Recognizing the efforts of individuals and businesses within a community can often be overlooked, but the community of Stoughton celebrated those who have made a difference in the town by hosting their annual Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Business Recognition Night.
The evening drew attention to the many amazing businesses and individuals in the community.
There were two sets of awards for the evening; the first set were judged on by a panel and the second set were people's choice, having been voted on by community members at various businesses in town.
The first award, the Regens Disposal Business Enhancement Award, was given to the New Hope Pharmacy for their efforts in revitalizing their storefront. Chelsea and Hazel Schindel were honoured by the award.
As Chelsea accepted he laughed about the events that led to the Schindels starting the business and what then led to the new storefront into existence: “Thank you very much. Eight years ago I was working in Estevan and a friend came over and asked, 'Hey, have you ever thought about owning a pharmacy.' I told him that no I was too old, but I checked it out and talked to Hazel. I told her 'I think we should buy the store.' So we did.”
“One day we were walking past the store in the evening and Hazel, she's the person with all the ideas, said that we should do something to the front. It was getting old and that night if the wind didn't blow 80 km an hour and took the front of the store off!”
The runner-up in this category was Vivid Crystal Tattoo Studio and Shoppe.
The second award, the Town of Stoughton Community Involvement Award, for the business who gives back to the community the most went to the Stoughton Vet Clinic. Although Dr. Anne Kernaleguen, was unable to attend as she was on call, Lynn St. John accepted the award on her behalf explaining the importance of giving back to the community.
“I'm sure you all know Dr. Anne, she was unable to be here tonight, but she is a very deserving winner and will be honoured by the award,” St. John said. “She's very interested in long term volunteer efforts. Thank you to the community for this.”
Runner up in this category was Farrell Agencies who are also always willing to help in any way they can in the community.
The third award decided on by the judging panel was the Sasktel Customer Service Award. This award was thoughtfully assessed with the Stoughton Meat Market earning the honour. Rory and Erin Clark were very humble in accepting the award, thanking the community profusely but emphasizing the fact that it is their amazing staff that has earned the award.
In the first of the two community-voted awards, the R.M. Tecumseh's Business of the Year award, was given to the New Hope Pharmacy for their courteous staff and their insurance that customers have choice. It was said that their motto should be, “If we don't have it, we will get it for you because that's how we work.”
Chelsea and Hazel again took to the stage to accept their award, thanking the community for voting.
“We believe in customer service and having our customers shop locally,” Hazel stated.
They went on to acknowledge the numerous other businesses in the community, which all help to ensure Stoughton thrives.
The final award for the evening, the SaskEnergy Volunteer of the Year award, involved the recognition of the winner and runner ups.
Acknowledged for their efforts throughout the year were Reine Verbeem, Dorothy Knoch, and Danielle Hoffman. The winner of this year's award, however, went to Erin Clark.
Erin was speechless in receiving the honour and her husband, Rory, came on stage with her to explain that although Erin is extremely involved but that “Erin may be the Volunteer of the Year, but it takes a whole community.”
The evening was very much enjoyed by those in attendance who laughed along with emcee Jason Farrell, enjoyed entertainment following the awards by the Wandering Magician, Doug Arden, and whose mouths watered at the mere sight of the delicacies put together by the Happy Nun.
