Companies from near and far came together in Bonnyville last week to make valuable connections, and show the strength of the energy industry.
The fifth biennial Bonnyville Oil and Gas Show, hosted by the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce, saw around 100 businesses taking over the Centennial Centre June 19 to 20.
”It was a good opportunity for exhibitors to come out and network with other exhibitors,” said Megan Wakefield, show director. “As well as attendees to come out and see what the industry has to offer.”
Reg Rivard, partner with Bonnyville-based Timberwolf Environmental Services, agreed.
”(It’s a chance) to let people know what you can do. We have diversified, so it’s good to get the message out that we have heavy equipment and we can do more than just secondary containments, which is what we started with,” he explained.
This was the first year local business Pevach Corp. had a booth in the show. While owner Shawn Pevach has participated in the past, he was excited to use the opportunity to showcase his own company.
”We came to display what we do, how we work, and what we can do in the oil field. Hopefully, to get some work out of it and get our presence known in the community.”
Pevach believes it was also important to show support for the oil and gas industry, due to the downturn in the economy.
”We want it to get better. Every bit we can do to make things better in the community and the oil field, and maybe get some work in the oil field.”
While rain slowed down attendance over the two days, local residents and industry employees came out to show their support.
Any admission fees collected at the doors went to STARS Air Ambulance, which has been the organization of choice since the oil and gas show started.
”The reason we do STARS is it’s very near and dear to the oil field industry,” Wakefield detailed. “Essentially, everyone uses it so it’s one of those services that... everyone knows someone who’s utilized STARS and it’s really important for us as a region.”
Ken Pshyk, ambassador for Lakeland Friends of STARS, added, “We’ve raised enough between the registrations and personal donations to fly a mission to Bonnyville. This organization just gave someone a second chance at life.”
STARS wasn’t the only organization collecting donations thanks to the show.
Osum Oil Sands Corp. provided attendees the chance to win prizes while giving back to local groups, such as KidSport Bonnyville and the food bank.
”We love the oil and gas show for a number of reasons,” detailed communications manager Christi Clouter. “We’re supporting the local industry and economy, we get to see contractors that we’re working with on our site, and there’s an opportunity to meet with new companies that we may have the chance to work with in the future.”
With another successful event come to a close, Wakefield said they have their sights set on hosting another show in 2021.
