National awards for local volunteer; $10K for Chamber

Years of dedicating his time and energy to helping the business community have earned a Timmins Chamber past president two national awards for volunteer service.

Art Pultz, general manager of Timmins’ KiSS 99.3/Q92, has been given Rogers Communications’ Employee of the Year Award for his commitment to making Timmins a better place to do business through his work with the Timmins Chamber.

He was also personally selected by Rogers CEO Guy Laurence as the winner of the 2014 CEO Award, which rewards outstanding achievement.

“Being named winner of these awards is a truly overwhelming honour,” said Pultz.

“I think it’s important to be an active part of the city that you live in, and volunteering is one way we can all help to make our community a better place. I’ve always been proud to be able to give back to Timmins, and I’m humbled that Rogers has chosen to celebrate that.”

The two awards also come with $10,000 for the winner’s nominating volunteer organization, which the Chamber is putting towards its Business Takes the Lead program’s fundraising campaign for two new branded City entrance signs.

The process began in early 2014, when the Timmins Chamber of Commerce first put Pultz’s name forward for Rogers’ Community Involvement Award. He won the award later that year, and was the basis for being selected for his two most recent awards.

Nominating Pultz was an obvious move, given how he has proven himself to be “an invaluable asset to the members, staff and Board of the Timmins Chamber, and a great friend of Timmins’ business community,” said Chamber CAO Keitha Robson.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to the support and improvement of the local business community, the Chamber hosts more than 50 events a year, while developing and advocating policy solutions to municipal, provincial, and federal issues. However, with a core staff of four employees, the Timmins Chamber’s ability to successfully carry out these projects relies very strongly upon the dedication of its volunteers — and “few are more dedicated than Art,” said Robson.

This includes emceeing the annual Nova Business Excellence awards for each of its 12 years, leading the gala evening from what first began as a gathering at a local bar to sold-out arena crowds of 630 attendees. Pultz’ helping hand extends to far less glamorous work, as he’s just as willing to help clean the Chamber gutters and move picnic tables out of storage in the spring.

The Chamber, its members, and Timmins at large have all benefited from the strong leadership Pultz has provided throughout his many years with the organization, said Robson. This was best seen during his tenure as 2012-2013 Chamber President, when he sacrificed countless hours to ensure that the business community was well represented both in the media and behind closed doors. In particular, he was a fierce advocate for Chamber members’ interests: he frequently made deputations to City Council, provincial budget committees, and even the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in order to fight for real change on issues like energy rates and forestry.

“Art’s contributions have been above and beyond, so when we found out that his employer offered an opportunity to recognize his volunteer efforts, we leapt at the chance,” said Robson. “He has always been a volunteer that we can call on for any task. He cares about our business community and we have been fortunate that he has channelled his commitment through our organization for the benefit of our city.”