What does ‘the Best of Stettler’ mean to you?
Donna Morris, project manager with Stettler Regional Board of Trade & Community Development, said the answer will likely be different for everyone you meet, but it all boils down to the same thing.
“We love our community. And when I think of community, I am filled with joy that Stettler is mine.
“Stettler is my home. My parents moved here on my one-month birthday and although I currently live in the County, I grew up and continue to work within the town,” she explained. “Having the opportunities I do in my line of work, I have seen how other communities thrive and Stettler seems to outshine them almost every time.
“And I think that is one of the best parts about this town - our pride. Within our Town and County limits, anyone can access almost anything they set their heart’s desire to,” she said.
That can range from working on your pilot’s license to buying a new fishing pole to picking up that sweet little gift for a special person to achieving a university-level degree, she said.
”Stettler offers it all. With over 400 local businesses, covering a span of industries too numerous to mention and the accessibility to order it in if it’s not in store; who needs to go anywhere else?”
But as she explained, there is absolutely more to this town than the brick and mortar.
“That pride I was talking about? It comes out in so many ways,” she observed.
“The volunteerism in this community is so huge, it is almost unprecedented. Our events are second to none and they are done so well that we are often examples used for larger centres.
“And don’t ever think you are alone if you are going through tough times. No matter what is happening, our community comes out in droves to make sure the job gets done or the funds are raised to help you out. Just take a peak around at all the facilities brought forth in our community from the SRC to the Skateboard Park, the community playgrounds and the Main Street Park - people love our town and it shows,” she said. “So what do I think is the best of Stettler - the community and the way we make you feel at home.”
For Town Councillor Malcolm Fischer, it’s also about that pervasive sense of resiliency.
“Here we are amidst one of the worst all-around years in most people’s memories, but has Stettler collapsed under the weight of severe economic and virus woes? Nope. Again resilience rises to the top,” he said.
“The good sense most Stettler and area folks have shown has kept the virus at bay in our region. We collectively move forward with resolve and determination, and take the expert advice of our very competent health professionals to heart.”
Fischer added that folks locally have many stressors and pressures with which to cope, a chief one being supporting our local businesses. “They are the core, the base of the ‘Best of Stettler’ and we need, more than ever, to look inward rather than outward when spending our hard-earned dollars,” he noted.
“The people of Stettler and area are the best. Together we approach things with willingness and a collaborative spirit we take for granted, but which is not likewise present everywhere. It’s what truly makes us the heart of Alberta. It’s about we, not me. The ‘Best of Stettler’ - together.”