Fourteen nominees were named in four categories Sunday for the Quota International of Weyburn Women of the Year Awards.

The largest category was for the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award, where six nominees were announced. Tanya Brown, Lori Hiltz, Tara Knoll, Regan Lanning, Melinda Mintenko, and Val Ness made the list.

Three nominees were named for the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award. The nominees were Vanessa Lanktree, Jennelle Periard, and Christy Sanderson.

There were two women nominated for the M. Isabelle Butters Quota International of Weyburn Community Service Award. Maureen Clay and Caroline Gillies were nominated in that category.

The three nominees for the Hoffman, Michel & Associates IG Private Wealth Management Young Woman of Distinction Award were Dara Currie, Vanessa Lanktree and Jennelle Periard.

The Women of the Year Awards will be handed out on April 9. Tickets for the awards luncheon go on sale Wednesday to the general public and can be purchased from Quota member Val Wing by calling 306-861-6353.

The nominees tea was held at Grace United Hall on March 24. 

BIOGRAPHIES:

WEYBURN CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD

TANYA BROWN Nominated by: Marna McManus

Tanya is the Creative/Traffic Coordinator and Administrative Lead for Golden West Weyburn. One of Tanya’s colleagues described a Creative/Traffic Coordinator job is to be “responsible to ensure that everything goes on air exactly as it supposed to from commercials to promotions. She is responsible for local, provincial and national commercials”.

Tanya started working at Golden West Radio in 2005 in the News Room after completing her Diploma in Journalism, then switched to a reception position; she then moved to her current position in addition to being promoted to Saskatchewan Operations Executive Assistant. Currently, she is also covering the receptionist’s position as the existing staff is on maternity leave! Her colleagues stated she is the “backbone of the radio station”.

Several of her colleagues described Tanya as “ extremely efficient, indispensable, has a strong work ethic, supportive both professionally and personally, strives to be her best, inspiring, calm, caring, professional, puts others needs before her own, reliable, efficient, and determined”. Tanya has set the standard in her field with 64 days without a ‘make-good’- meaning that not once did a commercial not air when it was supposed to. This is an achievement rarely accomplished in radio. Her expertise is often utilized to assist other stations in the Golden West family across Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Tanya genuinely cares about her colleagues in the office and is endlessly assisting others. She is supportive and inspiring when the team is in the process of changes. She finds solutions to problems and if staff need encouragement she’ll forward an email to brighten their day. If she notices a staff struggling, it is not unusual for her to take the time after work to have a coffee with the staff and talk.

As a single Mother, she is busy raising her two boys - she can be found at the baseball diamond or on the field after work. She also volunteers in the community- with the Weyburn Red Wings Board from 2004-2007 and 2013-2014. She is currently involved with the Weyburn Minor Football Board and the Weyburn Minor Football Superbowl fundraiser. She has also coached soccer. She manages her work and her personal life with grace.

Tanya rarely takes a vacation, but when she is away it takes 3 people to cover and they are happy when she returns! The staff have commented that they would be lost without Tanya, her Manager stated, “She certainly makes our lives a whole lot easier here at Golden West Radio in Weyburn”.

In the words of her colleagues- “Tanya doesn’t get nearly the credit she deserves, which is why we truly hope she is the recipient of the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award”.

 

WEYBURN CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD

LORI HILTZ Nominated by: Jessica Maas

Lori is the Director of Sunrise Early Learning and Teen Parent Support Centre Inc. since 2014. Prior to this position, she worked at Sunrise Centre as part of the Education Team beginning 2007, and in 2011 she completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

The first five years are the most important years of a child’s life and Lori, together with the staff at Sunrise Early Learning and Teen Parent Support Centre give children the best possible start in life. They ensure that children and their families are in a safe and nurturing environment. Lori is a strong advocate for children and believes that children have a right to be part of a high quality early learning program. She is also an advocate for early learning as a whole. Her goal is to continue to build the program to be one of the best Centers in the community and province. This is being achieved by holding her staff to high standards, believing in hard work, and having a passion for the job. Those that work alongside her define her leadership and mentoring as inspiring and motivating.

