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Event Details

September 21, 2024 

Schedule

Cocktail Reception: 5:00pm
Program Start: 6:00pm
Program End: 9:30pm
Afterparty: Immediately following the event

Location

TCU Place
35 22 St E, Saskatoon, SK

Tickets

Ticket: $165 (Members) / $185 (General)
Table of 8: $1320+tax (Members) / $1480+tax (General)

Tables of 9 or 10 will be considered by request only.

Cancellations are refundable in full until September 13, 2024. After this date cancellations are non-refundable. Registrations are transferable at any time.

Applications & Nominations Open: March 1, 2024
Applications Close: May 1, 2024
Finalists Announced: June 20, 2024

Early Bird Deadline: August 21, 2024 @ 5pm (save 10%!)
Ticket Deadline: September 13, 2024

Tickets available starting June 13, 2024

Apply for an ABEX Award

Participating in the ABEX Awards not only positions your business at the forefront of Saskatchewan’s business landscape but also provides a unique opportunity to showcase your remarkable achievements, gain industry recognition, and forge valuable connections that can propel your business to new heights. If your business has showcased outstanding performance this year, don’t miss the chance to share your success story. Simply apply below (no nomination required) and join us in celebrating excellence on the provincial stage.

The ABEX application process is conducted exclusively through an online platform. You have the flexibility to access your account multiple times until the application deadline on May 1, 2024

 Membership in the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is not mandatory. Organizations are eligible to apply for multiple categories.

General Eligibility

  • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for a minimum of two years at the time of application.*
  • Must be financially viable.
  • Must qualify as a for-profit business (Exception: Nonprofit organizations can apply for the Non-Profit Impact Award).
  • Must not apply for a category in which the business has won the previous year (other categories remain eligible).
  • Must not have won Business of the Year the previous year (all categories ineligible – but can apply the following year)
  • Exception: Business of the Year winners are not eligible to receive Business of the Year again for five (5) years.
  • Must not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
  • Financial success is an important criterion in recognizing business excellence and as such, all categories ask for audited financial statements. This information is held in strict confidence and is permanently deleted after the ABEX Awards (NOTE: While the submission of financial information is optional, it is important to note that organizations omitting this information may receive lower scores and are less likely to be selected as finalists.)

*’Operating’ entails engaging in commercial activities, providing goods or services, generating revenue, or carrying out other business-related functions within Saskatchewan’s borders.

    TIP: Read through the questions and gather your information before you complete the online application with our ABEX Application Package, found below.

    Apply Today  ABEX Awards Application Package

    Nominate a Business

    Do you know of a remarkable business that deserves recognition? Encourage them to apply by submitting a nomination today!

    *A nomination is not mandatory for application. Your nomination serves as a powerful way to inform a business about this exceptional opportunity and demonstrates your belief in their deserving candidacy.

    Nominate Today

    Awards Categories and Requirements

    Community Involvement Award

    The ABEX Community Involvement Award is presented to the business that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting arts and culture, amateur sports, education, healthcare, or voluntary groups. Judging considers the relative size of the business. Greater consideration is given for involvement that is not an extension of the firm’s main business activities. This award celebrates a business that has actively contributed to the betterment of their communities, demonstrating a genuine dedication to making a positive impact in areas that extend beyond their core business functions.

    Sponsored By Saskatchewan Blue Cross

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
    • Demonstrate active contributions to community betterment through investment, time-commitment of staff, and/or leading key initiatives.

    2023 Winner: Wiegers Financial & Benefits


    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award

    The ABEX Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award is presented to the business that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in fostering equitable, sustainable, and measurable change. Recognizing excellence in practices, events, applied research, policy, programs, or other activities, this award highlights initiatives focused on traditionally under-represented groups such as women, visible/racialized minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+. Encouraging the celebration of cultural differences, community relationship-building, and substantial progress within organizations and the broader community, this award champions efforts to advance diversity and inclusion.

    Sponsored By Nutrien

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
    • Must demonstrate commitment to inclusive employment practices, showcase measurable impact on under-represented groups, and/or display innovative diversity initiatives.

     

    2023 Winner: Tokata HR Solutions


    Export Award

    The ABEX Export Award is presented to the business that has demonstrated exceptional performance in exporting Saskatchewan goods or services, showcasing remarkable performance on national and/or international fronts. The successful business has not only contributed to the growth of Saskatchewan’s export sector, but has also distinguished themselves as an innovator in expanding the reach of Saskatchewan’s goods and services, while elevating the reputation of the province on the global stage.

    Sponsored By STEP

    STEP - Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Demonstrate success and growth in national or international markets.
    • Showcase strategies and projections for future export success.
    • Showcase impact of business exports on Saskatchewan’s economy.

