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Media Release: 2020 ABEX Awards Recipients Announcement

September 10, 2020

Regina, SK – The ABEX Awards are Saskatchewan’s largest and longest-running business awards program, celebrating business excellence since 1984. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 ABEX Awards will be shifting from its traditional celebration of Saskatchewan business success to recognizing businesses and individuals who have become Saskatchewan’s everyday heroes.

This year’s awards will be taking place virtually on November 14, 2020 and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is encouraging nominees, recipients and the public to host viewing parties in accordance with Saskatchewan Health Authority guidelines. In honour of the chamber’s 100^th anniversary, the theme of this year’s awards is Roaring Twenties and viewers at home are encouraged to host 1920’s-themed viewing parties of their own.
 
Saskatchewan is navigating the challenges brought about by the global pandemic and economic slowdown by working together, supporting communities, and looking ahead with optimism. The Saskatchewan spirit of resilience is more evident than ever and the ABEX Awards will be celebrating the businesses and individuals who have exhibited this spirit of resilience.

In March 2020, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce encouraged the public to nominate businesses that supported the community, demonstrated resilience, or have been strategic and innovative in their approach to serving clients and engaging customers. Over the coming weeks leading up to November 14, nominees and their stories will be featured on the ABEX Awards social media channels and the recipients will be honoured during the virtual awards show.

“Congratulations to this year’s ABEX Awards recipients. They went above and beyond when our community needed them most and I admire the perseverance and innovation displayed by these Saskatchewan businesses. The chamber is certainly proud of their accomplishments and they should be too,” said Steve McLellan, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO.
 
2020 ABEX Awards Recipients

Community Leader of the Year – Chief Cadmus Delorme – Cowessess First Nation

The Community Leader of the Year Award honours and recognizes someone who has made a positive contribution to our community through volunteerism and philanthropy. This individual will have taken a lead role in developing solutions to social challenges in Saskatchewan.

Business Leader of the Year, sponsored by University of Regina – Greg Yuel, PIC Investment Group – Saskatoon

The Business Leader of the Year Award is awarded to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of a business visionary. This person has shown outstanding success in business or industry through the development of a new process, product or service, or for meaningful contributions to the local business community.

Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame Inductee – Flaman Group of Companies – Saskatoon
The Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence over an extended period of time, contributing to the economic well-being of the people and the province.

Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award – Richard Ahenakew – Northern Lights Casino – Prince Albert

The Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award is presented to a person with a long-standing history of committing time, intelligence and leadership to the chamber network in Saskatchewan. This award was created in honour of past Saskatchewan Chamber Board member and ABEX founder Roger Phillips, and its recipient is chosen by the current Saskatchewan Chamber Chair with input from Directors and other members of the chamber network.

Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Deveraux Group of Companies – Regina

Marketing Award – Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company – Regina

Export Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership – VIDO-InterVac – Saskatoon

Community Involvement, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP – Spiro’s Family Restaurant – Lloydminster

Priority Focus (Resilience) – Tangerine Group of Companies – Regina

Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Cameco – The Everyday Kitchen – Regina

Growth and Expansion, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc. – Dutch Growers – Regina

New Venture, sponsored by Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development – SANOZONE by Ground Effects Environmental Services – Regina

Service, sponsored by CN – Indian Head Bakery – Indian Head

Awards of Merit

• Harbour Landing Village – Regina
• Melissa Carson – Weyburn
• Fast Trucking - Carnduff

The 2020 ABEX Awards will be a celebration of the stories of everyday heroes in Saskatchewan communities and will take place virtually on November 14, 2020. All nominees, recipients and the public are invited to watch the awards online and celebrate Saskatchewan business! For more information, visit saskchamber.com or @ABEXawards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.