As a Director, she shows determination, perseverance, compassion and warmth. She regularly checks in with staff to ensure they are content in their job, pursuing their passions, reaching their fullest potential and reminding them to take time out for self-care. She has an ‘open door policy’ and provides staff with thoughtful and frank advice both professionally and personally. Over the years, she has seen the program evolve but she is constantly seeking out new information and attending professional development workshops to better her knowledge with the objection of improving the programs and services. She has the staff also participate in these educational opportunities- and if they are not able she brings the information to staff and they dialogue as to what they can do different or better to help the children in their care succeed.

When you hear or speak to Lori – her passion shines through. It is not unusual to hear Lori in conversations with staff and parents advocating for early learning versus childcare, as well as the importance of having high quality early learning in our community. She has served as Chairperson of the Southeast Early Learning Community (SELC) since 2015; this group supports high-quality care, development and education as well as promoting professional development opportunities for staff across the province.

To best capture Lori’s commitment the people she works with made the following quotes:
“Lori is hugely dedicated to her job and to her staff. She puts in long hours both at the Centre and at home ensuring that the families of Weyburn and surrounding communities have the chance to access the highest quality of care. I know that Lori’s expertise and passion for the field will change the way that the field of Early Learning is viewed”.
“Lori takes on different responsibilities in her role as Director. Lori does what needs to be done at work with little or no recognition and praise. This is my opportunity to salute, thank and praise Lori for the dedication and hard work she shows on a daily basis”.

The staff at Sunrise Early Learning and Teen Parent Support Centre Inc. are of the opinion Lori is deserving of the Credit Union Excellence in the Workplace Award. 

 

WEYBURN CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD

TARA KNOLL Nominated by: Prairie Sky Co-op

“A positive and innovative leader, dedicated, professional, fair, a great teacher, loyal, efficient, effective, values the importance of employee recognition, takes time to ensure staff feel valued and respected, eager to learn and always willing to go above and beyond for customers and staff” are some of the many positive descriptors used by the people Tara works with.

Tara has been the Manager at Prairie Sky Deli since 2010 and recently also took the additional responsibilities of Manager of the Bakery in 2018. In her position as Deli Manager her sales have doubled, and she continues to increase the profitability of the department each year. This accomplishment has been achieved through Tara’s development and implementation of strong retail marketing, positive leadership and her merchandising skills. She has developed new programs to adapt to changing customer needs, for example, ready to go food for those on the go, and an updated café menu for those that prefer to sit and stay. As a result, the staff compliment in the Deli department has doubled since she started, with very little staff turnover. She continues to be on the lookout for new and innovative ways to meet customer needs. In 2009, the Southern Saskatchewan Region, Co-operative Retailing System awarded Tara with the Deli Manager of the Year.

Tara understands the difficulties young people face entering the workforce- therefore, she has employed many students and provided them with training and education required to transition into the workforce. Those that have had that opportunity often have a positive story to share for her mentorship and kind words. One of the statements from one of those young people is “Tara is a really good teacher, she took time to explain things very well and made sure I understood. She was patient and made me feel my mistakes were learning opportunities, not always bad. She uses constructive criticism where needed and offers solutions – she helped me create better working relationships”.

Office Education, Performance Management and Management certificates are just a sample of the knowledge Tara has. Over the years, she not only expands her own knowledge but also shares that knowledge with her peers in other departments. She readily provides feedback and input in management meetings and strategic planning as well as provides guidance to other cooperative management trainees when asked.

Tara is not only dedicated to her job, but also is a wife, mother of 3 and a grandmother that keeps her on the go with family activities. In addition, she volunteers with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and supports local teams and groups through her children.

Through the leadership and vision of Tara Knoll, the deli department at Prairie Sky Co-op is perceived with a high-quality reputation in the community and the Federated Cooperatives Limited. A worthy candidate for the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award, Tara is a positive role model and highly respected by her fellow employees and members of the community.

WEYBURN CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD

REGAN LANNING Nominated by: Jaynie Himsl and Marilyn Nelson

A city shows its refinement and sophistication through the expressive display of its artistic culture. Regan Lanning, in her position of Curator for the City of Weyburn, has brought arts and culture to the forefront in the city and surrounding community. She leads by example and her enthusiasm for everything related to arts and culture is contagious and inspiring.

