Br Carson Ellis
For the Stettler Independent
Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Development (BOT) hosted its annual awards gala on Thursday, Oct 17. The event was held at the HUB at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
The annual event had some changes from years past; instead of a formal meal, finger foods and desserts were made available to guests throughout the HUB. Bar service was sponsored again by the Stettler branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. This year also saw an increase in nominations.
BOT project manager Donna Morris acted as M.C. for the evening. After welcoming guests and recipients, Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls spoke briefly on behalf of the Town. He spoke about the many wonderful things the people who are being honoured bring to the community, as those who were nominated as well.
“Stettler wouldn’t be the place it is, without the winners here tonight,” Nolls remarked.
After Nolls, County of Stettler Coun. James Nibourg Spoke on behalf of the County. Nibourg talked about the high level of outstanding people and businesses that are in the district saying: “When you win this, you are elite among the elite.”
Member of Parliament for Battle River — Crowfoot Damien Kurek was unable to attend due to his responsibilities in Ottawa, but he was able to send a video message that Morris played for those in attendance. In his message, he congratulated the recipients for the evening and about the importance of people and businesses like them in a community.
BOT executive director Byron Geddes presented plaques of recognition for two former BOT members. Geddes explained that while most people sit on the board for three to five years, the two members being recognized had sat on the board for over 15 years. Matt Dorsett was unable to attend, but Dave Goodwin was able to receive the recognition in person.
The award for Eco-Excellence went to Patchouli Mint Spa. Grace Fix, with the Heartland Beautification Committee, presented owner Julie Mack with the award in recognition of the many efforts she has made with her business to protect the environment. Fix noted many of the products carried at Patchouli Mint are without plastic packaging.
The Agricultural Impact Award went to the Stettler District Agricultural Society. The Society was recognized for reinventing itself and becoming a major community hub, not only for those in the district but for organizers of events from all across Alberta and beyond. This included being the site of the Alberta High School Rodeo Finals for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The Community Impact Award was presented to Lorraine Hankins for her work on Stettler Connects. Stettler Connects has become a vital referral centre and has built working relationships with partners in the district for a variety of programs. Stettler Connects helps those looking to volunteer with different organizations and where to find support and training programs.
Travis Randell accepted the Award for 2023 Customer Service for his business Kal Tire Stettler. Kal Tire was nominated for its unwavering commitment to Stettler’s well-being. Randell thanked his staff for working everything from dirty tire services to working outside in cold temperatures to help their customers.
Business Leader of the Year was awarded to Terry Rawn, the owner-operator of Dig Pig Productions. Rawn’s business started offering one product for hydro-vac units and now offers a wide variety of tips for hydro-vac equipment. They have also established an online community for people in the industry to communicate, hire, and learn new things to benefit their operations.
The award for New Business of the Year went to Stettler Brewing Company. Owner Will Roberts has been in business for just over a year and has quickly become a popular location for many in the community. The business has also given back in a variety of ways to local charities and community organizations.
Stettler Flowers won Business of the Year. Owner Alex Geddes accepted the award. Her business features different artists in her shop. She has also endeavoured to find a variety of ways to improve the services she provides her customers in the community.
Morris briefly spoke about the Community Builders Program which recognizes those from Stettler’s past that have helped it to become the community it is today.
This year’s recipients were John Backstrom and his family who were involved in building many of Stettler’s early buildings such as the Ransom School House, and the Courthouse which was Stettler’s first School. The Committee also recognized Charles Willis who purchased the Stettler Independent in 1908 and his son Roy who took over for his father. Both men were active members of the community, and Roy was the first Male Citizen of the Year.
Wendy Staal won Female Citizen of the Year.
Stall was recognized for her time on a variety of boards and organizations in Stettler. Particularly she served for several years on the board of the Stettler Music Festival. Wendy was noted as “Leaving a positive mark wherever she goes” and for recruiting volunteers for a variety of groups as well.
Dean Lovell was awarded the Male Citizen of the Year.
Lovell spoke about how warm and welcoming Stettler was when he first came to the community with his brother and father and has never forgotten the kindness they were shown. Lovell has run a successful and nationally recognized company in Stettler for many years, on top of the many groups and organizations to which he has given countless hours. He has coached and refereed youth sports, as well as been involved in the arts.
