Weyburn’s Mal Barber was named Ambassador Laureate by the Canadian Automobile Dealer's Association on June 5.

Just three people are chosen each year across Canada for laureate recognition. All three of this year’s winners will be honoured in February with a ceremony in Toronto.

“I’m just lucky to be one of the three,” he said. “I appreciate the philosophy that our association puts forth, and I’m glad to be part of it.”

Barber said he is especially honoured that the recognition comes from his peers in the auto dealer community.

“It’s an honour that I do treasure, because it is by my fellow dealers,” he expressed. “I’ve been a strong proponent of our association over the years, because there’s always committees and things that we’ve dealt with, to do with ethical advertising, consumer affairs, association concerns for the economy, and these things are becoming quite forefront at the moment, dealing with the trade situation with the States. But having a strong association in any industry is very important for the membership.”

The honours are due to his service within the automobile industry as well as his volunteer service within the community.

He shared his perspective on what volunteerism means to him.

“We learn from each other,” he said. “I think, over time, that’s where the enjoyment of living in a community is, is that sense of community that comes from participating.”

“I think anybody that participates, recognizes that, and it’s what draws them back into that kind of volunteerism, is they realize it’s important for community, but it also is a great way of knowing people and getting to meet people and develop a great sense of community,” he added.

Barber noted that a strong sense of community is a result of people working together.

“It also comes with the cooperation of your staff, and maybe role models that you’ve had over the years in the industry and also in the community,” he said. “Weyburn has lots of examples of people who are committed to the community and that’s what makes Weyburn special, in every facet. We’re not big enough where we can pay people to do everything and things wouldn’t happen if there wasn’t volunteers and coaches out there doing civic duties and just caring about neighbours.”