Jenny Jakel honored with Lifetime Achievement award

Chances are, if you’ve ever been in Abbotsford for any length of time, you’ve seen Jenny Jakel bouncing around from event to event. In fact, as co-worker Natalyn Jannene will tell you, coming up with a list of the things Jakel has done is no easy feat.

“What isn’t she involved with would be easier than listing all that she is involved with,” Jannene said in her nomination letter. “She has been a chamber board member for years, holding the treasurer position. She helps volunteer at several chamber events each year. . . . she helps annually with the Christmas Parade.”

It was for all those reasons and more that Jannene, along with Brenda and Dean Wiese, saw Jakel as a natural choice for this year’s AbbyColby Crossings Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement award.

“It’s humbling to be recognized because getting an award was never the impetus behind why I got involved,” Jakel said in comments to the Tribune.

Jakel grew up in Curtiss, at a time when the village had barely 100 residents. She graduated from Abbotsford High, and has been a fixture in Abbotsford, specifically AbbyBank for years.

She got her start with AbbyBank on June 1 of 1976, for what was supposed to a three month temp position. 46 years later, Jakel is still going strong at Abby-Bank, and is executive vice president.

“This is a testament to what a great employer AbbyBank has been over the years,” Jakel says.

While in that position, Jakel saw the community grow, and recognized the needs of the surrounding area as well. That made volunteering a natural thing to do, says Jakel.

“Volunteerism is seeing a need as asking ‘What can I do?’ rather than ‘Why doesn’t someone do something?’ We all have talents to give back to our community.”

Jakel has been a part of some of the

biggest events in Abbotsford and Colby for the past four and a half decades. She says lending a helping hand has enriched her life in numerous ways, from friendships developed to growing Abbotsford and Colby.

“I have grown in ways I never imagined and made friendships I would not have otherwise,” Jakel said. “I’m proud to have been one of the first inductees (I think) to the School District of Abbotsford Wall of Fame and, of course, to have played a part in the new city hall/ library.”

When discussing Jakel and her many accomplishments, most are in awe of Jakel’s ability to juggle so many volunteer efforts with a demanding job.

“Jenny always will be seen with a smile,” Brenda Wieise said in her nomination letter. “Even with her busy schedule, she will find time to help in anyway she can, with any project you throw at her. She is guaranteed she will do it 100 percent.”

Jakel has also been something of a pioneer in banking, as a woman in a male dominated field.

“I hope Jenny will tell us about all the positions she has filled at the bank,” said Carol O’Leary when introducing Jakel at the award’s banquet on Saturday. “As the bank grew, and new rules and regulations were put in place, Jennt was the one who developed the new department to comply with the rules. . . her knowledge of business has made her a very valuable asset to the bank and the community.”

For her part, Jakel remains humbled by the honor, but also hopes that her example can inspire future generations of Abbotsford and Colby residents to become involved in their communities and be an active force for good.

“From a personal standpoint, a strong community provides opportunities for all, especially our youth,” Jakel told the Tribune. “From an economic standpoint, the better the community the more value is created for our residents and businesses. I hope others can see that anyone can have an impact. As a late bloomer myself, it was several years after graduation before I got involved. It’s never too late!”