Regan works with and inspires the volunteers of the Weyburn Arts Council to present stimulating events of remarkable impact and quality. An example of this is the James Weir People’s Choice Exhibition which is now in its 35th year. Under Regan’s administration, this event has experienced a significant increase in the number and quality of artworks submitted for display as well as inspiring an increase in voter participation by over 300% in three years.

Regan is always quick to try new strategies. This year she incorporated an on-line voting system that brought in a quarter of all votes cast, many originating from outside Canada showcasing Weyburn to an even greater audience and highlighting the city to other countries. She has conducted more informative, affirmative, and entertaining tours for the general public and school groups, where civic pride is demonstrated and marketed favorably to all that visit.

Her skill at building relationships and connections is enviable. She works with community groups and businesses, with the media, schools, provincial and national art organizations, aspiring and established artists and the City of Weyburn. A key member in planning the new Recreation and Culture Center in Weyburn, Regan’s input has been vital for the cultural component of the building. All of which further exemplifies her commitment to a well-rounded commitment to arts and culture across all areas of the city.

Her vast involvement across the Weyburn Arts Council, along with teaching classes across Weyburn for both adults and children, to curating Weyburn’s first “Wearable Art Show” are only but a few accomplishments emphasizing her passion for what she does. Some of these include: “Maker of the Month”, “Acoustic Afternoons”, “Mud to Mug” exhibition, Boardwalk Banner Project, Afterschool Art Program and partnership with the Weyburn Credit Union’s “Weyburn in Focus” project.

Self-proclaimed as her dream job, Regan demonstrates her passion for her work with everything she does. She promotes advancement and applauds the success of others all in the name of advocacy. Her compassion and care are evident when she helps an emerging artist plan their first show or encourages a child to explore a new-found talent or interest. Finally, she always remembers to thank everyone and give credit wherever and to whomever it is due.

In the words of her nominators, “Her motto is ‘be the person you needed’, and in every aspect of her position, she lives up to that motto completely. Regan is the person we needed and highly recommended for the Workplace Excellence Award."

 

WEYBURN CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD
MELINDA MINTENKO Nominated by: Colleen Heidebrecht

At the age of 21 , Melinda’s career began as the second female police officer in Weyburn after completing her Bachelor of Arts majoring in criminology and graduating from the Saskatchewan Police College. She is currently a Senior Constable. She is also often in an acting Sergeant role responsible for all police duties. Weyburn Police Services is a police department to be proud of- and Melinda is an integral part of the values and commitment that the Police offer to the community of Weyburn.

In the workplace she models and invites her colleagues to treat everyone on BOTH sides of the law, with dignity and respect. She is professional, courteous and thorough. She cares deeply for the people she encounters, looking for creative ways to help, that sometimes law-keeping stops short of. She demonstrates passion, professionalism and a positive attitude.

Melinda has taken training in many areas, too extensive to list in this biography. She has been instrumental in the initiation and development of many policing programs in partnership with many community agencies through this training. A few examples of her training that has been instrumental in the development of programs include; Bicycle Patrol, Integrative Wrap Around Process, the DARE Program, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE). Melinda also initiated a Cyber-bullying project in partnership with an IT consultant from Cornerstone School Division. A Cyber Safety Digital Citizenship Program was launched involving policing, counsellors from both school divisions, mental health professionals and community counsellors. The presentation was delivered to students in Weyburn and area. The partnerships and networking formed is one of Melinda proudest accomplishments.

In 2018, she was awarded the Chief’s Commendation for Community Policing and the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing Award for Excellence in Policing for unfailing dedication to the betterment of the community through innovation problem solving and community partnerships. In particular, the development of the public awareness campaign, “This Rides’ on Us” designed to reduce impaired driving.

Melinda attended an International Women & Policing Conference this past year – she was empowered by the strong women around the globe and it has motivated her to further drive change. In November 2018, to raise awareness for mental health and fallen officers she ran in her full uniform in the Las Vegas Rock N Roll ½ Marathon.

