Ray Danyluk highlighted the efforts of former LLB County Phil Lane, saying he was the first person in the municipality to begin the discussions on the need for a multiplex. Bold Center namesake, Bold Developments, a company run by Plamondon area businessmen Joe Martushev, Nick Kuznetsov and Paul Reutov was represented by Reutov at the opening ceremonies. Known for his 'behind the scenes style' Reutov reluctantly gave a wave to the crowd when Danyluk singled him out for the company's contributions. "Where's Paul?' Danyluk said, looking through the crowd of people gathered in the Bold Center hallway. "Wave your hand. Wave with both hands, afterall, this is the Bold Center." Danyluk on the importance of the Bold Center. "This facility is about community, it's about industry, it's about people. It's about libraries, it's about schools. It's about everything coming together to make this facility work." The MLA also officially endorsed provincial Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Doug Horner. "I am very proud to support you on your next venture," said Danyluk before inviting the St. Albert MLA to the podium. "The exciting times are not over," he said, explaining that the proposed new high school and the new library will "provide much opportunity" Danyluk also spoke about the continuing debate over the Primrose Air Weapons Range. He said the Lac La Biche County ratepayers will not be affected by any decision on the oil-rich property and the $17 million it provides annually into the county's coffers. "I will guarantee you that it will be equal to or a better situation than we are in today."
"I'm here to see a community in action" said PC party leadership candidate Doug Horner. "The Bold Center is more than a building, it's a symbol of a collective will," said Mayor Peter Kirylchuk. The mayor also said that his personal thoughts about the Bold Center are just as strong as his political reasons for supporting the multiplex. "For me, the Bold Center reprecents a place where my wife Alma and I can use the walking track and meet people." Kirylchuk and MLA Danyluk are planning a little one-on-one basketball event next Tuesday. Both men said the event will be a fundraiser. Danyluk has played hoops before, Kirylchuk said he hasn't. "It'll be worth it just to see Peter in shorts," said Danyluk. Former Bold Center fundraising coordinator Jane Palmer on the initial startup of donations for the new centre. "The first two million that was raised, was right from here, locally," she said, adding that regional industries added an additional $2.5 million. "So you talk about team work? You're darned right there was team work." Palmer also highlighted the efforts of Lac La Biche County CAO Duane Coleman for his past and presnet work and assistance with the project.
Devon Canada Vice President of Thermal Operations Cal Watson said the Lac La Biche Community is a key area in the plans for his energy company. "I see a community that is growing, prospering and thriving," he said, from behind the podium on the stage inside the Bold Center's Devon Room, a name given as part of the company's $350,000 commitment to the multiplex. "We like to be involved in the communities that we work in." When Cenovus officials were first approached as a sponsor, it was for one of the Bold Center's fieldhouses. They ended up sponsoring both fieldhouses, the children's activity area and the exercise area. "I was just blown away," said former fundraising coordinator Jane Palmer. Cenovus spokesperson Ruth Christensen said her company's $750,000 is one of the largest the company has ever given. "The Bold Center has a positive impact on the way people live, and this has been one of the largest (donations) we've made to date," said Christensen. "We consider Lac La Biche a key strategic community for us.' Bold Development's founding partner Paul Reutov got a standing ovation from the invited guests as he made his way to the podium. He told the crowd that he wanted to get involved with the project as soon as he heard about it. He also wanted to do something big — bigger than sponsoring a single room in the building like he was being asked to. "'A room? Why not a building,'" I told her. Jane's jaw dropped. 'Are you serious,' she said. I didn't even know if I was serious.' But after meeting with his partners, the group agreed to a $1.3 million contribution, "The Bold Group of Companies was interested. We are builders ourselves. We knew we had to be supportive and be involved," he said. "It made good business sense for us, for our families, for our neighbours' families and the community we all call home."
