Community leadership, entrepreneurship, and business excellence were in the spotlight as the Altona and District Chamber of Commerce recognized four organizations at its 2026 Awards Gala, celebrating the people and enterprises helping shape the region’s future.
The Altona Chamber’s gala last week featured performances from Folklorama entertainers as well as the W.C. Miller Collegiate Jazz Band
Held at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre before a large crowd, the annual gala blended celebration with reflection, as speakers highlighted the strength of the local business community amid broader economic uncertainty, while also honouring community builders whose work often extends beyond commerce.
“This isn’t just about awards, it’s about people,” said economic development officer Stephanie Peters in her welcome remarks. “Behind every business and every organization represented here tonight is a story of early mornings, late nights, tough decisions and the determination to keep going, even when it’s not easy.”
Mayor Harv Schroeder and Rhineland Reeve Don Wiebe both spoke to the importance of collaboration between business, municipalities, and community organizations, while also recognizing the recent passing of longtime businessman and community supporter Ray Loewen.
Four awards were presented during the evening.
The Non-Profit of the Year Award went to the Altona and Area Family Resource Centre, recognized for more than 25 years of supporting local families through accessible early childhood programming. Founded in 1998 as a grassroots initiative, the centre was honoured for fostering connection and removing barriers for young families.
Accepting the award, coordinator Nina Edbom-Kehler said the recognition belonged to the community.
“When AAFRC was founded, it began with a simple but powerful idea that families raising young children shouldn’t have to do it alone,” she said. “If we can help even one parent feel more confident, one child feel more supported, and one family feel more connected, then we are doing something meaningful.”
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Jenna-Lee Luptak of Beautiful Bend Therapy.
A pediatric occupational therapist with 18 years of experience, Luptak launched the practice two years ago to help fill a gap in support services for children and families in southern Manitoba. The business was recognized for both innovation and impact.
In her emotional remarks, Luptak reflected on how personal loss shaped the business and her vision for its future.
“Our world broke and we had to bend,” she said. “There’s some beauty in this bend. If I can help families find that too, then I’m honoured.”
She said she hopes to grow Beautiful Bend into a multidisciplinary, collaborative clinic that supports families in more holistic ways.
The Business Excellence Award for 10 or fewer employees went to Altona Dental Centre.
Serving the community for more than 50 years, the clinic was recognized for growth, modernization and expanding access to advanced dental services locally.
Owner Dr. Kyee Bo noted the practice has grown from three employees to nine since 2018, with nearly all hires drawn from the local community.
“Supporting local people and creating opportunities within the community means a great deal to us,” said Bo, who credited the community’s support for the clinic’s continued success.
Red River Mutual received the Business Excellence Award for 11 or more employees. With headquarters in Altona and roughly 190 employees, the insurer was recognized for sustained growth, innovation and community investment, including more than $600,000 contributed to local initiatives over the past three years.
President and CEO Brenda Gibson said the award carried special meaning in the company’s home community.
“We know without a doubt our success is grounded in values, commitment to community, looking after one another, being resilient and adapting to change,” she said. “Our legacy isn’t just something we look back on—it’s something we continue to build every day.”
Chamber president Cal Smith, presenting the awards, said the recipients reflected the range of contributions that strengthen the region, from business innovation to social support and community investment.
The evening also featured performances by Folklorama entertainers and music by the W.C. Miller Collegiate Jazz Band, underscoring the gala’s broader theme of celebrating both economic vitality and community spirit.
For organizers, that spirit was at the heart of the night.
“Your presence speaks to the strength of this community,” Peters told the crowd. “And the importance of supporting one another.”
