Citizenship and business awards were presented to Elkhorn community members at the Elkhorn and District Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual Banquet & Awards night.
The event was hosted by Chamber President Mark Humphries and co-host Fred McLean. Roger Hurst asked a blessing on the food; the attendees enjoyed a wonderful supper catered by Merv Jebb and his staff from First Street Catering.
Before the presentation of the final award of the evening, Humphries stressed the value of shopping locally, noting that with the closing of the CIBC, business has slowed in Elkhorn.
CITIZENSHIP RECOGNITION
Citizen of the Year
Elkhorn LUD Citizen of the Year was presented by LUD rep. Kevin Tutthill to Blaine Rhodes. Rhodes was nominated by Wallace District Fire Department Stn.2. He has been an active member of the Wallace WDFD for 16 years, serving seven years as Assistant Fire Chief. He has represented Stn. 2 along with Fire Chief Brad Yochim on the MB Association of Fire Chiefs and also serves on the Mutual Aid District. Rhodes served 24 years as an EMS, 25 years as a member of the Elkhorn Elks and nine years on the United Church Council, also serving as its chair. He is actively involved in community sports as an umpire and coach.
Chamber Recognition
The Chamber Recognition Award, sponsored by Tricia and Denis Lachapelle, was presented to Al Johnson (posthumously). Al (AJ) and his partner, Betty McLaren, moved to Elkhorn in 1995. Mr. Johnson became very involved in the community. He was a member of the Leisure Centre and the Museum Restoration Club and was active in fundraising for various groups in the community and drove the Handi-van. He received recognition from the Manitoba Council of Aging for his work in the community with seniors. This evening’s award was accepted by Betty McLaren.
Longstanding Service
The Chamber Longstanding Service Award, sponsored by Fred and Tawna McLean was presented to William (Bill) Bartley. In 1964, Bartley bought his father’s business and for many years he and his wife Margaret operated the department store. Their children also worked in the store.
Bartley served as Mayor of Elkhorn from 1972 to 1979.
Notable advancements in Elkhorn during his tenure included the passing of a by-law authorizing sale and transfer of land to the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corp. for the purpose of a Senior Persons Housing project. In 1975 Elkhorn streets were paved.
Accepting his award, Mr. Bartley thanked his family. He thanked former council members and those in office now for working to continue to improve the community.
Special recognition was also given to Wenda Paton, owner of Past and Present, for her work in the community.
Local authors
Fred Mclean, author of From Hargrave to the Hitler Line and Gordon Brennand, author of From Farm Boy to Fly Boy, were also recognized for their recently published literary works.
Contribution
Community Contribution Award sponsored by Bick’s Auto was awarded to the Elkhorn Elks.
The Chamber also recognized Darby Shackel, a Grade 11 student (2018), who will be secretary assistant with the Chamber for the next two years. Upon completion of the position, she will receive a double scholarship at graduation.
BUSINESS AWARDS
Business of the Year
Westwood Ranch Garden Centre won the Business of the Year Award which was sponsored by the Elkhorn District Chamber of Commerce.
Young Entrepreneur
This award went to Thomas Humphries with Fusion Audio Visual, sponsored by the Elkhorn Elks # 381.
Tradesperson
R.T. Jebb Electric was the recipient, sponsored by Canart Backhoe.
Customer Service
Wenda Paton of Past & Present received this award sponsored by Virden Mainline Motors.
Tourism
Westwood Ranch Garden Centre received the Tourism award, sponsored by R.T. Jebb Electric
Employee of the Year
Presented to Hayden Lewis, this award was sponsored by Westwood Ranch Garden Centre.
