Well known Prince George citizen, Bruce Sutherland was awarded a prestigious Fellowship with the B.C. Chamber of Commerce during a celebration Tuesday evening, part of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce AGM taking place in Prince George this week.
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce was responsible for Sutherland's nomination due to his exemplary past or present services for the chamber of commerce movement in British Columbia.
"In my opinion, he is the epitome of what is good in Prince George. He puts a whole new meaning to the icon, Mr. P.G.," said Dan McLaren in his speech announcing Sutherland as a Fellow.
McLaren's father Norm, the first British Columbian to receive the fellowship in 1982, conferred the award to Sutherland.
"I'm humbled by it," said Sutherland. "It was kind of neat, it was very humbling and very cool."
Sutherland's work life began as a rodeo cowboy travelling throughout the province to small towns in the Kootenays and in southern British Columbia. That lasted until he broke a few bones and decided it wasn't the career for him.
His next work experience was at sawmills in Castelgar, Sycamous, Squamish and the Upper Fraser, taking on every task that was asked of him. His willingness to learn all aspects of the mill led him to be the superintendent.
In 1981, Sutherland become self-employed and started a company that sold sawmill equipment and supplies with his business partner Gerry Bergeron.
After 21 years selling supplies, Sutherland decided to move on and formed Wolftek Industries Inc.
The business expanded from sawmills to the oil and gas industry as well as the manufacturing sector.
"Recognition of his character and business practices are well noted. He has won the Prince George business person of the year award twice and several technology awards for [Wolftek] innovation," wrote Michael Kerr, former Prince George Chamber of Commerce president, in his letter of support for Sutherland's nomination.
He is known in Prince George for his TV ads for positive outlook on BC Business and being Mr. Your Hired.
He represented the local Chamber of Commerce through two consecutive terms in 2003 and 2004.
"I'm number 33 over nearly 100 years of B.C. Chamber. They like to recommend someone for doing exceptional volunteer work and putting the chamber put front," said Sutherland.
"Smart governments really pay attention to what we have to say and when we favour the voice of business and of families, because we employ them."
