PENHOLD – Rick Binnendyk is now one of nine Canadians who have achieved a special milestone.
Binnendyk, Penhold’s chief administrative officer, was recently recognized by the town and by the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for 30 years of service as a senior level civil servant.
He was presented with the Special Long Standing CAO Service Award by Penhold mayor Mike Yargeau at a council meeting on June 24.
Yargeau noted Binnendyk’s dedication to the job and his commitment to the community.
“It’s really great to see that recognized by a national organization. (He’s) one of nine people in Canada to ever have that recognition, it’s quite an honour,” said Yargeau, adding the town’s success is in part a reflection of Binnendyk’s hard work over the years.
“We’ve come a long way as a town and as a growing municipality thanks in large part to Rick and his efforts,” he added. “He’s very much appreciated.”
Binnendyk, a native of central Ontario, has spent all of his professional working life in Alberta. He completed a Business Administration diploma in Ontario before moving here at the age of 22.
“I entered into municipal government in the Town of Hanna,” said Binnendyk. “When I finished college I came out to Alberta.”
His career in municipal government took him from Hanna, where he spent seven years in the roles of chief administrative officer as well as assistant and acting CAO. He then moved to Vegreville where he spent 10 years as CAO before moving to the Town of Penhold in 2001 when the population was just 1,626.
“This is my longest stay and hopefully will be my last one,” he said, noting his 18-year tenure in Penhold.
Binnendyk said he’s enjoyed working with the town's councils over the years. He added coming to a small, developing community like Penhold has given him an opportunity to be more hands on.
He noted a couple of big-scale projects he’s worked on during his time here, accomplishments that have stood out.
“The biggest project for the community of Penhold I think was the development and building of the multiplex,” said Binnendyk. “Right behind that we had the school (Penhold Crossing Secondary School) come into town.”
Binnendyk noted some of the reasons for his ongoing success as Penhold’s chief administrative officer.
“We work together as a team. If you’ve got a good team that works together you succeed in many things,” said Binnendyk. “Penhold has a been a great community. We’ve had great teams put together to develop the great things we have here.”
