C.E.M. Heavy Equipment of Lethbridge donated $100,000 to Lethbridge College, a gift that will support the college’s Trades and Technology Renewal and Innovation Project (TTRIP) through the establishment of the C.E.M. High Head Heavy Equipment Bay. The gift will also support student awards through the creation of the Ed Valgardson Memorial Scholarships for Heavy Equipment Technician apprentices and Parts Technician apprentices. These two memorial scholarships, both valued at $1,500 per year, will be named in honour of the company’s founder, Ed Valgardson.
“Our partnership with C.E.M. is yet another fine example of Lethbridge College working with industry to enhance the education of the future workforce of this province,” said Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College president and CEO. “This collaboration further reinforces the community’s commitment to providing access to the best post-secondary education and training facilities in southern Alberta.”
C.E.M. Heavy Equipment is a privately owned heavy equipment dealer located in Taber. It was started in 1978 by Ed Valgardson, a heavy duty mechanic, originally with one service truck based out of Pincher Creek. In 1980 Ed Valgardson joined forces with his brother, Pete, and moved the operation to Taber. They opened their current shop in 2000. For the last 13 years, the business has maintained its dedication to equipment servicing, but has also expanded its reach and become more involved with selling material handling equipment, using their new fabricating facilities, as well as with selling new Hyundai and Manitou heavy equipment and preowned heavy equipment.
Ed Valgardson passed away in 2003. Since then, his wife, Jennifer, has been running the operation and is the current President and CEO. She says that the gift is an ideal way to honour the memory of her husband, whose influence is still felt throughout southern Alberta. “Lethbridge College is an important part of our business and a very worthwhile cause,” said Jennifer Valgardson. “Ed and I always believed in the value of giving back and putting our beliefs into practice. The Heavy Equipment training at the college is worthwhile. Getting excellent trades training gives young people a great future in the skilled trades.”
Also on hand for the announcement were Ed and Jennifer Valgardson’s two daughters Corey and Kristy, and their husbands, Mike Davis and Jeff Bell. Jennifer Valgardson says she is proud to share the meaning of this gift with her staff as she considers them part of the C.E.M. family and knows they will be excited to be part of this announcement.
“Our partnership with C.E.M. is yet another fine example of Lethbridge College working with industry to enhance the education of the future workforce of this province,” said Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College president and CEO. “This collaboration further reinforces the community’s commitment to providing access to the best post-secondary education and training facilities in southern Alberta.”
C.E.M. Heavy Equipment is a privately owned heavy equipment dealer located in Taber. It was started in 1978 by Ed Valgardson, a heavy duty mechanic, originally with one service truck based out of Pincher Creek. In 1980 Ed Valgardson joined forces with his brother, Pete, and moved the operation to Taber. They opened their current shop in 2000. For the last 13 years, the business has maintained its dedication to equipment servicing, but has also expanded its reach and become more involved with selling material handling equipment, using their new fabricating facilities, as well as with selling new Hyundai and Manitou heavy equipment and preowned heavy equipment.
Ed Valgardson passed away in 2003. Since then, his wife, Jennifer, has been running the operation and is the current President and CEO. She says that the gift is an ideal way to honour the memory of her husband, whose influence is still felt throughout southern Alberta. “Lethbridge College is an important part of our business and a very worthwhile cause,” said Jennifer Valgardson. “Ed and I always believed in the value of giving back and putting our beliefs into practice. The Heavy Equipment training at the college is worthwhile. Getting excellent trades training gives young people a great future in the skilled trades.”
Also on hand for the announcement were Ed and Jennifer Valgardson’s two daughters Corey and Kristy, and their husbands, Mike Davis and Jeff Bell. Jennifer Valgardson says she is proud to share the meaning of this gift with her staff as she considers them part of the C.E.M. family and knows they will be excited to be part of this announcement.
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