The Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce held its first ever (and hopefully first annual) Excellence awards at the end of 2020, and, according to Chamber Manager Jerrilyn Schembri, it was a great success.
“We had close to 80 nomination,” says Schembri. “That was incredible, considering it was our first time ever doing this.”
Categories included volunteer of the year, business of the year, employer of the year and outstanding customer service.
But arguably the biggest award of the year was for Citizen(s) of the year, which went to Frank and Grace Walsh.
The couple was nominated multiple times, both as individuals and as a couple, and always with great acclaim. “Frank and Grace have provided incredible leadership over many years through leading the Lions Club and in being perfect hosts in the Lions Campground, especially during the difficulties of 2020,” wrote one. “Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday Grace does the meal on wheels program where she picks up meals for people from the restaurant and hand deliveries the meals to people who can not make the meals on their own and have little access to pick up the meals themselves. She uses her own vehicle and does it year round,” wrote another.
A third writes: “Mrs. Grace ,or Gracie I like to call her, is a vibrant volunteer of the Lions Club. Every event she takes to the phone, making sure she has enough members to help, makes trip to the community make sure that they have everything they need, making a list of what they don’t have. She always ensures everything is in order, may God Bless her heart. I’ve seen her out in all kinds of weather delivering meals on wheels. I have nothing but profound respect for this sweet woman. Always very positive, takes time to talk to you, and always has encouraging advice. But what Mrs Grace’s gives me is a Mom hug. This is so important to me, as I’m away from my Mom. I tell Mrs Grace whenever I see that she reminds me of my Mom.”
Another nominations points out that “Grace always has a smile and is a genuine member who dedicates her time to help others in need.”
And finally, one nominator says the two are the core of Tumbler Ridge. “They volunteer endlessly. They are retired and have spent the last 20 years that I have known them working relentlessly to make Tumbler Ridge a better place to live. Frank and Grace volunteer with the Lions, ensuring that there are always hamburgers and hot dogs at ever local event. The Lions are a big part of Tumbler Ridge and Frank and Grace are the Lions. They run the concession for minor hockey events and practices, they do all of the pancake breakfasts in town, the run the bingo, they maintain and run the Flatbed Creek Campground all summer. They collect all of the fees, clean washrooms, get wood, help with any problems, manage bookings.
“Frank and Grace volunteer year round and seem to be involved in everything. On top of all that they do with the Lions and the Legion and the Legion Ladies, Grace also delivers and organizes Meals on Wheels to those that are unable to get out.
“Recently Grace has taken ill and we see how much she did because things are not happening anymore. Frank and Grace have been the example of caring and community spirit. It is my pleasure to nominate Frank and Grace Walsh as citizen of the year.
The runner up for citizen of the year was Barb Schuerkamp. Barb recently retired from the clinic after 30 years of service as registered nurse in Tumbler Ridge, much of that time as head nurse. According to her nominator, “she helped make health care in Tumbler Ridge unequaled in BC for a remote community. As she enters retirement, this award would be a special way to recognize her service and show our appreciation for her dedication over three decades.”
Will Howe won the Sportsperson of the Year category. According to the person who nominated him, he has “been instrumental in the minor hockey league in Tumbler Ridge. He spends hours at the arena in the winter. He has coached and does a great job with the kids. Will is also an avid golfer and has supported the golf course.”
Runner up was Drea Schoenknecht. “Drea goes above and beyond for the youth in Tumbler Ridge through her coaching,” wrote her nominator. “She spends countless hours prepping lessons, routines, and teaching our young athletes. Drea has kept her students and those in her life inspired throughout the pandemic and has gone above and beyond to keep the kids of Tumbler Ridge skating and active. Thank you for all you do, Drea!”
In the Chamber Business Excellence Category (sponsored by Tumbler Ridgelines, as the publisher is the board chair of the Chamber), the winner was Ridge Powersports and Marine. “They deal with each person in timely fashion and are always trying to make sure they are happy,” wrote one nominator. “They give a lot to make others happy.” Another person said “They do excellent work, have great prices and the staff are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.”
