It was a night to celebrate Thursday evening in Altona. The Altona and District Chamber of Commerce recognized a number of citizens for their many contributions to the community at its annual awards banquet.

Presented with the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award was longtime family physician, Doctor Dieter Beuddefeld.

Doctor Beuddefeld, who has practiced family medicine in the community for almost 34 years, said practicing in Altona has been a joy.  "The people that I've been able to serve here are phenomenal people.  It makes for a really enjoyable work day," said Beuddefeld. "Being able to help someone in a situation where help is needed, that's always gratifying."

As to why Doctor Beuddefeld chose to practice medicine in a rural community, he says that's a question he's been asked many times, and one he doesn't really have an answer for. "I wanted to be a rural doctor since I was in high school and didn't really have any other route in mind...something just attracted me to that way of life."

Nominator Lyndon Friesen Vice President of Claims at Red River Mutual with Access Credit Union's Mark Peters

Another honour presented last night was the Business Excellence Award, which went to Access Credit Union (ACU).

The company, which was selected in the 11 employees or more category, has assisted in the growth of Altona and surrounding area for 78 years by meeting the financial needs of individuals, farms and businesses.

The chamber highlighted the fact ACU continually donates time and money in the community through volunteering and donations. In 2016 Access donated $130,000 towards arts & culture, community and social services, education, sports, youth and seniors in the Altona and district area.  Staff volunteered a total of 787 hours in 2016 alone.

"We're definitely grateful for receiving this award," said Mark Peters, ACU Manager East, who accepted the honour on behalf of the financial institution.  "Our staff come in everyday, work their hardest to give the best service to members they can...there's a very strong business community in Altona, and it's an honour to be recognized for this."

Altona Elks

The Altona Chamber's Volunteer recognition went to the local Elks club.  The chamber said "the Altona Elks is a dedicated group of volunteers, who deserve to be recognized for their work in hearing and speech testing and development for children, providing eyeglasses, hearing aids and medical equipment to those who cannot afford it."

The Elks club also raised more than $90,000 to provide an indoor playground for children under 7, which is located in the Millennium Exhibition Centre.

Dustin Wiebe and Chamber President Jared Barnabe

Dustin Wiebe was selected for the Youth Recognition Award.  The award is presented to a youth who deserves to be recognized for a personal contribution to the community through community or church work as well as other achievements throughout 2016.  

Wiebe is greatly involved in W.C. Miller’s sports programs, an active volunteer at the Altona Fire Department as teen cadet, and does volunteer respite work. He also helps lead a Bible study group for W.C. Miller, and is a Sunday school teacher as well.'

Wiebe says looking back to the beginning of the year, he never would have imagined being presented with the Youth of the Year Award.  "This is a big deal to me, and to my family as well."

Wiebe says being a teen fire cadet is a way of giving back to the community and has provided him with a career path in the future. After high school e plans to go to paramedic and fire school.  "I figured I may as well get my feet wet now and get into the program."

Altona Hotel Left to Right Connor Ward, Kal Smith and Rosenort Credit Union's Vickie Friesen (nominator)

The recipient for the Business Excellence Award for 10 employees or less went to the Altona Hotel. In a news release the chamber said the following about the local hotel and its owners.  

"Since Owners, Kal Smith and Connor Ward purchased Altona Hotel in 2015 they have renovated and upgraded the hotel suites and bar to make it a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The Altona Hotel is extremely involved with the community, donating prizes and monetary contributions for local programs and fundraisers. They sponsor many community events and sports teams. The Altona Hotel hosts live music on the weekends attracting visitors from surrounding communities, and the staff always delivers fantastic customer service."