Exhibition board president honoured with Stars of Alberta volunteer award
A city woman has been honoured by the provincial government for her volunteer work in Lethbridge.
Bev Lanz, president of the board of directors of Exhibition Park, was recently named a recipient of a Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award.
The awards honour Albertans who have contributed to the well-being of their community and fellow community members, says the Alberta government.
Lanz has served five years on the Exhibition board and “successfully guided one of the city’s most valued institutions through a period of transitional change. A true leader, Bev has never failed to put in anything less than her best efforts and by her example, has inspired those around her to do the same. That hard work and Bev’s unwavering commitment to her community, the board and team at the Exhibition were pivotal in securing nearly $71 million in funding for the Exhibition’s marquee development; the Agrifood Hub and Trade Centre,” says the Alberta government website.
“A mammoth undertaking by any standards, the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre will create nearly 400 jobs during construction and 50 new full-time permanent positions upon completion of the facility in 2023. The impact of the facility will benefit generations to come in Lethbridge as a community hub that will transform the way Lethbridge hosts international events and showcases the rich food sector of southern Alberta. Along with the new facility that Bev has so fiercely advocated for, will come legacy programming that mentors college students and business incubation that scales up local entrepreneurs. Once operational, the new facility is expected to contribute more than $90 million every year to the regional economy.”
Lanz is also a volunteer with the Lethbridge Rotary Club and a founder of a joint scholarship initiative between that organization and the Exhibition. She has also served on the boards of the Downtown Lethbridge Revitalization Zone and the Heart of the City. And Lanz has also served as a member of the University of Lethbridge Senate.
Lanz is only one of two women who have ever served as president of the Exhibition board in its 124-year history.
“Bev is a worthy role model for women volunteers, executives and entrepreneurs and given her achievements to date, the sky is not the limit, just new territory for this volunteer Star to shine,” says the website.
The Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders for Lethbridge & District Exhibition will take place on Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. In-person and virtual attendance will be available.