Letters
Letter from the President & CEO
For 100 years, AMA has been part of life in Alberta—on our roads, in our communities, and supporting the people who make this province extraordinary. As we celebrate our centennial year, we wanted to mark the occasion in a meaningful way: by shining a spotlight on some of our members whose passion, talent, leadership and generosity have impacted this province for the better — and whose stories continue to inspire us as an organization. This special commemorative magazine features 100 AMA members whose stories reflect some of the diversity, resilience, and community spirit that defines our province. They’re only a sample of the incredible people who make up AMA’s membership across Alberta, but their contributions span every corner of Alberta life: athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, volunteers, innovators and everyday community builders. Some names you may recognize. Others will be new to you. But all are making a difference. Together, they offer a glimpse into the countless ways our members contribute to the strength and character of our communities. Among them are members whose stories connect directly to the history of AMA itself, such as Wallace “Wally” Wahl, a committed member since 1950, and Stan Rose, who keeps Alberta’s motoring heritage alive through his meticulously maintained 1926 Model T — vehicle, coincidentally, as old as AMA itself. Some of the individuals in this issue have travelled across Alberta’s highways for decades. Others are just beginning their journeys. What unites them is a shared love for this province and a commitment to making it better — values that have guided AMA for a century. This commemorative edition is designed as a keepsake; presenting stories I’m sure you’ll want to share and revisit. They remind us that while AMA has played an important role in Alberta’s history, it is people like our members — everyday Albertans — who truly define it. The individuals featured in these pages — and the many more members they represent — highlight the compassion, creativity and community spirit that has carried Alberta through the past 100 years and will continue to inspire what comes next. To the 100 members featured here, and to all our members across the province: thank you. Your stories inspire us, and your passion for this province is what drives us forward. Here’s to the next 100 years — and to the journeys we’ll take together.
Michelle Chimko | President & CEO
Scott Kashuba | Board Chair | AMA
Letter from the Board Chair
As we celebrate AMA’s 100th anniversary, I’m reminded that our strength has always come from something uniquely Albertan: representation rooted in community. For a century, AMA has been shaped not only by the roads that connect our province, but by the people who live along them — in cities, towns and rural communities alike. That commitment to regional representation is reflected in how AMA is governed. Our board of directors is made up of members from across Alberta, ensuring that decisions are informed by the diverse perspectives and experiences of the communities we serve. Through six geographic regions and the regional advisory boards that support them, we hear directly from members about what matters most in their part of the province, and this helps ensure that we remain grounded in local needs while serving all Albertans. It feels fitting, then, that this 100th anniversary issue of AMA Insider mirrors that same geographic diversity. You’ll meet individuals like Eric Rajah of Lacombe, whose vision for a better world has helped bring education to communities across the globe. In Maskwacis, Wilton Littlechild’s lifelong leadership as a pioneering First Nations lawyer and MP continues to inspire generations. Tracy Persson of Grande Prairie transformed her own breast cancer journey into an app supporting women facing similar challenges. And Camrose’s Liz and Ralf Petruch turned their love of travel into a remarkable feat: driving every road in Alberta while supporting local businesses along the way. These and other stories are part of a collective narrative. Some individuals are known nationally, while others quietly make a difference in their hometowns. But all reflect the same truth: AMA members live and lead in every community across Alberta, and we can be proud of the legacy formed by all their contributions, large and small. For 100 years, AMA has worked to ensure Albertans are represented — on our board, in our programs and in the stories we tell. This commemorative issue celebrates that commitment by showcasing just a small sample the people who define our province. It is both a reflection of who we are and a reminder of the incredible impact that begins at the grassroots level. On behalf of AMA’s Board of Directors, thank you to the members featured here, and to all our members across Alberta. Your voices, leadership, and pride in your communities continue to shape AMA — and Alberta — for the better.