Behind the uniform, Melinda is a mother of three children and a wife to a paramedic /entertainer. They work together to share all of life’s responsibilities.

In the words of her nominator, “Melinda has a voice that carries authority and still her body language shows compassion so as not to make a person feel threatened in any way. She can convince an agitated and confused person to become calm. She carries herself in such a way that proves a woman can still be feminine in a male-dominated world and profession. It is this ability that enables her to connect with people in any situation. The years have brought Melinda challenges, however, one thing that has always remained the same for her, and that is her love in helping you”.

Melinda is an exemplary example of a woman in the workplace and is a worthy candidate of the Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award.

WEYBURN CREDIT UNION EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD
VAL NESS Nominated by: Tana Torkelson on behalf of Weyburn Credit Union

Val Ness is the definition of a people person. Not simply due to her position as VP of Human Resources with Weyburn Credit Union, but for her unwavering dedication to the team overall. Through a tenured career of 44 years, she has played a part in all facets of the Credit Unions operations, while maintaining her pedigree as a knowledge center to her colleagues along the way.


Her thoughtful approach to any and all queries exemplifies her caring nature, which was highlighted by her integral role in the more recent branch renovations. This major project not only brought a newly defined functionality, but also a renewed branding to Weyburn Credit Union. In doing so, Val acted as lead to the project and took into consideration both the new spaces use by her fellow colleagues, and also the community and clients who would be visiting on a day to day basis.


The successful completion symbolizes the professional and engaging brand that Weyburn Credit Union has looked to achieve, and has Val to thank for her engagement with key parties from contractors, to designers, in effectively bringing this new vision to life.


A number of key organizational programs have been coined under Val’s direction over the years in order to support the evolution of the Credit Union’s brand, as well as provide a workplace that its employees are proud to be a part of. Leading the team to design the new culture code, Val was pivotal in assembling focus groups in order to guide the new direction of where the organization wants to go. The importance of this code is engrained by the formal training that was created as a result of the newly developed direction as an aid for the employees of WCU to perform at their best and adopt best practices to help them thrive in their position.
Val has also made it a goal to improve the lives of her organization’s people through focuses such as Mental Health in the Workplace, where she arranged to have 12 staff members trained in Mental Health First Aid along with herself included. As well, on-site chair massages have since been made a covered option under staff insurance programs, along with lunch and learns on stress, and Val has even brought in a local chiropractor for sessions on stretching and exercises.


She is an advocate and lead for WCU obtaining its living wage certification, becoming the first employer outside of Saskatoon to be certified and the first Credit Union in the province. This commitment to staff is also a commitment to the sustained quality of life for her community, and will help pave the way for more employers to follow suit.


Val is not only a valued member of the WCU team, but continues to lead with her heart when it comes to the wellbeing of her staff. Among a number of professional achievements and organizational milestones, Val is viewed as a supportive and loyal colleague that can be trusted to do what’s right for others, both in WCU and the community it serves.

In the words of her nominator, “Val works tirelessly in making our Credit Union better, brighter and stronger. She has had a huge impact on the Credit Union, our people and me personally. Val is truly deserving of the Workplace Excellence Award."

M.ISABELLE BUTTERS QUOTA INTERNATIONAL OF WEYBURN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
MAUREEN CLAY Nominated by: Pat May & Jan Linnell on behalf of Weyburn Country Women Assoc.


Hailing originally from Sarnia Ontario, Maureen established herself as a member of the Weyburn community in 1977 following the completion of her education from the University of Guelph with a degree in Agriculture. Upon arriving to Weyburn, her passion for agro-industry further led to a successful 32-year long career with Ag Canada, where she broke barriers for women in the industry, retiring as the Area Manager.


With the support of her husband Rodger and 2 children, Sharla and Jeff, Maureen has gone on to be a pillar to the agro-industry and her community. She boasts an illustrious track record of community and agro-industry specific volunteer activities and boards acting as a fierce advocate for both, all while helping on the family farm assisting in all facets of its operations.


