Explore every episode of the podcast ABA Coffee In The Park

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Darlene Whittaker, President and CEO of Reliable Tube. The 2023 Acheson Business Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Darlene's life is a story of perseverance, love and breaking boundaries.

Born in Estevan Saskatchewan, to a pastor and his wife, Darlene moved around a lot as a child. Her family settled into Edmonton where she would meet the love of her life and her future husband. Being in an inter-racial marriage was not easy, but they persevered and built a beautiful life together. Listen to hear about Darlene's amazing journey including her and Joe's moving philanthropic work as they formed the Reliable Charitable Foundation of Hope (RCFOH).

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Murray McCourt from The Ranch Golf and Country Club. Born in Stettler Alberta, Murray has always had the love fore golf. Murray attended the San Diego Golf Academy in California, learning all the ins and outs of running a golf course, while becoming a Golf Pro. Listen to hear Murray's incredible story: from his early career, managing hockey teams, to running The Ranch and more. 

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Tamara Sanderson to hear all about how RST Heavy Haul dealt with the ownership change and challenges of 21st century. Taking over the business after her father's passing, Tamara has stood the test of time moving from municipal government into the trucking industry. Instead of shutting down, she grew the businesses success through partnership and stellar reputations. RST has flourished and continues to grow breaking new records. 

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Michael Wall to hear all about how The Wall Coffee Roasters got its start from the love of coffee. Starting with a brand new coffee roaster and some informal training the Wall has since become the community hub of Acheson. Listen to Michael's amazing journey and if you are in the area stop by!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Jan Michener to hear all about how Michener Allen Auctioneering got its start in 1971. From opening the business to dealing with the changing digital landscape Michener Allen has been an industry staple for over 50 years! Listen to hear about Jan's next adventure!

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Here's an introduction to the ABA Coffee In The Park Podcast. Listen to find out what were all about!

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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains depictions of violence and traumatic events that some people may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. 

Join us for a coffee and chat with Tyler Pelke. 
In November of 1990, at the age of 14, Tyler and his friend Curtis were the victims of a horrendous crime in a small Manitoba town. Miraculously, Tyler survived and was the key witness in the trial, which led to the conviction and life sentence of their attacker.

For years, he dealt with survivors’ guilt and unforgiveness but refused to believe that an event or circumstance could define him. Over the years, he learned to press on, make the most of every day, and commit to helping others, believing there was a reason he was still here.  This is his story behind the story.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are many places to turn to. We have compiled a list of resources to reach out to on our Resources page on the ABA Website here. 
Mental Health Resources - Acheson Business Association

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Join us for a coffee with Wes Wall CEO and Co-Founder of Genics Inc. Originally from Saskatchewan, Wes Wall has gone on to do some truly amazing things. His early love of agriculture helped him create some game changing products for the power and utility industry. Don't miss this inspiring story of innovation and perseverance! Wes is also the recipient of this years Acheson Business Association Lifetime Achievement Award. 

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Cathy Dool from Hayworth Equipment Sales. Cathy has been an entrepreneur since childhood; from selling sand to neighbours as a kid, rodeo competitions, working with MacEwan and much more! She is the jack of all trades for Hayworth Equipment and serves many roles in the company and is one of the founders of the Acheson Business Association. Listen to hear her inspiring story and if you're lucky you may get a coveted cookie or butter tart when you visit Hayworth!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Don and Jan from Mprint Sign and Print Solutions. From their humble beginnings in the Grassland and moving around the province to how they got into the Printing Industry. Don and Jan are wonderful examples of resilience; opening a business during the Pandemic, dealing with the uncommon and everchanging requests of customers, unexpected life changes. With a big emphasis on family and connections they have created a shop that feels like home and every customer is treated equally regardless of the project.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Felix The Shop Cat from Bushell Transport. Listen to hear about how Bushell Transport started the social media stardom for their cats. Cheryl shares stories of Felix's predecessor, Oliver Da Cat and how he stole the heart of Acheson workers everywhere. Hear how Oliver and Felix gained their fame, how they came to be a part of Bushell Transport, and the amazing adventures they have taken. If you listen closely you can hear Felix's thoughts as well!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Ben Loates from The Good Real Estate Company.
Growing up Ben loved all things sports, however in highschool that changed into his love for skateboarding. His passion for the sport lead him to sponsorships and later to become a Pro-Skateboarder. Amidst his skateboarding career he was also teaching music classes and attending the University of Alberta to become a teacher. After realizing teaching wasn't the path he saw for the future Ben moved into sales. However it wasn't his calling, and after a meeting with Harold from Realty Executives, he decided to pursue Real Estate while keeping it fun. Ben is a hilarious realtor bringing back the fun into selling your house or house hunting. 

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Sheri Ratsoy from Parkland Food Bank. Leaders working in a not for profit, aren't in it for the money, they want to make a difference. Sheri Ratsoy is the Executive Director of the Parkland Food Bank and she shared her personal journey growing up and raising her family in the community of Spruce Grove and why she is so passionate about the Parkland food bank. 
 
Check out their website to learn how you can make a difference today.
Home - Parkland Food Bank

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Join us for a coffee, chicken wings and chat with Mike Chadi from Wing Snob to hear all about how Wing Snob came to Canada. A lawyer by trade, Mike decided a change was in order. Connected with a mutual friend Mike, was introduced to Jack and Brian, the Founders of Wing Snob in the US. Inspired after the meeting, Mike decided to bring Wing Snob to Canada, ready to launch March 8th 2020. Faced with an international shutdown a few weeks later, they stayed true to their principals and didn't give up. With 5 locations currently open and plans to open 5 more before the end of the year Wing Snob has not only survived the challenges of the 21st century but thrived. If you are nearby a Wing Snob location, stop by for some amazing wings!