A titan of industry, Terry Elias, described as a man for whom a handshake still means something in business, was celebrated Thursday night as Winkler's 2016 Citizen of the Year.

The award was handed out by the Winkler Community Foundation for years of "quietly contributing to the community," in his pivotal role with Lode King and Triple E Canada.

"It continues to be a shock," Elias says. "It's just a real honour."

Elias was lauded for a commitment to his employees, creating an empowering working environment and embodying the values of his grandfather and Triple E founder P.W Enns. He was also a key player in the Cedars Estates housing project on Main Street, one he calls his proudest accomplishment.

Elias notes he is excited to see the next generation getting involved in the community

However, he says nothing noteworthy is accomplished without cooperation, "the housing downtown, especially the senior centres, have been really the partnership of the community at large."

Mayor Martin Harder also thanked Elias, adding his contributions have not gone unnoticed.

"Here is a man who spread the seed of our culture... a culture of giving," Harder says.

Elias says in Winkler the community has become accustomed to working together, noting he sees the next generation getting involved.

"We live in... just a great community," Elias says. "To carry on with this legacy we need to see us continue to work towards this, and it's really good to see younger people too, wanting to embrace this idea and be a part of the culture of the community."

Elias follows in the footsteps of his grandfather P.W Enns who was a past Citizen of the Year award.

Part of the Citizen of the Year award includes a $1,000 grant of choice, for which Elias chose The Bunker. Elias presented the grant to Executive Director Kevin Hildebrand during the awards banquet Thursday night