We are incredibly proud to recognize every individual and business nominated for this year’s Chamber Excellence Awards. Being nominated is an achievement in itself — it reflects the impact you are making in Fort Macleod and the respect you’ve earned from our community.

Each name listed below represents dedication, leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making our community stronger. We are honoured to celebrate all of you.

Join us on February 26th at the Chamber Excellence Awards & Appreciation Gala as we recognize these outstanding nominees and announce this year’s recipients. It promises to be an evening of celebration, connection, and community pride.

Nominees

2025 Citizen of the Year (Westco Construction)

Mackenzie Hengerer, Bev Jestin, Niesje Vanden Dool, Ellen Potvin, Alla Bishop, Robert Rippen, Donna Guyette, David Arnoldussen, Dirk Gillingham, Meranda Day Chief, Cheryl Gatzky, Keith Trowbridge

Junior Citizen of the Year (Northback)

Nevayah Fox, Miles Poytress, Avery Rippin, Tessa Van Hierden

Small Business of the Year (Scougall Motors)

Fort Macleod Glass, MA Catering Company Ltd, Horizon Herbs, HR Advantage, Digbee’s Diner, Curbside Salon, The Baked Aussie, Fulcrum Outdoors, Stronghold

Large Business of the Year (Huckvale LLP)

Westco Construction, Hurlburt Rock Products, Scougall Motors, Little Leaders Learn and Play, GMS Mechanical and Equipment

Home Based Business of the Year (Crazy Stitch)

Naomi Faulkner Yoga, Curbside Salon – Jackie Nelson, Paiges Web Pages – Paige Knauf, WildCraft Kids – Logan & Caleb Vanden Broek

Employee Service of the Year (MA Catering Company Ltd)

Mary Braconnier, Marian Beusekom, Petula Dyck, Kylee Ashley, Grayson Archibald, Cheyenne Neufeld, Jackie Nelson, Chantel (Tilly) Chaffee, Dustin, Dan Plourde, Linda O’Sullivan

Becky Housenga Rural Roots & Community Spirit Award (ST Doyle Farms)

Cecilie Fleming, Marney Delver, Vandervalk Family, Willow Creek Gospel Music Jamboree, Jackie Nelson, Hurlburt Rock Products, Justin Keeley, Janene Van Driesten, Dona Guyette

Agriculture Business of the Year (MNP)

Hilltop Dairy, Larson Custom Feeders, Vandervalk Farms, Crocus Coulee Ranch, Hurlburt Ranch, Mo Boot Ag, Co-operators – Kustra Insurance & Investments Inc.

Community Enhancement Award (Town of Fort Macleod)

Fort Macleod Elks, Empress Theatre Society, Town of Fort Macleod Library, House of Prayer, The Fort Macleod Vault & Coworking Space, Fort Macleod Volleyball Club, 100 Women Who Care, Scougall Motors, Community Futures Alberta Southwest, Kids First Family Centre, Horizon Herbs, Co-operators – Kustra Insurance & Investments Inc., Fort Macleod Allied Arts

Senior Citizen of the Year (Avail CPA)

Dan Burger, Don McLean, Bob Gunn

New Business of the Year (Community Futures – Alberta Southwest)

Taran Van Hierden – Real Estate Centre (2024), The Penalty Box (2024), Newton Neuropsychology, Curbside Salon, Wild Craft Kids

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (GulikerVis Real Estate Group)

Jon Oostlander – Glacier Equipment, Logan & Caleb Vanden Broek – Wildcraft Kids

Let’s pack the room and celebrate the best of Fort Macleod!