The 18th annual Mark of Excellence banquet honoured local businesses with 29 businesses up for 10 categories on March 23.
The night was dedicated to the excellent businesses not just in Humboldt but also in the area, says Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce President, Kim Mitchell.
Things were done a little different this year, says Mitchell, with winners being selected by an external committee
“We had a Chamber in Saskatchewan actually do all the judging and it was their committee that judged all the businesses. We felt it made it more valid.”
One of those prestigious businesses who took home an award was Judy Plag and the Bella Vista Inn for Large Business of the Year.
During her acceptance speech Plag says the win was very unexpected since the Bella Vista was up against many other well deserving Humboldt and area businesses.
For Plag, receiving this award means the Bella Vista is being recognized for being a great leader in the community, she says.
The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce also recognized former mayor Malcolm Eaton as the Citizen of the Year and inducted Albert (Al) Gaetz and Murray Stebbings in the Business Hall of Fame.
Eaton had many kinds words while accepting his Citizen of the Year award, especially for his wife, Carol, all of the former councillors, former mayor Dennis Korte who was mayor during Eaton’s time as city councillor, and many others in the community who inspired Eaton during his time as mayor.
“I know that in our work and businesses and volunteerism with community organizations we never do this alone,” said Eaton in his acceptance speech.
Gaetz was on hand to receive his award for his nearly 60 years of business in Humboldt moving from owning and operating A-line Furniture and Appliances to selling real estate as owner and later manager of Re/Max after it was sold to Re/Max Saskatoon.
Even in semi-retirement, Gaetz says he is fortunate to still be connected to Re/Max.
“I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had a place of business that I did own and that I know that I like to go to and be with the younger generation and go down there for coffee and get new ideas.”
Gaetz says he feels honoured to receive recognition for his 60 years of contributing to the town and city of Humboldt.
Appreciating your customers is the key to success, says Gaetz.
With his death in 2005, Stebbings’ Hall of Fame award was proudly accepted by his daughter Linda Kosokowsky.
“He was a hard worker and a very humble man so we’re really proud that he’s been recognized.”
Stebbings started his career in the clothing industry working for 13 years at Bruser’s, opening Murray’s Men’s Wear in Humboldt in 1964. Stebbings sold the business in 1992 but got his realtor’s license to stave off retirement until 2002.
Kosokowsky says that her father also appreciated his customers and treated them well.
“He always thought you treat them the way you want to be treated. That played a big role in his business.”
Kosokowsky says that the woman who nominated Stebbings was a previous staff member who told Kosokowsky that Stebbings always treated his staff well as well as the customers.
Mitchell says there was a lot of great feedback from the night, especially on DJ Darren Yungmann who provided lights, sound, and music.
Gaetz says he appreciates all the work that went into the banquet and says everything was well done.
Mitchell would like to thank all the sponsors nominees, and businesses that came out to make it a wonderful night for business in Humboldt.
Winners for the 2017 Mark of Excellence
Large Business:
Bella Vista Inn
Small Business:
Black Pepper Grill and Bar
New Ventures:
Humboldt Speech & Language Services
Young Entrepreneurs:
Olivia Coffyne: Diamonds of Detroit
Marketing:
Diamonds of Detroit
Service:
Prairie Diesel Inc.
Community Merit:
1st Westminster Scouts
Community Involvement:
Sobey’s
Community Builder:
Home Hardware
People’s Choice:
Reel Attractions Ltd.
