ROSE MCINNES
nominated by Andrea Schad.
Rose is currently the owner of Blue Earth and Blue Earth Army, a business that promotes waste reduction. Her business encompasses the community as a whole and as her nominator noted — Rose wants to better our community now and in the future.
Rose began her career as an environmental technologist - but was driven to follow her passion in waste reduction and a greener community. She started with a blue bin recycling services in 2013 — at that time she partnered with many business such as the Wor-Kin Shop, Mryglod Metals, Help International and SARCAN. In July 2013, she opened Blue Earth on Main Street.
By October 2014, the collection continued to grow and in addition to the store, Rose was utilizing six 10x20’ storage lockers. Subsequently, Blue Earth Army, a second larger location, was opened in the Meyers Norris Penny building.
In addition to selling her treasures at the stores, Rose is also generous in donating items to those in need. She supports the mission and focus of the Family Place by providing their families with furniture, supplies, and household items they need; has held books sales where the proceeds have gone to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Family Place or Wor-Kin Shop. Rose is available any time and willing to pick up and deliver articles to facilitate those who do not have the means to do so.
Rose’s work has been so outstanding she was nominated by Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce for the ABEX Awards and was one of the three finalists in the Environmental Category.
For a year term she joined the Board of the Special Olympics and in 2016, she joined the Canadian Mental Health Association Board, continuing to share her time and talents. She is a great asset and her spirit enhances the community of Weyburn. She truly makes a difference to many and is deserving of a nomination in Access Communication Entrepreneur Award of Excellence category.
MELANIE ROR
nominated by Alison Medders and Nadine Adderley
Melanie became franchise owner of Pet Valu in March of 2015 and immediately started working hard to create a welcoming environment for pet owners and pets by organizing events that help educate pet owners to improve the health and wellbeing of their pets. Prior to managing Pet Valu, Melanie obtained her Diploma in Global Tourism and Marketing as well has worked as a cultural liaison and administrative assistant.
In addition to providing many services and education including dental awareness, raw food education, pet first aid, nail trimming, micro-chipping and training demonstrations Melanie has thought of many ways to incorporate the love people have for their pets!. Some of her innovative events have included – pictures with Santa Paws and the Easter Bunny, Halloween costume parties, dog walks that begin and end at the store, Chi night (where a group of Chihuahuas spent an evening together with their owners), and recently a wiener and mixed dog race which brought people in from Regina, Moose Jaw and Estevan. The proceeds from many of these events have been donated to groups such as the Humane Society, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and Prairie Sky Dog Rescue. In September 2015, Weyburn Pet Valu won the highly sought after “The National Pet Valu Community Award” as a result of their work to support local and provincial animal welfare.
These events have benefitted not only animal welfare groups, but have brought the people and animals of Weyburn together for socialization, exercise and fun!
Melanie is a great example of one who was willing to take the risk of a new business, who enjoys and appreciates her clients, leads by example, and gives back to the community. Melanie’s leadership and entrepreneurial spirit has made a significant contribution to the retail makeup of the City of Weyburn and surrounding area making her an excellent nominee for this award.
HEATHER VAN DE BREGGEN
nominated by Gail Minard
In 2009 Heather took a leap and opened her own business called “Simple…with a Twist” with her daughter. Over the past seven years the business has produced over 300 paintings, created over 30 interior design projects, hosted/organized 11 solo and joint exhibitions and has provided countless private and public art classes.
“Achieving Freedom Through the Creation of Art”, the company’s mission statement, is a testament that loving what you do each day, hard work, a deep commitment, creativity, and a positive business attitude is the true spirit/essence of an entrepreneur.
Heather has a positive attitude towards all her clients, gets to know them, inspires everyone to see their vision, is adaptable and creative and keeps things new and interesting. She promotes teamwork and never gets discouraged. She has a fun personality and a style that attracts people of all ages.
Simple...with a Twist was instrumental in executing ArtSmart — a school project that travels to 10 rural schools to teach basic painting skills. When completed, all the student’s 12x12 abstract canvasses are installed to reveal one picture — a view of the world from space; a reminder that we are each unique and stand on our own, yet together make up the world.
Heather is the founder, host, treasurer and an exhibitor of ArtFarm which is an event where local artists can display and sell their work at a grassroots festival with live music, kids’ activities and culinary delights. ArtFarm is a finalist for the “Saskatchewan Tourism Community Event of the Year 2015” award.
From one of Heather’s clients: “Heather is not only budget minded but she came in under budget; she managed her time well and was very conscious of my time. Her confidence and ability allowed me to focus on what I needed to do and let her take charge. I was never disappointed.”
She is a role model and inspiration to artists of all types. She is a gifted artist and incredible businesswoman and a beautiful human being. Heather’s attitude towards business is one of following your passions, never be discouraged, believing in yourself, and always keeping it new and fresh — all attributes of an Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur Award recipient.
