It was a weekend of excellence in our community.
We don't pause often enough or long enough in our busy lives to acknowledge the individuals and groups among us who are extraordinary, who rise above the every day with their commitment to quality and to the community.
For some, they simply don't want the recognition or they insist others are more deserving of the accolades. And then there are those who believe foolishly that we're all equal and celebrating the best among us sends the wrong message.
Holding up the accomplishments of the very best the city has to offer sets an inspirational bar for the rest of us to shoot for, while reminding us that we are better than the every day.
On Friday night, Monica Peacock was named the 2012 Citizen of the Year at the Prince George Community Foundation dinner.
On Saturday night, Maryanne Arcand was named business person of the year and a host of other individuals and businesses were honoured during the Prince George Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Excellence Awards.
But the events were about more than Peacock and Arcand.
It was really about all of the nominees.
At both events, as the nominees were named and a short biography of that person or the business was provided, there were constant looks of surprise and awe in the audience from people who didn't know that so-and-so had volunteered or contributed or accomplished so much. As we all work so hard in our work and family lives, we can easily overlook the accomplishments of others.
Arcand said it best in her acceptance speech, when she praised all of the nominees and said "this is a git 'r done town" that encourages people to do more and be more. That success is about more than just generating financial wealth but about having the means to give back to the community that has given so much in return.
And virtually everyone who accepted an award over the weekend stressed that collaboration and teamwork is the only path to success.
While accepting the Corporate Culture Award on behalf of Integris Credit Union, chief financial officer (and a nominee for Citizen of the Year last year) Lorne Calder said when people are put first, the rest is easy, as he explained that the linked diamonds on the company's logo symbolize the financial institution's members, staff and the whole community.
As the leaves were falling along with the temperatures outside these two events, the best of Prince George stopped to smell the roses this weekend and the scent brought nothing but smiles.
The awards, along with the winners and the nominees, are the living embodiments not only of our accomplishments but our incredible potential for more success together.
Thank you, Prince George Community Foundation and Prince George Chamber of Commerce, for hosting these positive annual events to showcase the extraordinary accomplishments of the people and the businesses that make our city great.
Thank you, nominees and winners, for inspiring all of us with your devotion to the community and to personal and professional excellence.
Now let's get back to work and spread that excellence through every corner of our community.
-- Managing editor Neil Godbout