On the back of supporting her community, Maureen has been an active member of numerous Weyburn based groups from the Rotary Club, to the Weyburn Wood Carvers, to the Weyburn Horticultural Society, to name only a few from the last few years! Though as a personal commitment, Maureen continues to serve as an active member to the Grace United Church since 1978. From event functions to one-on-one communication and personalized support and even as an acting board member, Maureen embodies the spirit of truly caring about the wellbeing of the people around her.


Rural life affected her choice of volunteer activities as a reflection of her passion for successful farming practices. Her 20 years of commitment to the original Wheat Festival committee, including 8 years as chairman, highlighted the impact of wheat to overall economics of the community. Moreover, her support is further exemplified by her involvement with Sunrise Community Futures, which provides support to Entrepreneurship classes at the Weyburn Comprehensive School, in order to help provide knowledge to future farming generations to come.


Akin to her passion for farming exudes the paralleled respect of water and the role it plays to the industry. Maureen served on the Upper and Lower Watershed Advisory Committee for 10 years with the goal of protecting the quality and abundance of water for now and future generations. This commitment to not only the industry she has been so passionate about but also the sustainability of its inputs, demonstrates her holistic backing of the farming community for years to come.


Dedication and an unwavering desire to maintain and better the community of Weyburn’s quality of life through means of support of arguably one of its most integral sectors has been Maureen’s primary focus over her tenured career and volunteerism. She personifies what it means to come together to achieve a common goal, and does it with humour and a smile.


A former colleague and fellow committee member has this to say, “Maureen works tirelessly whether in a professional or voluntary capacity. I feel strongly that Maureen is very deserving of this award.”

 

M.ISABELLE BUTTERS QUOTA INTERNATIONAL OF WEYBURN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
CAROLINE GILLIES Nominated by: Olga Van Staveren


Notwithstanding being a dedicated teacher, loving mother, and wife, Caroline also personifies what it means to be an outstanding member of the community.


She has shown dedication and passion to water sports which has led to her position as Commodore (President) for the past 12 years at the Weyburn Canoe and Kayak Club. Caroline has been pivotal to the club in the development of summer programs, paddling camps, open houses, and a number of other club events. She has a keen awareness and sense of drive in order to help make clubs thrive, as further established in her role as Beaver Leader for the Beaver Scouts, where she has remained club leader for the past 3 years, working with youth to develop assorted skills and a love of the outdoors.


Caroline’s ability to effectively get others engaged is derived from her professional career as a teacher at both Queen Elizabeth School, as well as Cyber Stone Virtual School. An active member of the Haig School Community Council, Caroline has played a role in organizing hot lunch programs, planning fundraisers, and school activities. Caroline has coached and managed a number of sports teams including Synchro Saskatchewan, the Estevan Mermaids, and the Red Devils Soccer. As an advocate for sport, she continues as the Secretary for the Board of Directors of the Weyburn Hurricanes Water Polo club and Consultant to the WCS SCC student run Weyburn Relay for Life.


On the back of the Relay for Life, Caroline has been a fierce supporter and advocate to the Canadian Cancer Society within Weyburn and abroad. Her role in the daffodil campaign, holding a number of Chair positions for the Relay of Life over a number of years is an indicator of her passion to fight back against cancer, and push for further research and prevention. This is only one of many causes that she gives her time and effort for in addition to Diabetes, and Heart and Stroke charities alike.


Prior to her current roles, Caroline worked as an Instructional Technology Consultant. In this position, she was part of a joint project to develop and present Cyber Bullying, Safety, and Digital Citizenship programs to students in collaboration with the Weyburn and Estevan Police departments, Holy Family School Division, and Sun Country Health Region. This innovative project was to ensure youth and their families were aware of their digital footprint, steps to be cyber safe, and recognizing the impact and dangers of the Internet.


Her ongoing commitment to her community is a function of her involvement across a number of platforms. In the words of her nominator, “Caroline exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer and make a difference for youth and others in her community. I truly believe she is worthy of receiving the Community Service Award. “


ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS EXCEPTIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
VANESSA LANKTREE Nominated by: CJ Mainil


After graduating from WCS in 2009, Vanessa attended McKay Career Training to obtain a Photographic Imaging Technician Diploma, and moved back to Weyburn and started a part-time business, Paslawski Photography. She then attended Southeast College and after receiving her Office Education certificate took employment with the Weyburn Credit Union where she worked her way up through different positions, continuing her side gig as a photographer.


