THE BATTLEFORDS — The Battlefords AND District Chamber of Commerce together with its Battlefords Business Excellence (BBEX) awards committee and presenting sponsor Gold Eagle Casino have announced the finalists
for each of the eight categories of awards to be presented at the BBEX gala Nov. 9.
Over the course of the spring and summer months, residents and businesses could nominate individuals and businesses for these awards. Once the businesses submitted their nomination package, those submissions went through the vetting process to ensure they qualified for the category based on its criteria. For example, the Young Entrepreneur finalists, must meet an age requirement.
The 2022 finalists are:
New Business Venture Award (sponsored by SIIT) – Autumn + Ash Décor and DIY Studio, Drift Wellness and Beauty;
Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award (sponsored by Swanson Gryba and Company) – Natalie Elliot - Battlefords Gymnastics Club, Jada Leas -Discovery Co-operative Ltd. (gas bar), Geri Krelow – Fortier Mattila Appraisals Inc., Dustin Linnell – Hawtin Plumbing Services Inc.;
Community Contribution Award (sponsored by SaskTel) – Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC, Gold Eagle Lodge, Discovery Co-operative Ltd., Petro Canada;
Micro Business Award (sponsored by TD Bank) – Hawtin Plumbing Services Inc., Petro Canada, Oil Can Charlie’s Ltd, STIL Boutique & Beauty Inc.;
Young Entrepreneur Award (sponsored by Northwest Community Futures Development Corp.) – David Fortier - Fortier Mattila Appraisals Inc., Jordyn Nachtegaele - Student Works Painting, Lee Ganzert- HVR Construction Ltd., Isabel Smith - The Smith's Makeup Artistry and Photography, Leah Sych - Drift Wellness and Beauty;
Agriculture and Agri-Business Award (sponsored by Farm Credit Canada) – 4Suns Ag Solutions Ltd., Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd., Redhead Equipment, Tingley's Harvest Center;
Impact Award (sponsored by Innovation Credit Union) – Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Battlefords, Concern for Youth, Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program Inc., Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre Inc., Battlefords North Stars Hockey Club Inc., Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Battlefords, Canadian Mental Health Association Battlefords Branch, Midwest Food Resources Project Inc., the Humane Society of the Battlefords Inc.;
Member’s Choice Award (sponsored by Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce) – Battlefords Animal Hospital; Blend Restaurant and Bar; Rooted Plumbing, Bethann Weber Photography, Dream Realty SK.
A total of 38 finalists will be recognized for their excellence in business in the Battlefords this year. New awards in 2022 include Agriculture and Agri-Business Award, Impact Award and Member's Choice Award. Young Entrepreneur is a category that has been brought forward to stand on its own, rather than being part of another category in 2020. One other key change in 2022, is that the Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star award is being presented to an individual employee of a business. (In 2023 it will be awarded to a business owner, and will alternate each year)
The Business of the Year award will also be presented that evening, and will be selected from amongst the finalists in the business categories. Award winners will be revealed at the BBEX gala Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts in North Battleford. Tickets will be available to purchase to attend the event Monday, Oct. 17 They can be ordered online at the Chamber website - www.battlefordschamber.com, but email at admin@battlefordschamber.com, or by phone at 306-445-6226.
