News Releases
CALGARY, July 6, 2009 – The Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal celebrated the deep roots that Alberta farm families have planted in our province. Today, 19 southern Alberta families received the 2009 BMO Farm Family Awards in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions they have made to the growth of Alberta's agricultural economy.
“Agribusiness is a very important part of BMO's commercial banking business in Alberta and the BMO Farm Family Awards provide us with an excellent way to show our support for farmers and producers in the province,” said Ted McCarron, Senior Vice President, Prairies Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “These families serve as outstanding examples of the tremendous contributions that farmers make towards enriching rural life in Alberta, not only through their improvements to farm management, which is historically showcased at the Calgary Stampede, but also as very meaningful contributors to Alberta's business success year-round,” McCarron added.
The awards focus attention on the importance of farming as a diverse and compelling business sector, the unique ideals and opportunities of rural living and the manner in which farm families are actively involved in their community.
“We are proud to recognize families who uphold the traditions of the past while contributing to the province's future economic growth,” said Dr. David Chalack, President and Chairman of the board for The Calgary Stampede.
The winners of the 2009 BMO Farm Family Awards are:
| Coulson family | MD of Willow Creek |
| Bectell family | Cardston County |
| Bexte family | Vulcan County |
| Caskey family | Special Areas #3 |
| Cyr family | MD of Pincher Creek |
| Gardner family | MD of Ranchland |
| Jackson family | Mountain View County |
| Jeffrey family | MD of Foothills #31 |
| Loewen family | County of Newell #4 |
| Losey family | County of Warner #5 |
| Main family | Kneehill County |
| Malaka family | Special Area #2 |
| Murphy family | Special Area #4 |
| Redekop family | MD of Taber |
| Richmond family | Starland County |
| Risdon family | Wheatland County |
| Schuld family | County of Lethbridge |
| Scott family | MD of Rocky View |
| Thurston family | County of Forty Mile #8 |
Each family was presented with a personalized farm gate sign, and had a professional photograph taken. The families will also receive admission to Stampede Park, and tickets to the rodeo.
Detailed biographies are available at www.stampedeagriculture.com. Farm family photos are also available by contacting Christa-Lee Sowerby, Media Relations Coordinator, Calgary Stampede at 403.261.9102 or csowerby@calgarystampede.com.
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The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. For more about the Stampede, visit www.calgarystampede.com.