In 2014 Vanessa lost her husband to a tragic accident, and her world collapsed. A few months following his passing, she picked up her camera once again and felt at peace and found comfort in surrounding herself in others' happiness. She returned to work at the Credit Union, and in spite of enjoying her job, knew her heart and soul belonged with her photography and in 2016 Vanessa Lanktree Photography became a full time job.


Capturing life's meaningful moments, Vanessa photographs high school seniors, couples, weddings, families and lifestyle sessions, as well as destination weddings. She has a great eye for finding that picturesque spot to shoot and an energy that ensures her subjects are so at ease that even the camera-shy feel comfortable. One of her destination wedding couples commented, “When she arrived at the resort she immediately went into planning mode. The following afternoon we met and Vanessa led us on a tour of the resort and showed us spots we hadn’t even thought of or considered. A place we had been to twice previously!) Committed to capturing the essence of each individual in her pictures, Vanessa spends countless hours proofing and editing to make sure every photograph she presents to her clients is the best it can be.


After receiving a lot of interest in photography at the WCS Career Fair last year, Vanessa set up a day for a free mentoring session. To ensure they got a real glimpse into a photo shoot and a career as a photographer, she arranged for a group of girls to get together with a model to take photos and discuss photography. To better serve her clients, connect with others in her profession, and to grow as a photographer, she continues to attend multiple workshops. And because she believes in building and supporting other fellow photographers, she hosted her own workshop this year.


One of Vanessa’s letters of support read, “Vanessa's creativity, perseverance, and optimistic attitude has assisted her to be her very best self, helped her cope with heartbreak, and ultimately, enabled her to excel in her professional field of photography. I believe that Vanessa deserves the Exceptional Entrepreneur Award.”

ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS EXCEPTIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
JENNELLE PERIARD Nominated by: Tiffany Bohn


Born and raised in Weyburn, Jennelle has always had a passion for helping people. She graduated as a Registered Massage Therapist in 2016 and wasted no time as she started her entrepreneurial journey.


While building a steady full-time clientele and maintaining her massage practice she completed a business program and obtained her Level 1 Nutrition Certification through Precision Nutrition. Owner of JP Fitness, a Fitness and Nutrition Coach, Jennelle coached clients nutritionally one on one, and while doing so noticed how many women struggled with eating in correlation to their emotional state. So, to create a larger impact, in August of 2018 she chose to create ForeverFree - a 6 month online group coaching program for women who want to end the war with food and their body so they can live a life of food freedom and self love.


She coaches nearly 150 women from Weyburn and across Canada and is presently moving into other countries as well. ForeverFree has helped women end their dieting cycle while improving their relationship to food and their body and Jennelle's coaching skills have been compared to those of a teacher/guru by many of her clients. ForeverFree has also helped numerous women heal their daughters' relationships with food and their body which in turn will create stronger, healthier women for the future. Jennelle is currently enrolled in an extensive 10 month program focusing on the connection between emotions, the Body, and emotional eating.


Jennelle has contributed her time in the form of massages and coaching services to local fundraising efforts. She has also designed a free Facebook group called Mind Body & Health for women who want to live healthier lives, and posts free content about nutrition, exercise, mindset, recipes and more.

In the words of her nominator, "Jennelle leads by example by embodying absolutely everything she stands for and by personally being involved with her clients as opposed to being behind the scenes. She gets her hands dirty and is a true inspiration to anyone and everyone who knows her. Jennelle is not afraid to share her story of how she struggled with her own body image in the past and how this is still a learning experience where she continues to excel on a daily basis. Jennelle deserves to be recognized for her contributions to the world and for her passion and dedication to her cause. Truly deserving of the Exceptional Entrepreneur award."


ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS EXCEPTIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
CHRISTY SANDERSON Nominated by: Don Kraft


Christy Sanderson has proven herself to be a creative and strategic contributor to the Weyburn community. Not one to shy from a challenge, she sees opportunities and trends in the market and works hard to make these ideas come to light. Quoted saying, "I believe all leaders should be risk takers. Risk is an inherent part of business if one is to succeed and stand out." Following her own words, and with her past experience as a General Manager of Canadian Tire and Financial background with RBC and Knight Dodge, Christy has taken on the ownership of three businesses in Weyburn in the last 5 years.


An advocate of healthy living, in 2015 Christy took a risk and purchased Old Fashion Foods that shared space with the Welsh Kitchen. Seeing a need for better customer service and a more accessible location, Christy took another risk and moved Old Fashion Foods to its present location. After renovations were completed and the business opened, Christy saw another opportunity to connect with the community and cater to her customers' needs by focusing on selecting high-quality products from local and national companies. By purchasing from local suppliers, hiring local staff and being a local herself, Christy has taken a franchise store to a first-class business that excels in customer service and community connection. Christy has taken a franchise store to a first class establishment that caters to the education and needs of its customers.


Showing a keen interest in the fashion business, Christy opened Coco Bee Boutique (with Kendra Sutherland) in early 2018 and purchased Expressions Ladies Wear from Prairie Sky Co-op in November 2018. After a few months, she realized that it will be more beneficial to herself and the community to focus more attention on Expressions and she and Kendra made the tough decision to close Coco Bee in March 2019. Christy still owns the Metro Centre and rents out space to other local businesses, and the Coco Bee location will be available for possibly another young entrepreneur to follow in Christy's footsteps. Seeking advice from successful people has helped Christy get to where she is now, and now she can return the favour as a positive role model for other local business owners.

Christy’s nominator shared these words, “Christy sets an example of a successful entrepreneur, supports the local community and fulfills customers' needs with high-quality products and services. She may not know what her next venture will be, but one thing is for certain. It will be another local business or product that fills a void in the market or starts a new market that the community didn't know it needed. These reasons are why she is a valuable part of the community and why she is a deserving nominee for Access Communications Entrepreneur Award.”


HOFFMAN, MICHEL & ASSOCIATES IG PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT YOUNG WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD
DARA CURRIE Nominated by: Jennifer LaCharite


Dara began working for Golden West in the Discover Weyburn Newsroom in November 2013, and in early 2014 became a swing announcer, alternating as both news reporter and host. She officially became a DJ in 2015 and with her energy, enthusiasm, commitment and passion for broadcasting quickly ascended to the position of Morning Show Host on BIG 106 FM. Dara’s manager stated, “Dara earned this position with her energy, enthusiasm, commitment and passion for broadcasting. Dara can always be counted on to deliver a quality, entertaining show for her audience to engage with.”


Dara has also assumed a growing leadership role on the on-air team and her commitment to the stations often extends beyond the realm of an 8 hour day. When storms hit, or when major news breaks in the community, she is often the first one at the station helping to lead the process, never having been asked to come to help.


Born and raised in Outlook, the oldest of four children, Dara did her best to help care for her younger siblings as both of her parents worked full time. Her community involvement began in her school years and included drama, choir, soccer and volleyball. In Grade 10 Dara rallied the SRC to form a Relay for Life team that went on to the Saskatoon Relay for Life event. During her involvement with the Relay over the next six years she individually raised over $10,000. She also established the community's local fundraising "Cancer Bash", an annual event that ran for five years.


Though she hasn't been singing publicly in her adult years, Dara has a passion for music and its ability to change moods and convey feelings. She has written and recorded a number of songs, and has performed at fundraising events, local coffee houses and TeleMiracle in 2006. Dara loves sharing music with the world.


Since moving to Weyburn in 2012 and while raising 2 children, Dara has been involved with the MS Walk, the Sunrise Early Learning and Teen Support Centre Gala, a number of local music festivals; but closest to her heart, the Red Cross Day of Pink, as she was bullied in school.


In the words of her nominator, “Dara has made a name for herself in her love of the community. She believes in, and is inspired by what we can do with the power of radio. Her goal each day when she hosts her show is to make at least one person smile. She is wise beyond her years and knows what she’s here to do. Dara Currie is a very deserving recipient of the Young Woman of Distinction Award.”


