Celebrating Cranbrook’s best
Honouring the community’s top contributors
Rod Osiowy accepts his Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce 2009 Citizen of the Year award —Photo by Kris Lindblad
The tables of tasty food were filled to the brim, the beverages kept coming and hundreds of people milled around the Key City Theatre in Cranbrook on January 22, 2010 to celebrate some of Cranbrook's finest citizens at the Celebration of Community Spirit event. An annual Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce event, this night aims to honour those who have taken giant leaps and bounds for their community. Those nominated for Citizen of the Year—Elmer Higgins, Fred and Gloria Hoechsmann and Rod Osiowy—received numerous letters of recommendation for their efforts in the community. Higgins is an engineer and has volunteered countless hours of his time to projects such as the Cranbrook Public Library, the Rails to Trails project, the Aberfeldie Dam and the Downtown Arches project. The Hoechsmanns are long time owners of The Bedroom Furniture Galleries in Cranbrook and have a dedication to Cranbrook’s downtown businesses as well as many local charities. Osiowy has taught drama, film, television and stagecraft at Mount Baker Secondary School for many years and he is described by those who know him as a passionate, dedicated and inspirational man. He has spent countless hours directing plays for the community and has organized summer trips for youth to developing countries to work on unique aid projects. Each of those nominated was honoured with a slide show of their accomplishments and standing ovations when presented with their award. When Osiowy was announced the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, the crowd erupted in thundering applause. Osiowy said that receiving the Citizen of the Year award was an honour and he knows that he couldn’t have been nearly as successful with his endeavours without the team of people who work with young adults on theatre productions with him. Evan Bueckert, Dave Hill, Grant Duchscherer, Brenda Babinski and Brienna Smith represent some of the people who have worked with Osiowy and have helped him get to where he is today. “What this award means to me is that the community appreciates work done by individuals like myself, and I like to think that I represent a broad band of people,” said Osiowy. “There are many people dedicated to working with youth and to developing their potential through creating opportunities in which self-esteem, talent of some kind, and meaning are fostered. I like that the community values the development of our young people because, as cliché as it sounds, they truly are the future.” Scott Manjak, the mayor of Cranbrook, was on stage, along with Sean Campbell, the president of the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce, to present the awards. In addition to the Citizen of the Year award, Community Builder of the Year and Freedom of the City awards were given out. As well, five Cranbrook residents—Fred Deschamps, Greg Eaton, Daniel Arthur Franklin Greene, Richard Leesman and Rick Schram—were awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Governor General of Canada following their heroic actions during the helicopter crash in Cranbrook on May 13, 2008. “I found the night to be very moving,” said Manjak. “It was a night where we had an opportunity to come together and celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions that the citizens have made to the building of a sense of community and spirit in Cranbrook . . . As mayor, there is no prouder moment than to see the community celebrate our successes together.” The newly created Community Builder of the Year award was given to Debbie Sinclair for her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Others that were nominated for the award have also contributed significantly to the community, including Charlie Bichon, Jim Watson, Sharon Cross, Matt Fraser, the Hoeschmann family, Anna Lamb, the Cranbrook Garden Club, the Cranbrook Rotary Club and the Community Telus Ambassadors. Mayor Manjak also honoured Alan Gordon, a former city councillor, who was given the Freedom of the City award. "As mayor, I created the Community Builder of the Year award," said Manjak. "The award was created as a new way to recognize individuals or group contributions to Cranbrook. As was evident Thursday night, there are many individuals and groups that contribute to Cranbrook and they are unrecognized. I wanted to find a way to honour their contribution to the building of a sense of community and spirit in Cranbrook."
Key Cranbrook contacts
Cranbrook, BC
A global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal
Our company is a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal...a relatively uncommon mineral that is essential in the production of steel. With six mines in two Canadian provinces, more than 3,000 employees and a business focused on supplying world steel producers, our company is strongly positioned in a very competitive market.
Cranbrook, BC
Explore the wonders at Island Lake Lodge
Secluded in the peaks of Canada's Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an old-growth forest.
Hiking trails begin at the doorstep of each lodge gaining you access to gentle walks and rocky mountain peaks. Our full-service mountain spa promises to relax and renew your senses. Acclaimed food and wine await you at the end of each day in our Ancient Timbers Dining Room.
This summer join us and experience British Columbia's ultimate retreat Island Lake Resort and Spa in the Rocky Mountains near Fernie, B.C.
Cranbrook, BC
Acreage lots for sale
Mountain Shores Acreage Estates is located on the east shore of Kootenay Lake, 45 minutes from Creston. The lots offer beautiful views of Kootenay Lake set against snow-capped mountains. We offer access to fishing, golfing, hiking and water-skiing. We are a short drive from the championship 18-hole Kokanee Springs Golf Resort at Crawford Bay and there are spectacular golf courses close by. Build your cottage or dream home at Mountain Shores and enjoy making memories in your own piece of paradise.
Mountain Shores Development Corporation
Cranbrook, BC
We help people hear clearly again
More and more people under the age of 60 are finding themselves with some loss of hearing. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner the effects of hearing loss can be controlled. While past generations have suffered in silence (literally), this no longer needs to be the case.
The friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff at The Hearing Loss Clinic provide the instruments and expertise to help people hear clearly again. Experience innovative devices such as the Destiny 1600, and get efficient, helpful information in a caring environment.
Cranbrook, BC
We pride ourselves on quality parts, service and products.
At Rocky Mountain Diesel, we pride ourselves on making quality repairs to all makes of trucks and trailers. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains we know the tough conditions that your truck is put through every day. As a Western Star Trucks dealer we are committed to providing our customers with the latest in diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians. Our up-to-date facility can accommodate even the longest configurations. The trucks you operate are a big investment, and we want to help your company be successful. Call or stop by and see for yourself why we have been keeping trucks like yours on the road for over 20 years.
Cranbrook, BC
At The Bedroom Furniture Galleries, the customer comes first - and we mean it! We offer a 60 day home comfort guarantee on everything we sell. If your not completely happy with you purchase let us know and we'll be glad to find you something else or refund your money.
We are the Kootenay's La-Z-Boy Gallery so we have every style available with a cutting edge design center. with thousands of leather and fabric choices you'll find exactly what your looking for to customize your space.
Cranbrook, BC
Making beautiful home furnishings affordable
At Ashley Furniture Home Store, we make beautiful home furnishings affordable. Because the Ashley Team controls all processes from design to delivery, we are able to reduce our costs and pass these savings on to our customers as exclusive Ashley Furniture Home Store pricing. We are locally owned and operated, so we have better insight into the needs and preferences of our customers at the local level. Additionally, many of our stores actively participate in charitable events that promote the enrichment of their communities. Most significantly, we are committed to you, our customer, and want to ensure you have an excellent experience each time you visit us.
Cranbrook, BC
Cummins: Providing the best in the diesel business.
Cummins Western Canada is the distributor for Cummins Inc. in Western Canada and we were recently recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. Cummins Inc. manufactures the world's best and most complete line of diesel engines. Cummins serves a wide variety of customers and we provide power for all types of vehicles and equipment, including heavy duty trucks, mining, oil and gas and logging equipment, generator sets, boats, buses, RVs and pick-up trucks.
Cummins Western Canada is dedicated to providing the best products, service and support in the business. Our staff continually strives to improve our service to customers, and keeps a relentless focus on quality and excellence.
Cranbrook, BC
Ingredients for life
Canada Safeway focuses on providing world class service to customers by exceeding their expectations. The development of Safeway's "Lifestyle" stores is a critical strategy that sets Safeway stores apart. Lifestyle stores are designed for busy customers who want to find everything in one place, great selection, knowledgeable staff, specialty items, and ready-to-eat meals. Visit your local Safeway for ingredients for life.
Cranbrook, BC
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
Occupying more than 1,250 acres, Forest Crowne is the largest master planned community in the area, which is bordered by the 2,300-acre Kimberley Nature Park, Mark Creek, Kimberley Municipal Golf Course—and will have connections to the Kimberley Alpine Resort and to Nordic Ski trails.
We have single family lots (phase 3) available to purchase to build your own dream home. For those who want to buy a finished home, Eagles Nest Homes offers one- and two-storey cottages with steep roof pitches, long covered porches, multi-paned windows, old fashioned details and the genuine neighbourly feeling of communities past. Imagine single family homes for under $300,000!
Cranbrook, BC
Real living for the really grown up
Golden Life Management provides innovative, attractive and comfortable seniors housing communities.
We aim to ensure that seniors of all ages and abilities enjoy a high standard of living and we know that their happiness requires a quality, purpose-built house and all the attributes that make it feel like home. We employ professional, compassionate and attentive staff to provide the care and services that help our residents live independently, safely and happily. We provide seniors with the security they need to enjoy their time, pursue their interests and maintain their relationships with loved ones.
We take pride in providing progressive, attractive housing for seniors, and peace of mind for their loved ones.
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Phone:(250) 421-0295
Robert Paulson General Contractor LTD
Cranbrook, BC
Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 417-6565 or (250) 417-7218
East Kootenay Paving
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop 
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5352
Highpoint Plumbing & Heating Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5460
Dueck Enterprises -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-4056
Key City Drywall Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 489-1123
The New Pro-Fitness Gym -
Castlegar, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-3808
Dacota Freight Service Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Vital statistics
- Population :: 19,161
- Number of businesses :: 1,454
- Supporting industries :: Forestry, public sector, mining, manufacturing, tourism, trade, transportation, service
Vital contacts
- City of Cranbrook :: www.cranbrook.ca
- Mayor :: Scott Manjak
- Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce :: www.cranbrookchamber.com
- Manager :: Karin Penner
- Phone :: 1.800.222.6174
Biz Blog :: Keith Powell
A regular report on newsworthy business developments in the Kootenays.
Kootenay Insights :: Tanya Laing Gahr
An inside look at the initiatives and developments that help shape Kootenay communities.
At Work :: Sandra Albers
One-on-one with some of the Kootenay’s business leaders.
Biz Edge :: Danielle Cameron
The faces behind Kootenay businesses.
