The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce celebrated business with their 19th annual Mark of Excellence awards on March 7.
Twenty-five business were nominated in eight categories with seven businesses taking home awards.
Executive Director Stacey Poss with the Chamber says they are proud of their nominees, let alone the winners in the different categories.
There are several different reasons to continue hosting the event, including celebrating what is happening in the region and connecting businesses with each other as well as with local sponsors.
The fact that many businesses nominated were from outside of Humboldt shines a light on the fact that much is happening in the region, not just in the city, says Poss.
Saskatoon and Regina are the top two fastest growing cities in the country, says Poss, and they attribute a lot of that to their outlying communities, like Warman and Martensville.
Cities need to be getting outside of themselves to see what communities are giving to those cities, she says.
Humboldt Chamber President and owner of Century 21 Diamond Realty, Dan Torwalt, says that the Mark of Excellence is showing the region as a great place to do business and raise a family.
“All the winners talked about business and family...business attracts families and families attract business so they both work hand in hand.”
Mark of Excellence exceeded Colleen Haussecker’s expectations with Canadian Organic Spice and Herb Co. taking two awards home to Watson; Entrepreneur of the Year and the Growth and Expansion award.
“(Winning the awards) says a lot about my business and my staff. We’ve all worked very hard to get where we are. Everybody’s went over and above the call of duty.”
Rural Saskatchewan is a great place to have a small business with the community rooting and supporting you, she says.
Haussecker knows first hand how businesses help each other since she has been helped by fellow business mentors on numerous occasions. Every entrepreneur needs that, she says.
Bob Pitzel has many formal and informal mentors to thank for his induction into the Humboldt Business Hall of Fame at this years Mark of Excellence, he said via email.
All of these mentors, “without exception, have all stressed the need to give back to your community,” he says.
He is honoured to join the many other distinct members of the Humboldt business community already in the Hall of Fame, including Wilf Chamney, the Telfer family, Gerald Hergott and others.
These are “people who I have always admired for both their business ethics as well as their commitment to the Humboldt area,” he said via email.
The Chamber is already starting to plan their 20th Mark of Excellence awards for March 20, 2019.
2018 Mark of Excellence Awards Winners and Nominees
Community Merit (sponsored by CONEXUS):
Nominees: Elizabeth’s Place, Lanigan & District Ambulance Association, LeRoy Leisureland Regional Park, Three Lakes Economic Development Region, Watson Community Club
Winner: Watson Community Club
Community Involvement (sponsored by the City of Humboldt):
Nominees: 107.5 Bolt FM, Graphic Ad, Hergott Farm Equipment, Misty Gardens
Winner: Hergott Farm Equipment
Service (sponsored by Scotiabank):
Nominees: Humboldt Public School Childcare Centre, Office Experts Office Pro, Prairie Diesel, Strueby Plumbing & Heating
Winner: Office Experts Office Pro
Marketing (sponsored by CJVR/CK750):
Nominees: Century 21 Diamond Realty, Delwood Spray Foam, Viking Benefit Solutions (Sask. Municipal Retiree Association)
Winner: Century 21 Diamond Realty
Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Colony Chevrolet GMC Buick):
Nominees: Robbie and Tracy Reifferscheid (Infinite Creations), Colleen Haussecker, (Canadian Organic Spice and Herb Co), Joseph Dosch (Prairie Diesel)
Winner: Colleen Haussecker, (Canadian Organic Spice and Herb Co.)
New Business Venture (sponsored by the Humboldt Journal):
Nominees: Delwood Spray Foam, Fire Alert Saskatchewan, Humboldt Public School Childcare Centre, Twisted Tails Bar and Grill
Winner: Twisted Tails Bar and Grill
Growth and Expansion (sponsored by SaskTel & Direct West):
Nominees: Canadian Organic Spice and Herb Co., HSA Chartered Professional Accountants, Infinite Creations, Lanigan & District Ambulance Association
Winner: Canadian Organic Spice and Herb Co.
Innovation and Technology (sponsored by RBC Royal Bank):
Nominees: Campbell Greenhouse, Shine Media
Winner: Campbell Greenhouse