Runner up in the category was Life Names. Life Names is the designer of the Tumbler Chamber Website (also, you totally should check out their page on the Excellence Awards; it is gorgeous). “Michael and his team have been Chamber members for a long time,” says the nomination. “Michael does the website work for the Chamber and has been very generous with his time. He offers suggestions to the Chamber Manager about things he feels would help the Chamber be more effective. Michael is a strong supporter of the Chamber and I know the Chamber is better for his participation.”
Volunteer of the year was Ronke Solomon, who was nominated by three separate people. “She devotes much of her time serving the needy in the community with no complaints or judgment,” wrote one. “She goes above and beyond and I think she should be recognized for her compassionate heart.”
Another wrote: “This year has been extremely difficult for many people, and the most vulnerable have of course been hit the hardest. Ronke is such a positive voice and great volunteer. Her work running the Food Bank has helped many people who are unable to afford food and other basic necessities. She is someone that people feel comfortable reaching out to for help which is not always an easy task. As we go into the holiday season the Food Bank is at its busiest time and Ronke is at the forefront of leading the holiday food drive and food hamper program to help families in need. Ronke also organizes the bi-weekly “Good Food Box” program that provides healthy food options at a discounted rate to anyone who would like to participate in the program. Thanks Ronke for all you do for our community!”
Finally, a third wrote: “Ronke works tirelessly to ensure that those in need have what they need. She is non judgmental, kind and a definite asset to this community. When I fell on hard times, she was kind, understanding and delivered whatever I needed. If I could not find a way to the food bank, she came and picked me up and took me there to shop for what I needed. She is a hard worker and makes sure the Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter hampers are fully stocked for a wonderful meal, and includes a small gift in the Christmas hamper. She is an angel on earth that woman!”
Runner up for volunteer of the year was Cameron Drever, who had one of the most elegant nominations. “I am very pleased to be nominating Cameron Drever for the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award due in part to his consistent service to the District of Tumbler Ridge, but also as a result of his accomplishments within the multitude of volunteer roles he holds,” the wrote. “First and foremost, I think it important to demonstrate the scope of his volunteerism: Firefighter – Tumbler Ridge Fire Department, Training Officer & Ground Search Team Leader – Tumbler Ridge Search & Rescue, Vice President & Project Manager – Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association, Board Member, Policy Committee Chair & Amalgamation Task Force Member – Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation, and Interpretive Hike Leader – Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark.
“By witnessing much of the work he has put into each of these positions, as well as the respect and appreciation he has garnered from his colleagues, I can accurate state that the sheer volume of his contributions has been both immense and fruitful. To organize multi-hour training sessions for Search & Rescue, lead/co-lead the TR Mountain Bike Association (TRMBA) while our President has been on maternity leave, and provide his time as Board Member within the other organizations listed, all the while attending weekly fire trainings and answering the call to service day or night has earned him recognition in my mind.
“More specifically, TRMBA has considerably benefited from his service. Drawing on a geological and engineering background, he has overseen the development of our latest projects: a paved pump track and downhill mountain biking trails that are to be constructed in Spring/Summer 2021. His technical insights and attention to detail have helped us achieve funds exceeding the $750,000 mark collected over a two year period since our conception. These initiatives are expected to revolutionize the community by expanding into the tourism industry and playing an important role in escaping the cyclical nature of a resource-based economy. As such, his work has far greater implications and outside-the-box thinking that will be for the betterment of all. Thanks to the oversight Cameron has provided for each project, these upcoming developments have turned ideas into soon-to-be realities.”
