2014 Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce Awards Night

Toni Lucas

Sharon Roberts
T. Lucas photos, unless otherwise noted.

The Heritage Inn was the site of the 2014 Pincher Creek Awards of Excellence on Wednesday evening, October 22. It was the 19th annual edition of this event, which is organized by the Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce. Over 180 people attended the dinner, with more joining later on in the evening to watch the awards.

Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Roberts opened the event. She talked about the role the Chamber of Commerce plays within the community, congratulated all the nominees, and spoke of how difficult it is to choose when everyone in a category is so deserving.

Mayor Don Anderberg, Reeve Brian Hammond, MC Bob Westrop

Bob Westrop acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He expressed his delight that evening was a sold out success. He kept up a lighthearted banter throughout the evening along with the more serious duties of presenting the roles the various businesses, organizations and individuals nominated play within the community.

Westrop then brought MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond and Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg to the front to lead the room in a rousing rendition of "O Canada". They each took a few moments to address the crowd.

"It is always exciting to be nominated for an award," said Mayor Don Anderberg. "It's even more exciting to win. I feel the best part of the awards process is that the businesses and organizations that are nominated by their peers, and your customers. That has to be a special feeling." He thanked the Chamber for their hard work on their many projects throughout the year.

Reeve Brian Hammond commented on the diversity in the room. "It represents the richness of our community." He touched on the tragedy that happened in Ottawa earlier in the day, recognizing that many had it on their minds  before focusing upon the awards ceremony at hand.   "We recognize the importance of businesses and their activities in our community." Hammond explained that 95% of all businesses in the province of Alberta have 50 employees or less and create 25% of Alberta's gross domestic product. "Pretty amazing when you think about it." About the awards themselves Hammond said "These awards, indeed having being nominated presents the opportunity to be recognized by your peers and other members of the community as having set an example in the operation of a business or organization, or for having played a particular role in a business or organization that is outstanding. Thank you for your efforts, and keep up the excellent example you have demonstrated."

Traci Carlson-Deley

Traci Carlson-Deley spoke on behalf of ATB. She addressed the challenges that are faced with operating a small business in Alberta, and congratulated the nominees, and expressed her pride in being involved with sponsoring the event.

AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS

Mark Barber and Barbero family

FARM FAMILY AWARD

Winner: Brent & Gloria Barbero & Family

Presented by: Mark Barber from Alberta Treasury Branch

Other nominees: None

Don Anderberg and David Crowell

LARGE BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: Pincher Creek Co-op Association

Presented by: Mayor Don Anderberg, Town of Pincher Creek

Other nominees: 

First Student

Ascent Dental

King Edward Hotel/The Grill

The Associate Clinic

Pincher Creek Health Centre

Pat Moskaluk and Toni Lucas
Photo by Nicki Schoening

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

Winner: The Pincher Creek Voice

Presented by: Pat Moskaluk, Credit Union

Other nominees:

The Co-operators

Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic

Back Country Outhouse

Celestial Sweets

The Brick

Pincher Creek Credit Union

C&D Floral

Butcher Creek Grazing Co-op

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD

Winner: Butcher Creek Grazing Co-op

Presented by: Brad Williams Royal Bank of Canada

Other nominee:

Livingstone Landowners Group

Claire Layton and David Crowell

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Winner: Michael Veloso (Heritage Inn) Accepted by Claire Layton

Presented by: David Crowell Pincher Creek Co-op Association

Other nominees:

The Brick

Harvest Coffeehouse

Marjorie (Heritage Inn)

Kajay Automotive

Rona

Roberta Mercer (the Brick)

David Tetachuk (The Brick)

Kristine and Friends Hair Studio

Hair Reflections

InStyle Salon

Ranchland Mall table

The ladies of C & D Floral brightened up the event

Dennis Robin and Susan Sinclair

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Awarded to: Susan Sinclair (The Associate Clinic)

Presented by: Dennis Robin, Shootin' the Breeze

Susan Sinclair and Clinic Staff with her award

Other nominees:

Michael Veloso (Heritage Inn)

Valerie Spiry (The Grill)

Lacey Oczkowski (The Grill)

Collette Van Gilder (Co-op Food Store)

Roberta Mercer (The Brick)

Farley Wuth

SPIRIT OF PINCHER CREEK AWARD

Winner: Farley Wuth

Presented by: Courtney Potts Mountain Radio

Other nominees:

Lacey Oczkowski (The Grill)

Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA

Oldman Rose Society

Stardust Motel

Care Bears

First Student

The Pincher Creek Voice

Loretta Packham

Summer Games Committee

Kristine and Friends Hair Studio

Nikki and Dustin Flundra

JUNIOR ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Winner: Bryan Boese (Go Green Lawn Care), not in attendance

Presented by: Aletta Maier Young Parkyn and McNabb

Other nominees:

Jenaya Launstein

Kate McKim Keil (Centre Peak High Country Adventures)