Landon Schneider was named Fort Macleod’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.
Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce honoured some of the community’s shining stars Thursday during a gala event at the community hall.
Landon Schneider, Hope Gouchie and others were recognized during the 2024 awards program.
“A community is not just a place on a map,” Deputy Mayor Christina Fox said. “It is shaped by those who call it home. It is built by dreamers who take risks and leaders who uplift those around them.”
“Tonight we recognize that the strength of our community is not measured by its size or resources, but by the dedication, resilience and generosity of the individuals within it.”
“Every individual and business represented here tonight plays a role in shaping our shared success.”
The Chamber sold about 125 tickets for the event, which included hot appetizers, charcuterie boards and dessert.
The highlight of the evening was presentation of nine awards.
“As an entrepreneur and business owner myself, I find what makes Fort Macleod extraordinary is the way we support each other,” Fox said. “Success is not a solo journey. It is built on partnership, mentorship and the collective spirit of people who believe in lifting others as they climb.”
Fox said when one business succeeds opportunities are created for others.
The same holds true for individual success, which serves to inspire others in the community.
“Tonight’s award recipients exemplify the best of us,” Fox said. “They remind us that leadership is about service, that true success is about impact, and the legacy we leave is measured not just in profits but in the lives we touch.”
“As we celebrate tonight, let’s look ahead with a shared commitment to strengthen our community, supporting local businesses, foster innovation and investing in the people who call this place home. Together we will continue to build a future where success is not just personal, but collective.”
Master of ceremonies Adrian Stetski used the words of Robert Herjavec of Dragon’s Den fame to illustrate the importance of businesses to a community.
“Local business owners are the unsung heroes of communities, and they deserve our gratitude and support,” Stetski said. “Which is why we’re here tonight — to celebrate and reward some of our excellent local businesses.”
Citizen of the Year
Landon Schneider was named Fort Macleod’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.
The award goes to a Fort Macleod resident who embodies the spirit of community co-operation and generosity through volunteer service.
Marj Hart, Mackenzie Hengerer and Stephen Vandervalk were also nominated.
Junior Citizen
Hope Gouchie was named Fort Macleod’s Junior Citizen of the Year.
The Chamber presents the Junior Citizen of the Year Award to an individual aged 18 years and under who embodies the spirit of community co-operation and generosity through volunteer service.
The other nominees for Junior Citizen were Tessa Van Hierden, Trystan Wipf and Rylee Stedman.
Large Business Award
The Large Business Award was presented to Jon’s Independent Grocer.
This award goes to an outstanding business with 10 or more employees dedicated to striving to exceed customer expectations and which has had a positive impact on the business community.
FalCan Industries and Structural Truss were the other nominees.
Small Business Award
Front Line Towing received the Small Business Award.
The award recognizes n outstanding business of any type with up to five staff members dedicated to striving to exceed customer expectations and which has a positive impact on the business community.
The other nominees were Alberta Hardware and Alberta Firearms and Twisted Hummingbird.
Agricultural Business Award
The Agricultural Business Award went to Hurlburt Ranch.
The Agricultural Business Award is presented to the business that promotes the area’s natural resources to be used in the best possible and sustainable way.
The award recognizes a business that is developing and promoting new and positive change in agricultural business practices and expertise in the district.
The other nominees were MoBoots Ag and Vandervalk Farms.
New Business Award
The New Business Award went to LV3 Mechanical Ltd.
The award recognizes a new business that has been established within the past two years and has already demonstrated notable achievement.
The other nominees were O’Sullivan’s Concrete and The Vault.
Home-Based Business Award
Visualize Design and Drafting received the Home-Based Business Award.
This award goes to a business operating out of a residence and has been active for a consistent period of time, adding a beneficial service to the community.
Also nominated were Paige’s Web Pages and Slow Flow Yoga.
Community Enhancement Award
F.P. Walshe school received the Community Enhancement Award.
The award recognizes a non-profit organization that is making a positive difference in the community with social responsibility as an integral part of its success.
The other nominees were Fort Macleod Allied Arts and the STARS Volleyball Tournament.
Employee Service Award
Dona Guyette of Twisted Hummingbird received the Employee Service Award.
The award goes to an outstanding individual or team of employees who present an excellent, ongoing level of customer service.
Also nominated were Abby Bourassa of South Country Doors and Emily McTighe of The Macleod Gazette.
