As the largest employer in Cochrane, Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) has developed a reputation over the years for lending a helping hand in the community wherever needed.
The list of awards donned upon the sawmill is extensive, as are the community projects, namely the donation of the SLS Family Sports Centre facility.
Howard Pruden, safety and human resource coordinator for SLS, said that community involvement has always been a core value for those at SLS.
“SLS has a been active in Southern Alberta for 70 years and during that time has participated in many projects and has a long tradition of helping out,” said Pruden.
“We’ve provided lumber for numerous projects in Cochrane including the Boys and Girls Club, Scouts Hall and the Cochrane Society for Housing Options and Habitat for Humanity.
“We even provided the lumber to rebuild the current Bragg Creek Community Hall after it was lost to fire.”
SLS has also provided funding for many local non-profits and charitable events, including the Cochrane Ag Society, the Bellevue Mine Society, Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation, Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek, the Comets Swim Club and the Kimmett Cup.
A long list of awards of distinction, municipal, provincial and federal have been given to the facility over the years, including the Premier’s Award of Distinction, Emerald Awards and the Order of Cochrane to SLS president, Barry Mjolsness.
“A company does not survive for 70 years without an incredible amount of perseverance and hard work from a lot of people.
“We not only have a very committed group of employees, we also have very committed contractors and a great customer base,” said Mjolsness.
“Relationships are everything and that has been key to helping us survive the tough times.”
For more on Spray Lake Sawmills, and to learn more about the services the company provides, visit spraylakesawmills.com.
