“Get ‘er done!” is an adage that has become synonymous with Clarence Shields. Clarence’s legacy is comprised of his family business ventures, his community service endeavours and his commitment to his family.Clarence has committed time and support to many community service projects including being a charter and past member of the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc. A sample of his community involvement includes founder of the Tree of Hope Charitable Society and the Leduc Gaming Operators Association which have donated $250,000 and $800,000 respectively to local service groups and charities. Clarence is a major sponsor of the Leduc Grain Elevator Society. His business, Blackjacks Roadhouse, serves as a staging area and annually hosts numerous charity events. Once of Clarence’s proudest events is the Shields Annual Free Christmas Dinner serving dinner to 600 plus people which his family has been doing for 44 years in Fort McMurray and then in Nisku.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, Clarence returned to Fort McMurray and joins his father, Jack, in creating SML Industries along with his brothers, John and Jim. SML ventures included an A&W Drive-in, Smitty’s Family Restaurant, Dairy Queen and 5 other independent restaurant, bar and nightclub facilities located in Fort McMurray. SML also acquired Redwood Ready Mix concrete and gravel pits in Fort McMurray, Barrhead and Westlock as well as numerous commercial and warehouse and retail spaces.
The 1980-85 National Energy Program took its toll on the Shields Family businesses and forced them to start over. Clarence moved to Leduc, starting his first venture for the Shieldco Group of Companies. The Shieldco Group continues to own and operate the Airways Country Inn and Airport Parking, Blackjacks Roadhouse and Truck Stop, Nisku Digital Signs, Northern Lights Supply, Airways Liquor Store, and consulting services for the hospitality industry.
Family time and community service is particularly important to Clarence and his wife Ingrid who live in Leduc. Ingrid has been instrumental in representing and enhancing the arts community in Leduc and region as president of the Leduc Art Club and founding member of the Leduc Arts Foundry. Their three adult children, Krysta, Derek, and Jacqueline live close by and are an important part of their lives.
Clearly Clarence lives the objects of Rotary and is a deserving recipient of the Integrity Award.
Elmer Nykiforuk, President presents Clarence Shields with the 2021 Integrity Award for his outstanding service to the community. Rotarians Robert Neufeld and George Lavertu were on hand to extend congratulations too.
Video of the Presentation made on May 14, 2021