There were two Citizen of the Year awards handed out at the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) Business Excellence Awards and Citizen of the Year Award banquet on April 9.
Arla Driver, Williams Lake and District Credit Union (WLDCU) regional manager, and Chris Nickless, 100 Mile House Free Press publisher and chamber’s past president, each received the the honour.
One of the nominating letters for Driver stated: “Arla is truly community minded and is long overdue for recognition of the work and support she puts into making 100 Mile and district a better place to work and live.”
She has been involved in many community organizations and initiatives, including the Rotary Club of 100 Mile House, United Way, Cariboo Idol, and the Peter Skene Ogden Community School.
“The win was quite a surprise. It was an honour just to be among this exceptional group of nominees.”
Driver says it was wonderful to share the award with Nickless whom she has worked with on various projects.
“I am very appreciative of this honour,’ she says, adding it’s quite humbling.
“I want to thank the wonderful WLDCU staff for making it possible me work on the various projects and a big thank-you to my husband, Clay, who is so understanding and for volunteering to help, or how he phrases it, “being voluntold to help.”
Nickless is well known in the South Cariboo for his involvement in various organizations, including the SCCC, South Cariboo Health Foundation, South Cariboo Community Concerts, Crime Stoppers and Ducks Unlimited to name a few.
A nominator for Nickless notes that he is “an active, enthusiastic and tireless volunteer of countless clubs, events and non-profit organizations. Chris helps out to make our community a better place to live and raise children.”
“First of all, I want to congratulate Arla on her award,” Nickless says, adding that he commends the work Driver has done for the community.
“I am extremely appreciative of this honour and want to thank the Citizen of the Year committee and the many volunteers. I want to give a special thank-you to my wife, Val, for her patience and understanding when I’m away at meetings or events.
“It is my pleasure to work with those who make this community such a wonderful place to live.”
