BONNYVILLE – It was a return to normal and a settling in of sorts. After two years, the Lakeland Credit Union’s annual general meeting (AGM) returned to an in-person event with members having the option to also tune in virtually.
The hybrid AGM, held on March 1 at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre, welcomed 200 members and 11 guests in-person as well as 17 virtual attendees.
The agenda was filled with audits and financial statement reports, awards and election results, a question-and-answer period, as well as a keynote presentation from Chief Economist for Credit Union Central Alberta, Charles St-Arnaud.
Attendees also learned that participation in the 2023 Board of Directors Election broke a previous record.
From Jan. 31 to Feb. 27, 559 Lakeland Credit Union members cast a ballot to fill three open spots on the financial institution's board of directors. Breaking the previous record of 398 votes being cast.
The election resulted in Dean Dube and Kurt Richard being re-elected to the board, and Elisa Brosseau being newly elected.
Award recipients
Presenting the Board of Director's Distinction and Community Spirit Awards was Lakeland Credit Union’s board chair Salman Arabi.
Isabelle Hetu was named the recipient of the Corporate Spirit Award.
“Isabelle is a well-known member in the community, and that is because she is a volunteer in six different programs and organizations throughout the Lakeland including: At home Comfort Quilts, the Dove Centre, St. Louis Parish, ACFA, Days for Girls, and La Societe du Festival Bonnyvillois,” said Arabi. “Thank you Isabelle, for contributing so much to this community.”
Receiving the Community Spirit Award was Nikita Normand.
“Nikita has been with the Lakeland Credit Union for over 15 years, and she is always helping out with our events and initiatives within our organization in our member appreciation events and even our Bonnyville Chili Cook Offs,” Arabi recounted.
Taking home the Board of Director's Distinction Award was Cindy Cusack, a Lakeland Credit Union employee of nearly 10 years.
Before announcing Cusack as the award recipient, Arabi described her as, “An active individual in our communities and amazing support for our staff, this person always wants to help and deliver the best that they can. We thank this person for their dedication, positive attitude, fun spirit and loyalty to our organization.”
Announced last, but certainly not least, was the Legacy Award recipient who will join the late Victor Ringuette on the Lakeland Credit Union’s Wall of Distinction as the second honouree – Josephat Hamel.
“He was a pillar of the community, committed to making Bonnyville and area a vibrant community. He was a founder of Hamel’s Meats and Slaughterhouse in 1929 as well as the Bonnyville Gas Company, a long-standing Council member for the Town of Bonnyville, and a founding member of the Lakeland Credit Union Board of Directors in 1940 – formerly St. Louis Savings and Credit Union,” Arabi told audience members.
“His legacy continues to live on through his sons Jeff and Gus and grandsons by way of Hamel’s Meats in Cold Lake. The family continues to give back to the community through fundraising, donations, and supporting charities and sports clubs for almost 100 years.”
A plaque honouring Josephat’s legacy will be placed on both the Bonnyville and Cold Lake’s Wall of Distinction during a ceremony to be announced later this spring.
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