For Stettler’s Terry Chesla, it’s not just about carving out a good life for himself. He wants to help others feel encouraged and to see them succeed as well.
And it’s because of personal attributes like these that Chesla, who owns Re/Max 1st Choice Realty here in town, has landed the Stettler Ambassador Award for the annual Business and Citizenship Awards hosted by the Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development.
For many years, the Stettler Awards Gala has been a prestigious event where citizens have an opportunity to honour the accomplishments of local businesses and citizens.
This year, the Gala will be held Oct. 22nd by invitation only – the Stettler Library will be providing a live stream for the public to view on the Board of Trade and Community Development’s Facebook page.
As to Chesla, he recalls being quite surprised to learn he was this year’s recipient of the Stettler Ambassador Award, which goes to the business or organization that promotes Stettler outside of the community as a great place to live, work and play while locally contributing to the well-being of the community.
“I have to say I’m a little bit nervous,” he said with a laugh, referring to when he formally is recognized. “I’ve never been one for public recognition - I’d rather be the guy in the background! But it’s absolutely an honour, and I’ve humbled for sure.”
There is no question Chesla is committed to the Stettler community.
“I was pretty shocked - absolutely,” he added of hearing the news. “I’ve never actually thought of myself as doing anything that anyone else wouldn’t normally do as well.
“This community has also been so good to us,” he said, adding that supporting local businesses has always been of critical important to him and his family. “We’ve always been huge proponents of ‘shop local’ and supporting your own. As a member of the Kinsmen, I can also tell you that most of the stuff we have here in Stettler wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for local businesses.”
And his commitment to the community also shone through during the past year as COVID-19 impacted so many lives and much of society.
Chesla and his wife Christine wanted to encourage others, and they set out to do so by giving ‘shout outs’ to business owners across the community via social media.
One such example, for Saddle Rock Enterprises, reads like this: “Let’s give a shout out to Saddle Rock Enterprises! They have been in business for three months and have three employees. Their favorite part of this business is helping customers know that their property is being taken care of. They also like the fresh air and exercise that come with this job! They are proud supporters of the Stettler Volunteer Firefighter Association.”
Here is another - “Help us give a shout out to Stettler Building Supplies! They have been in business for 2.5 years and employ 13 people. Their favorite part of this business is the customer interaction and making sure their customers are happy! Stettler Building Supplies is a proud supporter of the Stettler Museum, P & H Elevator, and many other local groups. Thank you Stettler Building Supplies!”
These posts aren’t only a tremendous encouragement, they also help to spread the word about various businesses in the region.
Another example reads, “Help us give a shout out to Jiffy Lube, your local vehicle maintenance facility! They opened in 2013 and employ four staff. Jiffy Lube’s main priority is customer service. They have a 100 per cent warranty approved on all makes and models. Enjoy 10 per cent off with your football card! Thank you Jiffy Lube Stettler!”
For Chesla, who is also a member of the Kinsmen Club, these messages were also a means of brightening people’s days during very uncertain and trying times.
Altogether, about 60 shout-outs were completed and posted. “We would just stop by and ask what do you do, how long have you been doing it, what is your favourite charity and what are the favourite things you like about what you do?”
So ultimately, what essentially makes Stettler the best place in which to live and work?
“Really, it’s the people,” said Chesla, also pointing out how generous folks are when any kind of need arises, or a family is experiencing a tragic time in their lives, for example. “It’s about the people and that sense of community,” he said.
“And anytime I can give back, I am more than happy to.”