The Non-profit of the year was awarded to the Grizzly Valley ATV Club. “They go above and beyond to make sure the trails are passable. Volunteer many hours of their time. Makes it a very good tourist draw for the community,” wrote one person, while another spoke eloquently about club president Tim Croston. “Tim is always willing to help anyone out at any time. He gives of himself, his time and his resources. But I wish to specifically note his dedication to cleaning up the back country. He keeps trails and off-road areas free of refuse. As club president, His initiative helped the ATV Club to purchase a very expensive trailer with the help of a hefty grant from ATVBC, to continue keeping trails clear. Previous to this he and Maurice Thebeau, have been using their own trailers to get this nasty work done. We aren’t talking about pop cans here. We’re talking about wrecked vehicles with tires burned off. Mangled scrap weighing many tons. Last year alone about a dozen of these were hauled to the dump. There is a list at this time of (approximately) 8 more that demand clean-up. I know he’ll get the job done. When he decides to do something, he always sees it through. Not only does he have perseverance, he shows integrity in the face of critique and negativity. The Naysayers can’t keep him from his objectives.”
The runner-up was TR Cares. “The drivers have been great. The service they offer is extremely valuable to the community,” writes one. “Rose has a finger in every pie, loves all the good things about Tumbler Ridge, and through leading TR Cares in COVID times has shown exemplary citizenship and leadership.”
The Employer of the year? Conuma Coal. “I see Conuma as the reason Tumbler is still viable,” says one nominator. “Without them there would not be any jobs here. I have watched them try to employ local people who live in town. They have kept people employed through the Covid debacle. I had a friend say that they were about the best company she had worked for.”
Another says Conuma came onto the scene when TR was down and out, revitalizing and giving new life and hope for the people who call Tumbler Ridge home. “Conuma Resources employs local people from all over the Peace Region—Dawson Creek, Fort St John, Grande Prairie and beyond—providing high paying jobs for both men and women, employ local contractors who also provide jobs for local people, and use the services of TR, contributing to the local businesses and making TR a more viable play to live and raise a family.”
The runner up for Employer of the year is the District of Tumbler Ridge. “I know several people who work for the District of Tumbler Ridge and they are very happy there. I have been told it is very much a family feel. People are encouraged to have each other’s backs. Birthdays are celebrated and successes are celebrated as well. The District is one of the main employers in town and if you get a job with them, you are a lucky person.”
The business that provided Outstanding Customer Service was the Tumbler Ridge Pharmacy. “2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, and pharmacies have been at the forefront of having to address COVID issues as an essential service, give people their flu shots, keep prescriptions filled, and provide general advice,” says the nominator. “Our pharmacy in Tumbler Ridge has been exemplary, always providing help and advice with efficiency and with a smile.”
The runner up is the Tumbler Ridge Library. “I have lived in Tumbler Ridge many years and went to the Library for help for many things. I have never once felt that they were in a hurry to get me out the door and were always eager to help me with a very friendly manner to make sure I left feeling very special. I can’t name just one person because every last one were very helpful.”
The last category is Business of the Year. To build suspense, let us talk first about the runner up, Home Hardware. “The whole team at Home Hardware is always very welcoming and helpful,” says the nomination form. “The Turners (Jan and Dean) go out of their way to help people, coming in on days off, opening the store after hours for an emergency situation. They are great supporters of local events, nonprofits and charities.”
And the winner of the Business of the Year category is Freshmart. “Freshmart has excelled in this time of Covid, Organizing and going the extra mile to make the employees and the store as safe and protected for its customers,” writes the nominator.”Shopping in TR is very limited, and a grocery store is an essential service. I enjoying shopping at Freshmart. They try to make the hours workable for the shift workers. They hire local people—high school students, women and has good hiring practices. Many of the employees are longtime residents of TR.”
While this year the awards were announced virtually, Schembri says she is already looking forward to next year. “We are already planning to make it a gala event,” she says. “2020 didn’t allow us to make this into a true event, but hopefully 2021 will be kinder to us. We will begin the process earlier and hope to recognize each of our winners in person.”
The awards ceremony was recorded and is at www.tumblerchamber.com/excellence-awards-nomination for anyone to watch. The next day, Schembri distributed many (though not all) of the awards door-to-door.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
