Tracey McCrimmon gave an emotional testimony while passing over the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group (SPOG) executive director role to Eric Berg during a celebration on Nov. 27.
“SPOG will always be in my blood and in my heart,” said McCrimmon as she choked back tears.
She has fulfilled the position for six years and is extremely passionate about the organization.
The second annual year-end celebration was held in conjunction with the annual general meeting at the Sundre Arts Centre on Nov. 27.
SPOG is a collection of oil and gas companies with operations in the Sundre area. It also has associate members such as Mountain View County.
Previously with Shell Caroline for 10 years, where he worked as a community affairs representative for Central Alberta, Berg is looking forward to taking over the position of executive director and has been involved with SPOG for many years.
“I am incredibly honoured to be stepping into this role and feel a tremendous responsibility to maintain SPOG's core values and grow the incredible vision of SPOG and the efforts of the many builders of this organization,” said Berg.
Berg received the industry volunteer award during last year's celebration.
The turnout at this year's AGM was lower than last year as a result of inclement weather.
The event included a dinner catered by Kodiak BBQ & Deli and entertainment was provided. It also included SPOG's highlights of the year and the election of officers.
Dave Brown, chairman of SPOG's board of directors, also stepped down from his position after a three-year term.
A new chairperson will be named during SPOG's organizational meeting later this month.
The board of directors executive was re-elected. It is Patricia Poulton (vice chair), Earl Graham (treasurer), and Alice Murray (secretary).
Brown said his favourite part of being chairman was meeting many new people.
McCrimmon presented Brown with a community volunteer award.
“We don't say goodbye, we just say we'll see you soon,” she said.
As part of this year's celebration, board members presented McCrimmon with an award for all of her hard work and dedication to SPOG.
As well, Mike Beukeboom, president of the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce, presented a volunteer of the year award to Monica St. Dennis for her work on the chamber board of directors.
The celebration also included a speech from Leona Dargis, who spoke about her experience overcoming the passing of her parents in 2007.
During last year's celebration, Diana McQueen, who was minister of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development at that time, was the guest speaker.
