CARROT RIVER — Mike Livermore has been named Carrot River’s Citizen of the Year at the Carrot River Board of Trade’s annual Excellence Awards Gala, held virtually.
The Citizen of the Year title recognizes an individual for a single outstanding contribution or for total community involvement during the year 2020.
The award was presented by Kevin Trew, Carrot River’s former administrator.
“Over the time that we have been presenting these awards, we have got many nominations each year, 2020 is no different,” Trew said.
“The difference though, for 2020 is the many nominations were all for one individual. This speaks to the qualifications of that individual and how many people recognize this individual's achievements and contributions to our community in 2020.”
Livermore is a former teacher at the Carrot River High School, coach, and mentor, who served on town council from 2017 to 2020.
In 2020, he ran for mayor but fell short of his opponent by 30 votes.
“Mike's commitment to the community has always been unwavering. I was fortunate to work with Mike for a brief time there, I remember him coming on to council on his first meeting. He asked a lot of questions – he was concerned and curious,” Trew said.
Having originally moved to the community over 50 years ago to teach, Trew said that Livermore became quickly recognized as a huge supporter of extracurricular activities in the school and the community.
Some of the sports he coached include basketball, football and hockey.
In addition, Trew credits Livermore as being “instrumental” in evolving the Tri-Town Thunder into the Outback Thunder during his time on the team’s board.
A recent project Livermore has taken part in is the Outback Thunder’s team dressing room, which he and his wife gave a hand in the building of it and a commitment of their own funds. The dressing room is nearing completion and is expected to be ready by the 2021-2022 season.
“Mike became an avid supporter of the recreation board, recreation program, as well as our brand. Mike has been involved in the Rodeo Association, many rodeo associations over the years,” Trew said.
“He coaches people throughout his life here, recently he’s been asked to help develop some of the basketball skills of some of the kids in the school just on a private basis.”
The Student Employee of the Year award was presented to Carter Letendre. This award recognizes a high school student employee for their contribution to an employer in 2020.
Nominations for the award can come from the employer as well as customers and clients who have interacted with the nominee.
Letendre is described as having a respectful and good hearted nature, which ensures excellent customer service.
He volunteers with OK Tire and Carrot River service staff whenever the opportunity arises.
The Employee of the Year award was presented to April Wouters.
Similar to the Student Employee of the Year award, this award recognizes an employee for their outstanding contributions to their employer during 2020 from any age range.
Wouters has worked for 18 years as manager at Pasquia Place.
“April is a dependable and professional employee who often went above and beyond her job expectations,” said Darci Wlaz, who presented the award on behalf of the Diamond North Credit Union.
“April is a true leader who rose to the occasion in 2020, seamlessly managing a global pandemic as well as emergency situations that displace their residents.”
The Community Event of the Year was presented to the Carrot River Young Women’s Club, 2020 Ladies Night Out.
This award recognizes non-profit groups and organizations active in the area, highlighting a single event or their contribution long-term in the community.
The 2020 Ladies Night Out raised funds for both Blessings and the Den, two programs that help local youth and their families.
The event is credited as being the largest planned event for the area during 2020.
The Rural Roots award was presented to Palmer Ag Ventures.
This award serves to recognize farm families and related businesses who have demonstrated innovative ideas and sound business practices to maximize productivity and profitability on their farm or business throughout the past.
Palmer Ag Ventures that performs diverse farming including grain forges and leaf cutter bees.
The Business/Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to Shell’s Fitness and Soul Centre.
The award looks at business innovation, success, sustainability, contribution to the community and potential to attract customers to the area.
Shell’s Fitness and Soul Centre is described as a “diversified business during a pandemic to attract local tourism showcasing Saskatchewan’s Outback in a safe and appropriate way.”
They’re credited for increasing sales and sales traffic in the business community through local tourism.
The judge’s pick for Outstanding Nominee award was given to The Outback Butcher.
This award may or may not be given in any year, and serves to recognize a nominee which was outstanding and embodied the spirit of the awards in general.
The Outback Butcher was nominated for this year’s Business/Entrepreneur of the Year award.
The business was started on April 1, 2020 after Kyle Goosen, the owner and volunteer firefighter, purchased Scarf Custom Packers.
The store sells an assortment of meats and processing, including beef, stakes, lambs, and even wild game in the fall.
The awards described the business as a “mainstay on Main Street, revitalizing a downtown business. They have fast and friendly service with a quality product and competitive pricing.”