HOFFMAN, MICHEL & ASSOCIATES IG PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT YOUNG WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD
VANESSA LANKTREE Nominated by: CJ Mainil


Vanessa is a farm girl who loves adventures, ice cream, family, her puppy Sophie, and her job!


On her drive home from a work shadow day at the hospital in 2009, confused about her future, she witnessed the sun setting and could only think about trying to capture that image. She has not put her camera down since that day.
She received a Photographic Imaging Technician Diploma, an Office Education certification and while working full time, did photography on the side. Having experienced the hardship of losing her husband, Vanessa's part-time job/hobby became therapeutic. Through her photo sessions she found herself and feels she became a more caring, giving, confident and independent person. Wearing her heart on her sleeve and pouring her soul into her work, for the past 3 years she has been connecting with people through photography on a full-time basis.


Vanessa understands how important photo memories are, especially when someone is no longer with us, and strives to connect on a deeper level with her clients to create lifetime memories. She also realizes that having your photo taken can be awkward and intimidating and makes every effort to provide her clients a fun, comfortable, and laughter filled experience. Through her work she gets to witness and be surrounded by love every day of her job - who could ask for anything better! One of her clients had this to say, “She has captured not only my family milestones, but the precious, fleeting moments of so many other families. I will forever continue to ask her to capture those moments for my family and I.”


Vanessa strongly believes that standing together and supporting the community is what will help us grow. She loves talking about and teaching others about her chosen career and once a month, she and other local photographers gather to support one another. She strongly believes that standing together and supporting the community is what will help us grow and has made donations of prints or cash to the Oil Women, Weyburn Cooperative Playschool, Nostadt Family Fundraiser, Firefighters Ladies Night and the Choiceland Ladies Night.


Also from a letter of support, “Vanessa readily demonstrates the amount of dedication it takes to be successful in any capacity and her social presence demonstrates that to many of the graduates she photographs annually. She leads by example not only in a professional manner, but by the amount of compassion she exudes for others and her ever positive attitude. She exemplifies each and every trait of the Young Woman of Distinction Award.”


HOFFMAN, MICHEL & ASSOCIATES IG PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT YOUNG WOMAN OF DISTINCTION AWARD
JENNELLE PERIARD Nominated by: Tiffany Bohn


Jennelle is a Food & Body Coach whose passion is to help women that struggle with food and body image. She has a passion for all things Health, and believes that we must have a healthy mind and body to experience true health, and teaches women how to have a healthy relationship with food and their Body. This passion to help women was sparked through her own personal battle with food and body image as a teen and into her twenties.


"Jennelle's ForeverFree program is not only about weight loss, but it is a personal growth and development course that every woman should experience.", wrote one of her supporters.


Determined to change the 'diet' mentality within women, she works hard to give her clients every opportunity to learn and improve themselves. She shows leadership and dedication to her clients by continuing her education so that she may pass on more knowledge and information. Always going above and beyond, Jennelle makes herself readily available and devotes herself to always being there for her clients. As more than one of her supporters commented, her clients think of her as their leader and guide, their teacher and role model; someone they all look up to with respect and admiration, someone they consider a friend.


A statement from one of her clients is, "Time and time again, real results and success stories are there to read. Jennelle has helped so many women and she's determined to help many more. Her approach to helping is unlike any other. We focus on mental health and self-love and the emotional healing. The weight loss that so many women are after quickly follows after we've dealt with the emotional stuff on the inside."


Since entering the coaching field Jennelle has donated a piece of gym equipment to a local gym, as well as several coaching services to local fundraisers and groups.


Jennelle's coach and mentor had this to say, "From the moment I had my first conversation with Jennelle, she struck me. As a woman, with a mission, to guide women on their journey. She has been a woman of integrity, showing up to every webinar, participating and allowing her vulnerability to be an inspiration to others. I am honoured to guide and mentor her, and to meet her. I am incredibly honoured that our paths have crossed. Jennelle is going to change and transform so many lives. "


Jennelle's clients enthusiastically feel she deserves the Young Woman of Distinction award.