The Altona & District Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2017 business and citizen award recipients.

Elmer’s Manufacturing Ltd is the recipient of the Business Excellence Award for 11 employees or more. Elmer's grew from a small farm business in 1978 and grew to design, fabricate, assemble and test agriculture equipment. The products are shipped across Western Canada, US, and many overseas countries. The community has benefited from Elmer's business growth through employment opportunities. Elmer's has supported their community through financial donations and participation, including the Blue Sky Opportunities expansion, Altona Community Foundation, MCC Disaster Response, and Adult & Teen Challenge.

Criteria for choosing Business Excellence Award recipients include achievement and growth, employment growth, contribution to the industry and community, impact on the community through positive spirit, drive and vision, volunteer service and leadership.

Winner Circle Automotive is the recipient of the Business Excellence Award for the 10 employees or less category. The family-owned business has served the community since 1996 and is known for fast and friendly service. The business provides their employees with Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship training. Recently, an employee completed his entire four-year Journeyman program through Winner Circle. This company also supports their local community through sports, including Altona Minor Hockey, Miller Aces, Altona Maroons, Pembina Valley Hawks and Red River Mudbugs. Winner Circle has sponsored public skating, Legends Car club, and the Sunflower Festival.

Curwin Friesen is the recipient of the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award. Friesen was instrumental in launching the Millennium Project and Gallery In the Park, as well as co-founding Seeds Church, supporting Minor Baseball and the Maroons 400 Club. Curwin was also the CEO of Friesens Corporation from 2007-2016 and is now the Chairman of the Board. Curwin has helped organize events for the upcoming 10th Anniversary of Gallery In The Park, and is working to bring lights to Access Field.

Gord Sawatzky is the recipient of the 2017 Volunteer Recognition Award. The Altona Panthers Coach provides positive support to athletes of different skill levels. This organization enriches the lives of those with an intellectual disability through sports and activity.

Jayden Friesen-Kehler is the recipient of the 2017 Youth Recognition Award which is presented to a youth for their personal contribution to the community. Jayden is the youth representative on Town Council, W.C. Miller Student Body President and champions a drug prevention program. She also spends time volunteering for baseball clinics and the YIP program.

The Annual Awards Banquet will be held on April 12 with guest speaker Josh Simair, Co-Founder of SkipTheDishes.