The ABEX Awards have been celebrating Saskatchewan business success since 1984. Every year, the ABEX Awards recognize a cornerstone Saskatchewan business and three individuals for their business leadership, philanthropic efforts, and their support of the Chamber network.
Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame
O & T Farms is the 33rd company that will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame at the 2019 ABEX Awards on October 19th at TCU Place in Saskatoon.
“O & T Farms is an absolute cornerstone business in our province, and I am so pleased that they are now in the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame. They have taken Saskatchewan agricultural innovation to the world,” said Steve McLellan, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
For the past 25 years, O&T has shifted away from poultry production to specialty feed ingredient production. With the capacity to annually ship upwards of 110,000 tonnes of their patented, trademarked, and value-added ingredient to international customers and partners, O&T is selling Saskatchewan worldwide.
ABEX Business Leader of the Year 2019
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2019 ABEX Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by the University of Regina, is Mr. Wayne Clifton, founder and CEO of Clifton & Associates, one of western Canada’s leading consulting civil and geotechnical engineering firms.
Wayne Clifton has had an extensive career in the engineering industry, with his company having worked on over 10,000 projects world-wide. Wayne has received numerous awards, been a member of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and is a firm believer in supporting post-secondary education. Wayne has been an adjunct professor at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan and has written hundreds of technical reports and journals. Wayne continues to financially support individuals who wish to pursue engineering or geoscience degrees.
“Wayne Clifton is a legend and a leader in the world of engineering in Saskatchewan and in Canada. This recognition is a reflection of a lifetime of entrepreneurship and excellence,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
ABEX Community Leaders of the Year 2019
In recognition of their dedication to Saskatchewan communities and the welfare of those most vulnerable, Walter and Colleen Mah will be receiving the 2019 ABEX Community Leader of the Year award. The award, sponsored by SaskEnergy, recognizes an individual or individuals who have made a positive contribution to the community through volunteerism and philanthropy and have developed solutions to social challenges in Saskatchewan.
Walter and Colleen were both drawn to EGADZ for its work to support some of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable – mothers and children. The Mah’s were excited to play an instrumental role in the Sweet Dreams project using Canada’s first Social Impact Bond. This business model changed the way government, non-profit and private business cooperate to create new and sustainable opportunities. The Mah’s and other partners in the EGADZ project received the prestigious Governor General’s Innovation Award in May of this year.
“Wally and Colleen Mah’s philanthropic efforts are well-known and serve as an inspiration to all of us. Not only have they dedicated their time and resources but they have paved the way for an entirely new and innovative way for government, non-profit and private businesses to work together to improve our society. We are honoured to present them with an ABEX Award this year,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award 2019
The Roger Philips Chamber Builder Award is named in honor of Mr. Roger Phillips, who originated the ABEX Awards 35 years ago. The Award is presented to an individual with a long-standing history of committing time, thought leadership and guidance to the Chamber network in Saskatchewan. This year’s recipient of the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award is John Hopkins of Regina.
John Hopkins is the CEO of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, a position that he has held and excelled in since 2001. John is known for his thoughtful commentary on policy and politics and for his advocacy work on behalf of the Regina business community. John was on the Board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives and was the President from 2017-2018. John was awarded the Executive of the Year at the 2013 Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting.
“John’s passion for the success of Saskatchewan business community is remarkable. He is a colleague, a peer, and a friend to everyone in the Chamber network in Saskatchewan and across Canada. We are looking forward to presenting this award to such a deserving individual,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
The 2019 ABEX Awards, sponsored by Conexus Credit Union,are on October 19 at TCU Place and can be purchased online here.
