The winners have been selected for the 2016 edition of the annual awards doled out by the Altona and District Chamber of Commerce.

Citizen of the Year is presented to an individual who deserves to be recognized for contributions over a period of years to the welfare and advancement of our area through civic, community or church work as well as their achievements in their chosen industry or business. Volunteer Recognition award is presented to a citizen or group who deserves to be recognized for their contribution throughout 2016 through community, and other volunteer activities. The Youth Recognition 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.

Snagging the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award is Dr. Dieter Bueddefeld who has been involved with and served the community for well over 30 years. The Chamber says Dr. Bueddefeld is a pillar of strength for the Altona Community Memorial Centre, great physician to many, and his commitment has helped keep the emergency room open and operating 24/7. Dr. Bueddefeld is also active in his church and involved in the Special Olympics program in Altona.

The Altona Elks Lodge #447 is the recipient of the 2016 Volunteer Recognition Award. The Chamber says the group consists 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 Altona Elks also raised more than $90,000 to provide an indoor playground for children under seven, located in the MEC.

The Youth Recognition award is going to Dustin Wiebe. The Altona teen is greatly involved in W.C. Miller’s sports programs, an active volunteer at the Altona Fire Department as a teen cadet and does volunteer respite work. Wiebe also helps lead a Bible study group for W.C. Miller, and teaches a Sunday school class.

The Chamber has also announced the recipients of its annual Business Excellence Awards.

Criteria for selecting the Business Excellence Award recipients included the following components;
Business achievement and growth,
Employment growth,
Contribution to the industry and community,
Overall positive impact on community through spirit, drive and vision,
and Volunteer service and leadership.

Winner of the Business Excellence Award (11 employees or more) is Access Credit Union Ltd. in Altona. Access has assisted in the growth of the community for 78 years by meeting the financial needs of individuals, farms and businesses. Staff donate time and money in the community and in 2016, donated $130,000 towards Arts & Culture, Community & Social Services, Education, Sports, Youth and Seniors in the Altona and District area. Access Credit Union staff also volunteered a total of 787 hours last year.  Access Credit Union hires from within when possible which provides employee upward mobility, and 30% out of the 29 staff members have over 10 years of service.

The recipient for the Business Excellence Award (10 employees or less) is the Altona Hotel. 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 fund raisers. 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.

The awards will be presented to the respective winners at a celebration banquet in April.