The Taber and District Chamber of Commerce awards were front and centre at the Heritage Inn on Friday night as a trio were honoured for their contributions to the Taber area for 2012.
First up was Leone Johannson to receive her Outstanding Citizen Award.
The award is given to a citizen who has a genuine concern for the Taber area and makes it a better community through their efforts. Johannson’s efforts in Taber Special Needs, the Taber Food Bank and Taber Safe Haven and her church were highlighted by chamber president, Bruce Warkentin.
“Leone can always be counted on to help where needed and does so willingly and usually behind the scenes,” said Warkentin.
Johannson did the research on the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce, finding out the chamber has been giving these awards for 44 years to honour Taber residents and like Ross Gibb back in 1968, Citizen of the Year honourees have had a common trend.
“Volunteering has always been an important part of my life as it is for so many of us this evening. As a young parent, helping with the activities my children were in, both in school and the community, took up a lot of my time. Helping in my church also kept me on my toes,” said Johannson during her acceptance speech on Friday.
“It became apparent Taber needed an organization to help those who were unable to make ends meet, and so under the guidance of representatives of all the churches, the Taber Food Bank was launched.”
Given her passion for youth, joining Taber Community Action Prevention Society and Taber Youth Initiative was an easy fit for Johannson.
“These groups help in many ways wherever they can to make Taber a better place for our youth,” said Johannson.
Johannson highlighted the giving spirit of Taberites themselves in which so many are worthy of the Outstanding Citizen award.
“Taber is an awesome community, a community of volunteers. Whether it be the Cornfest committee, foodbank society, many service clubs or sports groups or arts councils, they are all there,” said Johannson. “These people put in endless hours planning and organizing the many events that go on all year round.”
In the saying, it takes a community to raise a child, Johannson noted she believes it takes a community of volunteers to make a town a success.
“We are all volunteers, whether we are the organizers or the spectators at an event. We are all part of what makes the town tick,” said Johannson.
“Taber is indeed a wonderful, caring community. It is a place where you can smile and say hello to everyone on the street. Taber is a community I am very proud to be part of and it is an honour to be chosen as Citizen of the Year.”
That spirit continued on with Graham Abela who took the podium to accept his Spirit of Taber Award. Being president of the Taber Community Action Prevention Society, his involvement in Taber Community Against Drugs, fundraising for Safe Haven, Rebels rugby and the Taber Hospital Foundation, and past involvement in Taber soccer and football, Abela’s influence on the community has been a vast one apart from his work with the Taber Police Service.
“The real test of a leader is whether he makes the team better as a whole. In this regard, anyone who has worked with Graham on a board, team or committee, can say he brings each organization to a higher level with his professionalism, knowledge and respect for others,” said Warkentin in his introduction of Abela.
An emotional Abela spoke at the podium, talking of how he felt Godsmacked when he heard of receiving the award, recounting the numerous people he works with on a day-to-day basis that are making a difference in the community.
“There are many I work with on a daily basis not only in the police service, but the boards and other committees that I work with that are definitely deserving of this award,” said a humbled Abela.

“With that being said, I’ve always considered Taber my home, it has been for many, many years. I’d like to thank my wife Angeline and my mother and father. I think both of my parents have contributed greatly to my values I have as a man.”
Abela has strived to be an ambassador for the town be it at the municipal, provincial or federal level. It is because of the pride he takes in the town.
“The people here in my opinion, and I’ve travelled the world, are second to none. Many of you in this room I consider my friend as well as my mentors who have guided me along the way. When I think of people like Joe Orban, and Dr. Beckie, Helen Wentz and others who have contributed to me, I just want to thank you,” said Abela. “As a child of Taber, I do believe as Leone said, it takes a community to raise a child and I think you did a pretty good job.”
Abela ended his speech with some humour, noting his dismay at The Taber Times being critical of his investigative abilities as an inspector in his inability to find out who nominated him. So he put a few of his best officers on the job to find out who it may be.
“After several hours of investigation, we found out who it was. So I’m very appreciative mom of you nominating me,” said Abela with a chuckle. “With that being said, thank you very much, it’s a privilege and an honour to serve Taber and I’ll be an ambassador for as long as I can be.”
The last award of the night came to second-generation business Fitch Tirecraft as Business of the Year. Started back in 1969, Fitch Tire built its reputation on quality service and being responsive to its customers. The clientele comes from all over the map, be it agriculture, oilfield and retail. The business’s involvement in the community apart from sales includes coaching Taber minor hockey, 4-H and Taber Golf Club among many other organizations.
Fitch recalled not too long ago of how he was following his old man around the tire shop.  
“My father started the company in ‘69 and his good business sense and passion for the tire industry has brought the company to where it is today,” said Gary Fitch, co-owner of Fitch Tirecraft.
Over the years the company has grown and gone through many name changes. Those changes have involved some lean years due to the economic climate of the time and the ever-changing world of commerce, but certain principles with Fitch Tirecraft have always stayed the same over the years.
“We have never lost focus of our main objective of always providing superb customer service,” said Fitch.
Fitch added it is always nice to get recognition for hard work with the team effort at Fitch Tirecraft with six qualities that earned the company the award —professionalism, ability to grow, adapting to challenging circumstances, providing a quality product, teamwork, customer service and pride.
“I want to express my gratitude towards past and present employees, family, friends and customers who have supported us over the years,” said Fitch.
“They have all been an important part of bringing our operation to where it is today. Without them this accolade would not be possible. We are pleased to receive this distinction. Thank you for all your trust in us. We will do our best to justify your choice and we will continue to contribute to the Taber business community by providing the best service possible. We are truly humbled by this honour.”