THE BATTLEFORDS — The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce made a post on their Facebook page sharing a throwback photo of the first ever BBEX award, which was in 1994. The award was a beautiful handcrafted desk given to award recipients, made by Stan Wychopen.
Finalists have been announced for the 2024 Battlefords Business Excellence Awards, with the ceremony to take place Nov. 7.
“The BBEX Awards showcase the immense talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the Battlefords business community,” said BBEX committee co-chair Samantha Weber in a release.
“These finalists have demonstrated remarkable achievements, resilience and a commitment to service the community.”
New Business Venture Award finalists are Adora Diamonds, Battlefords Landscape Supply, Bliss & Bubs Boutique and Jety Builders Ltd.
The Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award finalists – honouring an employee and individual — are Michael Collins of Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Daniel Stokalko of Boston Pizza.
Community Contribution Award finalists are 4Suns Ag Solutions Ltd., Caleb Village Retirement Community, Hawtin Plumbing Services, Home Hardware Building Centre and North Battleford Montana’s BBQ & Bar.
North Battleford Micro Business Award finalists are Annette’s School of Dance, Bliss and Bubs Boutique, Jety Builders Ltd., Pleasant View Grooming & Pet Vacations, Thundercrete Contracting and Vitality Acupuncture & Massage.
Young Entrepreneur Award finalists are Amanda Arcand of Bodywise Piercing, Cayla Ellis of Annette’s School of Dance, Tyler Lightfoot of Thundercrete Contracting, Devan Martel of Twin River Concrete Ltd., Brett Rumpf of Battlefords Landscape Supply and Deanna Starr of Miskihnak Occupational Therapy.
Impact Award finalists are Battlefords Agricultural Society, Battlefords District Food & Resource Centre, Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Big Brother Big Sisters of the Battlefords and Midwest Food Resources Inc.
Members’ Choice Award finalists are Battlefords Agricultural Society, Bliss & Bubs Boutique, Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC, Caleb Village Retirement Community Home, Hardware Building Centre North Battleford and Styles Plus.
Two recipients have already been chosen for the Heritage Award and the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame Award. The first went to Hardware Building Centre North Battleford for their leadership in the business community and their “pioneer and cornerstone business.”
The second was awarded to Gardiner Electric, marking them as the fourth business or family to be inducted.
The gala event will be held at the Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford.
