Local citizens and entrepreneurs were in the spotlight on Oct. 22 as the Stettler Regional Board of Trade hosted its 2026 Business Awards of Excellence gala.
The annual celebration was held before a packed house of business owners and supporters at the Hub at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
Stettler Mayor Gord Lawlor welcomed attendees, while County of Stettler Reeve Larry Clarke highlighted the role local enterprise plays in the region’s quality of life.
“As residents we are all winners to have people that have businesses that work so hard to make this community the place that it is,” Clarke said.
Battle River-Crowfoot MP Pierre Poilievre was unable to attend, but sent a written message.
“Tonight we celebrate the entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, volunteers, and community leaders whose efforts help strengthen Stettler and the surrounding region,” Poilievre wrote.
Business and Agricultural Awards
Business of the Year: Adcock Tree Service took home the Business of the Year award.
Founded by arborist Brandon Adcock, the company grew from a one-man operation into a team with boom trucks and commercial chippers.
“Receiving this award from our community means the absolute world to us,” Alexandra Adcock said in their acceptance speech.
“We want to give a massive thank you to our families and to our hardworking crew. This doesn’t happen without their dedication.
Every day, rain or shine, soon snow…To our clients, neighbors, and friends, thank you for trusting us with your properties, and for welcoming us into your yards.”
Business Leader of the Year: Thrive 360 was recognized for its rapid growth since expanding as a full health and wellness center in 2024. Thrive 360 was commended for bringing multidisciplinary professionals, and recreation options together under one roof.
Owner Kayla Myshaniuk was lauded for building on the foundation established by founders Katie Bainbridge and Robin Schwarz while also supporting local causes like Hike for Hospice, Festival of Lights and KidSport.
In presenting the award, Will Brown of the Cooperators noted “This is what business leadership looks like, not simply growing for the sake of becoming bigger, but recognizing what your community needs and building something that can meet it.”
New Business of the Year: Boxes & Bowls, a culinary venture opened in early 2026 at the Stettler Mall. Established by Marco and Maria Cara, the eatery realized a decade-long dream that originated in Marco’s childhood working in his mother’s streetside restaurant in the Philippines.
“I didn’t prepare any speech for today because I didn’t think I needed one. I’m just emotional right now learning that my daughter nominated me. It means a lot to me and my family and I are really grateful for this opportunity.”
Community Impact Award: Hometown Productions and Media was recognized for reconnecting the community with news, broadcast and radio, online & print coverage.
“As media coverage shifted to the larger major centers, Alex Mykyta saw a gap developing here at home,” Mayor Gord Lawlor noted.
“They know the people behind the businesses, the volunteers behind the fundraisers, and the families cheering from the sidelines. They understand why things matter to us… Alex and Landin (Chambers) are helping to make sure those stories are told.”
Accepting the award, Mykyta thanked Lawlor for his speech and expressed gratitude to the local business community and sponsors.
“We have worked hard the past five years doing what we can to bring the local information to you and really bring back the local aspect of media. We don’t have to pretend we’re local, we are.” Mykyta said.
Customer Service Award: CrossFit Stettler was honoured for more than a decade of personalized fitness coaching, community involvement and youth athletic training. Owner CJ Oprea accepted the award, thanking the community for its backing.
“I genuinely love all the people that walk through the door,” Oprea said. “I’m so blessed to be able to share my passion for health and wellness with so many people. A lot of you are in this room and I hope I’m here for a long time.”
Agricultural Impact Award: Stettler District 4-H Clubs earned the award for fostering youth leadership, agricultural skills and mentorship across the region. Sponsored by Scotiabank and presented by Tracy Johnson, the award highlighted the legacy built through youth agricultural programs.
“So much of what makes our agriculture community successful cannot be learned from a textbook alone. Knowledge is passed from one person to another through conversations, demonstrations, mistakes and experience. 4-H creates a place for that to happen.” Johnson said.
Eco-Excellence Award: The Consignment Closet received the award for promoting sustainable fashion and diverting thousands of garments from landfills. Heartland Beautification Committee Vice-Chair Laura Norman presented the award, citing the store’s role in combating fast-fashion waste.
“The Consignment Closet has a positive environmental impact in two ways,” Norman noted. “Rather than clothing being discarded simply because it is no longer wanted by its original owner, it can find a new home and continue to be enjoyed.”
Citizens of the Year
The gala concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Citizens of the Year honours:
2026 Youth Citizens of the Year: Twin brothers Rylie and Nikolis Nims were jointly awarded Youth Citizens of the Year for their selfless volunteerism, sportsmanship and consistent behind-the-scenes community service.
“Young people like Riley and Nicholas remind us that leadership is not always standing at the front of the room. Sometimes it’s cheering for someone else, carrying a box, welcoming a stranger, or offering a hand before anyone has to ask.” said presenter Scott McKenzie of TD Bank.
2026 Female Citizen of the Year: Cheryl Barros, town councilor, current chair of the Stettler Health Services Foundation and an active Kinnette and community volunteer for over 30 years, was celebrated for her extensive fundraising and civic work.
“The truth is no one receives an award like this alone,” Barros said. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by people who have encouraged me, volunteered with me, and supported me every step of the way.
While my name is on the award, it truly belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey. Thank you again for this incredible honor. I’m deeply grateful and proud to call Stettler home.”
2026 Male Citizen of the Year: Darren Fleischhacker, a retired theater/communications tech teacher at Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus & the Outreach School, was recognized for his mentorship and leadership in local performing arts.
“What a tremendous honor,” Fleischhacker said. “I’m all about making other people look good on the other side of the lights and just believing in the young people, believing in the power of the arts. I don’t feel like I’m worthy, but it sure was a good night with all of you.”
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
