Members of the Carman and Community Chamber of Commerce recognized excellence in the community during the organization's annual awards gala on Thursday evening. Four individuals were singled out for their contributions to the area over the years.

The Chamber of the Year award went to Walinga Inc. Owner Cor Lodder says he was honoured and humbled to be recognized in this way.

"I really appreciate the consideration after all the efforts that we've put in, within the community as far as the Chamber is concerned, both as a business and personally being involved in the Chamber for twenty-some years including being President for one or two terms. It's just what we do as part of being a business member and family in the community."

And although Walinga Inc. has established itself around the world, Lodder says it's still important for him to be involved at the local level because their employees are part of the community, as well as their customers.

"Even though we ship products world-wide we have a very strong base of customers in Carman whether it's for truck and trailer service work on our feed equipment, or whether it's for getting small fabrication or machining jobs done, we can help take care of the farmer if he's got a break down in the field (and) we can recreate his parts and get his equipment going very quickly."

Lodder adds supporting various aspects of the community allows him to give back.

Presented with the Business Award of the Year was Murray Kines, Owner of the Home Hardware store in Carman. He's been in business for just over five years and is enjoying it in the community, trying to build a growing business.

Business of the Year Award winner Murray Kines of Home Hardware

"I think in a smaller centre, being part of the community, you are a part of the people that are your customers - you're trying to support them and they're supporting you."

He adds however, owning a business in a small town also has its challenges.

Kines notes it was a pleasant surprise to receive the award. "It's nice because you want to be a part of the town and the community and so it's nice that people seem to appreciate what you're doing. It's encouraging."

Warren McCutcheon receives the Ag Business of the Year Award on behalf of McCutcheon Farms Ltd.Receiving a new award this year, Ag Business of the Year, was McCutcheon Farms Ltd.. Accepting the award was Warren McCutcheon, the third generation to operate the family-run farm.

"It's really neat to be honoured like this by the Chamber, we're thankful to get to do what we do everyday and it's nice to be recognized along with all the other people here."

McCutcheon adds, "If you're not moving forward you're moving backwards."

Presented with the final award of the evening was Volunteer of the Year Linda McNair. She too says she was honoured and humbled to be recognized.

"This community is a great volunteering community. There are so many people who spend so many hours to make things happen around here that trying to pick one person...is quite a feat. While I'm very 

Volunteer of the Year Linda McNair honoured to receive (the award), I know that I'm just one of very many people who put a lot of effort in to the community."

While she has a history of being involved in numerous organizations and initiatives in Carman, McNair says she's narrowed down her commitments to mainly the Carman Area Foundation and Carman Health Centre Board. She feels volunteers are the heart of Carman.

Meantime, the Carman and Community Chamber held its annual meeting on Thursday evening as well. Kate Petrie was re-elected President, Kenton Vanderveen was named Vice President, Dean North filled the Secretary spot and Kelly Dyck was named Treasurer.