Coaldale Chamber, Town celebrate community difference makers

Sunny South News Photo courtesy of Town of Coaldale. Leonard Fast accepting the Citizen of the Year award. CHAMBER AWARDS: The Coaldale Chamber of Commerce and Town of Coaldale recognized local residents, businesses and organizations for their contributions to the community during the 44th Annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet on Feb. 7. Recipients were recognized in several categories including Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Athlete of the Year, and several businesses including the Sunny South News were acknowledged for their longstanding support of the Coaldale Chamber of Commerc, as anniversary award recipients. Please see next week’s edition for more awards photos.

• Annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet held Feb. 7 

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

It was an evening where the Coaldale community came together to honour the people, businesses and community organizations that make a difference.     

The Coaldale Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Coaldale welcomed close to 200 guests, dignitaries and award recipients to the 44th Annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet on Feb. 7. 

The event, held at the Civic Square Atrium, was a “distinguished evening recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose dedication continues to strengthen and advance the Coaldale community,” noted the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce, who thanked partners, sponsors, regional leaders, volunteers, and guests who helped make the event a success. 

Robert Woolf, President of the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce, noted the important role businesses have in the community.  

“These longstanding businesses are true pillars of our local economy, and their continued commitment and leadership have helped shape the strength and character of Coaldale’s business community,” said Woolf. “The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration in supporting and celebrating business excellence and community leadership throughout Coaldale.”  

This year, the Chamber also acknowledged its Anniversary Award recipients — including Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB), Sunny South News, and Kustom Auto Body — each celebrating 50 years as Chamber members and representing a strong foundation within Coaldale’s business community.

Nominations for the awards were submitted by the public, with recipients announced in late December. Each honouree demonstrated excellence and a meaningful commitment to the community. 

This years recipients were:  

Coaldale Chamber of Commerce Awards

• Business of the Year: Tim Hortons

• Citizen of the Year: Leonard Fast

• Customer Service of the Year: Jillian Borysewicz, Due West Tire Co.

• Group Citizens of the Year: Ladders to Learning

• Special Tribute of the Year: Mark Anderson, Ride for Dad

Town of Coaldale Awards

• Athlete of the Year: Jesse-James Olsen

• Recreation Leader of the Year: Coaldale Public Library

• Community Artist of the Year: Brenda Jagersma

• Environmental Excellence of the Year: NewCold

• Youth Citizen of the Year: Coaldale Youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn said the event was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations “whose efforts continue to strengthen Coaldale,” and noted how much of their work, which often happens quietly, impacts the entire community.

“We were proud to once again partner with the Coaldale Chamber of Commerce to host this year’s Awards and Appreciation Banquet. The collaboration between the Chamber and the Town speaks to our shared commitment to supporting local success,” said Van Rijn, noting the well organized evening and memorable celebration, was a credit to the long hours and work by volunteers and the planning committee. “The award recipients and nominees represent the very best of Coaldale’s community spirit. Their leadership, innovation, and generosity continue to shape our town in meaningful and lasting ways.”