ST. PAUL – During an annual gala hosted in St. Paul by the Community Futures Network of Alberta (Alberta CF) on Sept. 21, Penny Fox, the general manager of Community Futures St. Paul-Smoky Lake region, was honoured to be presented with the Knight Swan Award.
The accolade recognizes leadership and commitment to the Community Futures program.
The award is named in memory of two former Community Futures staff members, Clarke Knight and Laura Swan, who were mentors within the network.
For Fox, this award holds a deep personal significance. She remembers Knight reaching out to her when she assumed her role as a Community Futures manager in 2012. His warm welcome, guidance, and commitment helped Fox ease into the position.
“Sadly, he passed away shortly after that call, but his legacy lives on as I made a pact to myself upon his passing that I would do the same and connect with new managers, welcome them and assist them to get their feet under them in this new job,” said Fox.
In addition to her mentoring efforts, Fox was also nominated for her dedication to regional projects benefiting entrepreneurs not only in St. Paul but across northeast Alberta.
This is the first time the St. Paul region hosted the annual Community Futures gala, which saw 112 attendees. The gathering serves as a platform for Community Futures offices to share knowledge and network, according to Fox.
"I am grateful that most of my board of directors and my staff were present for the event and were able to be part of this special night with me. They are the reason that our office does the great work that it does as we all encourage each other,” said Fox.
According to Fox, this is also the second Community Futures Award received by St. Paul's Community Futures office in recent years. Five years ago, Steve Upham, the former board chair, received the Volunteer of the Year award.
Community Futures was created over 30 years ago. The organization helps entrepreneurs in rural Alberta, providing guidance, business loans, training, and free resources, according to Alberta CF.
