The nominees for the 17th annual Women of the Year awards, presented by Quota International of Weyburn and their partner sponsor the Weyburn Credit Union, were recognized for their community support during a luncheon held at McKenna Hall on April 11.
The Women of the Year award finalists each mentioned how important it was to support the community and balance their work with their volunteering commitments.
Jacqui Spence received the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award, Tracey Rothwell received the M. Isabelle Butters Quota International of Weyburn Community Service Award, Susan Fleck received the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award and Nichol Thomson received the Hoffman, Michel and Associates Private Wealth Management Young Women of Distinction Award.
Fleck felt amazed to be the recipient of the Exceptional Entrepreneur Award. “It is an honour to be nominated among with the other women in my category and truly an honour to win the award. Being born and raised here in Weyburn, it is an honour to come home, have my career here, open my business and see my dream come to life.”
In October 2016, Fleck officially opened Centered Physiotherapy and Yoga. Her clinic provides treatment to those living with vestibular dysfunction (dizziness and vertigo), orthopaedic injuries and disabilities, neurological pain and dysfunction including conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, post-stroke and sciatica.
“As an entrepreneur and mother of three, I just really want people to know that they can go after their dreams, reach for the stars, nothing is the limit and that if you dream it, and want it, then just go for it,” said Fleck.
Thomson was very excited to be the recipient of the Young Woman of Distinction Award. “There were a lot of good people who were nominated for the awards this year. The other person in my category had done a lot for our community too. It is just amazing that someone took the time to recognize our efforts.”
Dr. Thomson is chiropractor and partner in the Riverside Chiropractic Clinic in Weyburn. In her practice, clients report that she is very knowledgeable, dedicated and involves the patients in their care.
“Giving back to the community is one of the most important things a person can do,” said Thomson. “I grew up in Weyburn, so I was influenced by a number of amazing volunteers and am honoured to have the opportunity to give back to the youth in our community.”
Tracey Rothwell was very honoured to receive the Community Service Award. “I think that receiving this award is one of the most rewarding things that has ever happened. You start off doing something with your children and then you realize that your children like spending time with you and it becomes something that you don’t know how to stop. Especially since there are so many other children who are looking to you as their mentor and inspiration.”
Rothwell is involved with the Weyburn Synchro Stars and has been recognized on numerous occasions in the synchronized swimming community as both a coach and volunteer.
“It is not a single, solitary thing (when you volunteer) because you are surrounded by other wonderful and dedicated people,” said Rothwell.
Jacqui Spence felt very humbled to receive the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award. “It is awesome to be recognized. I work really hard in my profession. I have spent the last 20 years working with young children in our community and feel that their early education is very important.”
Spence is a key component of the Weyburn Co-operative playschool. She is responsible to the parents who trust her with the care of their children, and to a board of directors made up of parent volunteers.
“My recognition should give a little more recognition to all the early childhood educators in our community,” said Spence.
