OLDS — Three women received prestigious awards during the first Mountain View & Neighbours Women in Business event, held March 8 at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites.
Camille Labrecque of Didsbury received the Visionary Young Woman award. The Women of Influence award went to Cheri Foat of Mountain View County. Letitia Gole of Didsbury received the Business Woman of the Year award.
The luncheon and awards ceremony also celebrated International Women’s Day, which fell on March 8.
The local group celebrates business women in Mountain View County, Kneehill County and Clearwater County and urban centres within them.
Visionary Young Woman award
Kelly Kierluk, general manager of Community Futures Central Alberta presented the Visionary Young Woman award.
She noted that it goes to exceptional young women 18 to 29 who add value to their community and demonstrate leadership and innovation.
Kierluk said the winner “has made a significant difference in the Mountain View County and Neighbours area and region through her commitment to a cause or pursuit of a personal dream while showing her perseverance, adaptability and a keen understanding of community issues.”
She indicated that Labrecque fits that bill.
“Camille Labrecque has been an outstanding teacher at Top Note Music School in Didsbury and Carstairs,” Kierluk said.
“She has also been involved helping children at the library and working at other stores in town.
“Camille thinks outside the box and is willing to make a path for others, young and old.
“Camille advocates for women and as a young person, cares about developing the music industry in our region.”
Kierluk said Labrecque is also fluently bilingual and “displays professional empathy and concern for people of all cultures.
Women of Influence award
Tracey Quartly, branch manager of RBC Royal Bank in Olds, presented the Women of Influence award.
Quartly noted that it goes to a woman who has identified a local community need or issue and initiated “meaningful change,” as well as dedicated their own time and resources to champion their cause.
Foat was nominated for the award by the 4-H community of Mountain View County.
Quartly said Foat has been a 4-H leader for more than 30 years and has not only been so in Mountain View County but also at the provincial level.
For those efforts she received an award recognizing that outstanding support.
In 2022, Foat was part of a team that organized Aggie Days in Mountain View County, promoting the importance of agriculture and teaching children about where their food comes from.
“Cheri is a shining example of community spirit to all who know her,” Quartly said.
“Whether you know her as a church member, 4-H leader or bringing a meal to a grieving family, Cheri is there for everyone – a true woman of influence.”
Quartly said Foat also has a great ability to rally volunteers in the community when the situation demands that.
“She is a leader, mentor, a friend,” Quartly said. “She is a shining example of community spirit to all those that know her. Whether a church member, a 4-H leader, a youth or a youth group or just somebody who needs a helping hand, Cheri is there for everyone.”
Quartly said it’s well known in the community that “when there is a need, Cheri will figure it out and how to fill it.”
Business Woman of the Year
Ashley Anderson, community relations advisor for TC Energy, presented the Business Woman of the Year award.
It goes to a woman who exemplifies leadership and business expertise.
“She exhibits a consistent commitment to business excellence and is eager to create innovative opportunities,” Anderson said. “She demonstrates respect for and engagement with her community, her customers, clients and (family).”
Fourteen women were nominated for this award. There were three finalists: Gole, Kim Free of Sundre and Robbi Spady of Carstairs.
Anderson noted that Gole rose all the way from a child development assistant to executive director of BGC Olds & Area.
Anderson said that climb demonstrates her “passion and leadership skills.”
“Letitia’s initiative was evident when she secured an early learning and childhood grant which enabled the club to establish a 10,000 square-foot facility, expanding its capacity to serve 164 children each day as well as addressing a crucial need in Mountain View County by providing high-quality, affordable child care options that supported women in pursuing career opportunities,” Anderson said.
Anderson said under Gole’s leadership, the organization has expanded to several locations across Olds, Bowden and Didsbury and its the staff has grown from seven to 70.
“Letitia’s unique blend of leadership, strategic vision, commitment to excellence and dedication to personal and professional development makes her a standout candidate for Business Woman of the Year,” Anderson said.
Anderson congratulated all the finalists.
“Not only are you exemplifying qualities of leadership and business excellence, but your contributions are building the community up and driving your community forward,” she said.
Attendees also heard greetings from Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA and Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon.
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA and speaker of the legislature Nathan Cooper also addressed the crowd, noting many major achievements for women over the years were obtained by Albertan women.
Cooper also introduced Arts, Culture & Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir.
The keynote speaker was Vanessa White, executive director of Clean Technology, Alberta Innovates.
It was noted that among the crowd were Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl and Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers.
