PENHOLD - The town is setting the bar high when it comes to quality work, service and dedication to the community.
Rick Binnendyk, the town's chief administrative officer (CAO) and Coun. Julia King were recently recognized for their contributions and awarded with the Dedicated CAO Award and the Distinguished Service Award, respectively.
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA), in conjunction with the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM), presented Binnendyk's award while King's was presented by the AUMA.
Both received their awards during the President's Dinner at the 2016 AUMA Convention in Edmonton on Oct. 4.
“Rick is not only working hard in Penhold but he's also an advisor and a go- to guy for information for other CAOs or new CAOs in the business,” said Penhold mayor Dennis Cooper. “He reaches out and he's a mentor. We're very happy to hear that the SLGM and the AUMA recognized him with that award. It's very well deserved.”
He also praised King for her long-standing service to the Penhold community.
“Julia has been with council for 23 years. She's an excellent person to have on council, she brings a very open mind, a positive attitude and a level of professionalism to our council,” said Cooper. “We're very fortunate to have Julia on council working with us and moving the town forward.”
Both recipients were grateful to be recognized by the AUMA.
“I feel very honoured,” said Binnendyk.“I've got an awesome team that has helped put this forward.”
It is the first time Binnendyk has been a recipient of the award.
“All the names were gathered and the two parties got together and made the decision on the Dedicated CAO Award (and the Distinguished Service Award),” said Binnendyk.
King has been serving on town council for the past 23 years. She too was honoured to be nominated by her peers and chosen for the service award.
“It is absolutely humbling. I'm very honoured,” said King, noting that she is proud to be part of a growing community. “Seeing those changes and seeing our community grow, it's been amazing.”
King has been a councillor since 1993 but also served for one term as Penhold's mayor.
“From the fall of 1998 to 2010 I was mayor for the Town of Penhold,” she said, noting the support from family and the community. “It is very much an honour to serve our community and to work with all the (local) groups to build our community.”
Binnendyk has been the town's CAO for 15 years and brings with him more than 25 years in the role, previously working in the Alberta municipalities of Hanna and Vegreville.
He noted the two awards are evidence of a strong working relationship between administration and elected officials.
“Working together is critical to the success of the community,” said Binnendyk.
“It's all about building community. Our focus is things that we can work together on as a team and build a better community for everybody.”
Rick Binnendyk, Penhold CAO
"It's all about building community. Our focus is things that we can work together on as a team and build a better community for everybody."
