A corporate tax change-fighting farmer, a bakery that has customers travel for their bread, an 88-year-old bank branch and a car dealership were recognized by the Nipawin Chamber of Commerce for their business excellence.
The chamber presented its ABEX awards at its President’s Gala Feb. 9.
Agriculture award
The winner of the chamber’s agriculture industry award this year was Youzwa Farms.
When the federal government announced it was going to change how corporations were taxed, Terry Youzwa saw the negative implications for his farm and decided the changes had to be fought.
His wife Sandee Youzwa wrote a letter to the prime minster to create awareness about some of the problems with the reforms, which lead to an interview with Charles Adler.
When the finance minister asked for names of farmers affected by the changes, local Conservative MP Randy Hoback gave him Terry’s number. That resulted in a 10 minute phone call, which in turn lead to numerous interviews and articles penned by Terry.
Zachary Youzwa, Terry’s son, was there to accept the award. He recalled how much work went into Terry’s efforts.
“[There was] lots of phone calls, lots of investigation and research,” he said. “There was days I was doing the farm work without him. It was lots of hours going into it.”
Zachary said it was a honour to accept the award.
“He’s never received anything like this on a local scale.”
Retail award
Family Bakery won the retail award.
The bakery was opened in 1975 by Peter and Barry Stoicescu. Albert Walker had worked for them for 35 years before he and his wife Cris took over at the end of 2014.
“I’m just totally overwhelmed, actually. It was a great night,” Cris said. “I think it’s just nice to have the recognition. We’re a small-town bakery but we have people who come in from all over the place.”
Cris told the people at the event she knows of a man from La Ronge who makes the trip to Nipawin every month to stock up on bread. He had never even lived in Nipawin – he just likes the bread.
The Stoicescus were also at the gala.
“For us, it’s nice we had the Stoicescus here because the bakery is their legacy and Albert’s worked for them for so long it’s like he’s part of their family,” Cris said, “so it’s nice we can carry on that tradition and carry it on with our kids.”
Heritage award
It was the Nipawin branch of the Bank of Montreal that won this year’s heritage award, given to businesses that demonstrate excellence over an extended period of time.
The bank opened in 1930, six years after Nipawin was incorporated as a village. At that time, Nipawin was the last stop on the rail line. The first manager was E.A. Leifer, who was there until 1935.
The first office was a rented building used as a pool hall, but it soon moved to a more permanent location. In 1948 it moved to its present location.
Jacqueline Lummerding, the current manager, said she was honoured by the award.
“It’s a validation of the work we try to do with the clients and business clients that we have,” she said. “You get to stay in business this long and have this opportunity when you do good work with your clients and when your clients return to you and have trust in what you are suggesting to them or helping them with.”
Service award
Murray Dunn GM was the winner of the service award.
The dealership started in 2007, when Lakewood Motors was bought out. It is a partnership with the Murray Auto Group’s Craig Dunn and managing partner Lyall Cook.
The building was renovated in 2012 to meet General Motors’ requirements.
“It’s pretty cool to get recognition for the service we provide to our customers,” said Bryce Cook, who accepted the award. “It’s something we’ve always believed in, to take care of your customers and then your customers will take care of you.”
He added the award was also a commendation for his staff.
“The service they provide to our customers, day in and day out. They’re the ones that are in the trenches and serving our customers with excellence each and every time.”
