Sharon Roberts said  "We are very close to being sold out, 160 people, and that's great."

Awards 

Farm Family Award:
Mark Barber presenting to YU Cattle Ranch - MaryAnn and Blaine Marr

Farm Family Award
Winner:  YU Cattle Ranch Blaine and MaryAnn Marr
Presented by:  Mark Barber

Other nominees:
Twin Butte Simmentals
Brent and Gloria Barbero and family

Large Business Staff award: Children's World Daycare

Large Business Award (Staff of 10 and over)

Winners:  Children’s World Day Care
Presented by:  Shannon Robin

Other nominees:
First Student
Royal Bank

Small Business award: Shootin' the Breeze
Presenter Joan Kilmury far left

Small Business Award (Staff of 1 to 9)

Winner:  Shootin’ the Breeze – Shannon Robin
Presenteed by:  Joan Kilmury

Other nominees:
Jessica Maunsell Photography
Perfect Posies Greenhouse
Mrs.P’s Coffee Corner
Hair Reflections – Laura Lee Link
Full Circle Green Clean Janitorial Inc.
The Brick
Fas Gas Station

Environmental Stewardship award: Brent and Gloria Barbero and family
Presenter Pat Moskaluk far left

Gloria Barbero
(file photo * - Gloria was helping at volleyball)

Environmental Stewardship Award
Winner:  Brent and Gloria Barbero and family
Presented by: Pat Moskaluk

Other nominees:
Cameron Service Industries
The Nature Conservancy of Canada

Customer Service award - Hair Reflections
Presenter Crystal Husch (left) and Laura Lee Link

Customer Service Award
Winner:  Hair Reflections – Laura Lee Link
Presented by:  Crystal Husch

Other nominees:
Monster Fitness
Co-operators Insurance
Fountain Tire
Kajay Automotive
Michael Veloso of Heritage Inn
Jackie Gorgichuk of  Blackburn Jewellers
ATB Financial Pincher Creek
Fas Gas Station

Spirit of Pincher Creek award - Bob Westrop
with Presenter Jim Monteith (right)

Spirit of Pincher Creek Award
Winner:  Bob Westrop
Presented by:  Jim Monteith

Other nominees:
Jackie Therriault
Rose Society
Mrs. P’s Coffee Corner
Jeff Kaupp
Tim Hortons
Kelly Lepine
Dan Crawford
Fas Gas Station

Employee of the Year award - Valerie Bedford-Powell
with Presenter Kirk Clements (right)

Employee of the Year Award
Winner:  Valerie Bedford-Powell, Pincher Creek Co-op Grocery Store
Presented by:  Kirk Clements

Other nominees:
Donna Cromarty  of Co-op Farm and Home Centre
Leslee Bruder of Pincher Creek Legion
Leah Caligno Esplanda of A&W
Bruce Bevans of Koegler’s Pharmasave
Allan Kaupp of Pincher Creek Co-op Grocery Store
Roberta Koci of The Brick
Owen Sinclair of Co-op Farm and Home Centre