Emerson Duty Free employee Carolyn Schwark travelled to Toronto in November to receive an award.

After 32 years of service, Schwark is the 2016 Outstanding Land Border Duty Free Employee Award winner, an honour encompassing all of Canada.

Although previously unaware of the award, Schwark says she was shocked upon hearing she won, and thanks her co-workers for nominating her.

Schwark is potentially the longest serving land border duty free employee in Canada, and was judged on a extensive criteria, composed of communication skills, leadership qualities, dependability, and more.

Schwark says it's amazing the relationships she has formed, saying "people recognize you, whether it be in a hockey arena ... a mall, or in a church." These relationships are part of the reason she loves her job, and although she has no definite plans for her future, Schwark is looking forward to celebrating 33 years in March.