The Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was a gala affair filled with fun, congratulatory speeches, a wonderful meal and amusing local entertainment.
Kim Short, who was the master of ceremonies for the event, held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre on Oct. 19, thanked the chamber for hosting the event, giving special recognitions to Jackie Stratton, Jenna Hettler and Rick Moon. The title sponsor of the event was Rimbey Review and the entertainment sponsor was Legacy Ford. The Kinsmen looked after the bar. The town donated the facility to hold the event.
Following the meal, catered by Mel’s Catering, the awards got underway and deserving recipients were recognized.
Leading the way was Jennifer Roback, who took the business of the year award with 14 or fewer employees sponsored by ATB.
“Jennifer Roback is pleasant and always willing and ready to answer questions or make conversation,” was one of the comments made during the voting.
The next award went to Business of the Year with 15 or more employees sponsored by Pharmasave. This award went to Rimbey Co-op.
“Rimbey Co-op is a pleasant place to shop. They live their brand every day and are proud of our community and the people within,” a voter commented.
The new business of the year, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and won by Mini Mee Clothing, also received accolades during voting.
“Mini Mee has brought in some of the big city style to our little town. It’s so nice to be able to get fashionable gear for our families without having to support other communities,” said a voter.
Eamon McCann, who was not on hand to receive his award, won the Peoples Choice Award sponsored by Magic Suds Truck Wash Inc.
“Eamon is always friendly and accommodating and his youth program is second to none and helps young kids learn the game of golf,” was a comment made during voting.
The Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Rimbey Chamber of Commerce, was won by Cheryl Jones, the administrator of Pas Ka Poo Park.
“She runs Pas Ka Poo Park with enthusiasm and hard work,” was one of the comments made. “The park is a jewel in this community and largely thanks to Cheryl Jones,” a voter commented.
The Business Community Spirit Award sponsored by Servus Credit Union went to The Servus Credit Union.
“Their initiatives, employee involvement and business partnerships consistently prove they are here for their members and the Community of Rimbey,” a voter noted.
Rimbey Fish and Game won the Non-profit of the Year award sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
“Rimbey Fish and Game is an association that tends to get forgotten about, but they support a great cause and also support other organizations,” said a voter.
The lifetime achievement award went to Terri Ormberg and Eric Hornsey.
Ormberg volunteers for the Beatty House and 4-H groups. She has been a part of the Women’s Conference for the past 32 years. Horsey is a 40-year volunteer at the Legion and in his spare time he is on the Historic Society.
“I cannot think of a more deserving winner for the Lifetime Achievement Award than Eric Hornsey,” a voter said.
The final award of the evening was presented to Jackie Stratton by president Melvin Durand.
During his presentation, Durand gave sincere thanks and acknowledgement to Stratton for her dedication, time and commitment to the Rimbey Chamber.