     

    2023 Winner: N/A – Insufficient Applications


    Growth & Expansion Award

    The ABEX Growth and Expansion Award is presented to the business that has made significant changes in their business resulting in “Growth” or “Expansion”. Growth may encompass increased revenue, market share, or customer base, while expansion may include geographical reach, number or size of business locations, product lines, or service offerings. Recognizing achievements such as job creation and investments, this award highlights a business that has strategically evolved and positively impacted their community’s economic landscape.

    Sponsored By PFM Capital Inc.

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Display evidence of prior financial growth, as well as growth or expansion in other areas (market share, customer base, geographical reach, business locations, product lines, service offerings)
    • Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future growth.

     

    2023 Winner: MegaDry Disaster Restoration Inc.


    Innovation Award

    The ABEX Innovation Award is presented to the business that has redefined its industry through cutting-edge technologies, systems, services, or products. The successful business not only successfully implemented innovative solutions but also has left a positive impact on their industry and contributes to enhanced sales, productivity, and overall sustainability. This award recognizes the bold trailblazing and positive transformation achieved by the successful business, shaping a better future for both their industry and society.

    Sponsored By Saskatchewan Polytechnic

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Demonstrate successful ideation and implementation of an innovation.

     

    2023 Winner: Precision AI


    Marketing Award

    The ABEX Marketing Award is presented to the business that has demonstrated outstanding performance in the planning and execution of impactful marketing campaigns. This award recognizes innovators who have not only embraced creativity in their marketing endeavors but have also achieved measurable success in enhancing brand visibility, engagement, and overall market impact. This award highlights the business that goes beyond conventional approaches, and exhibits a strong understanding of their target audience, industry trends, and a commitment to achieving excellence through strategic marketing initiatives.

    Sponsored By

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Demonstrate success in at least one (1) marketing campaign within the last three (3) years.
    • Showcase innovation in marketing techniques.
    • Employ data and analytics to demonstrate the measurable impact of their campaigns.

     

    2023 Winner: Harbour Landing Village


    New Venture Award

    The ABEX New Venture Award is presented to the new business that has been in existence for one to three years and has demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of current or expected profitability, job creation, and entry into new markets. Judging criteria emphasizes financial metrics, the unique nature of the new venture, and its significant impact on job creation and market expansion. This award acknowledges the success and innovative contributions of the winning new business to the business landscape.

    Sponsored By Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for a minimum of one (1) year and a maximum of three (3) years as of April 30, 2024.
    • Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future success.

     

    2023 Winner: Phantom Light Distillery


    Non-Profit Impact Award (NEW in 2024)

    The ABEX Non-Profit Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization that has contributed to the betterment of Saskatchewan’s business landscape. Through innovative practices and transformative initiatives, the successful organization has played an impactful role in building a robust and vibrant ecosystem that contributes to making Saskatchewan an ideal place for businesses to thrive.

    Sponsored By

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a non-profit organization.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Demonstrate proof of community impact or engagement.
    • Showcase measurable outcomes of the impact of the business’s involvement.
    • Display effective implementation of innovative programs or projects.

     

    2023 Winner: N/A 


    Service Award

    The ABEX Service Award is presented to the business, regardless of industry, that has consistently surpassed expectations in delivering high-quality service. Judging criteria consider the unique conditions of each business, evaluating factors such as size, growth potential, and the effectiveness of customer service initiatives. The successful business has not only met but exceeded industry standards, having fostered strong customer relationships and contributed significantly to the overall advancement of their respective sector.

    Sponsored By KPMG

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Demonstrate proof of exceptional customer service initiatives
    • Showcase innovative service offerings.
    • Outline impact of service initiatives on business success.

     

    2023 Winner: The Atlas˚ Hotel


    Young Entrepreneur

    The ABEX Young Entrepreneur Award is presented to an entrepreneur between the ages of 18-35 who has achieved success in launching and operating a new or existing business. Eligible candidates must offer a product and/or service, have long-term goals with corresponding strategies, and demonstrate an ability to innovate in response to marketplace challenges, resulting in a significant competitive advantage. Special consideration will be given to those who have displayed an innovative approach to entrepreneurship.

    Sponsored By Cameco

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years at the time of applying.
    • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
    • Must be 35 years of age or less as of September 30, 2024.
    • Must show evidence of financial success and include strategies for future goals.

    2023 Winner: Ryan Skjerdal of Vortex Plumbing & Heating; MegaDry Restoration Services Inc.


    Business of the Year

    The ABEX Business of the Year Award is presented to the business that has exhibited exceptional performance in resilience, growth, stability, and overall business excellence. The recipient of this award is selected by the ABEX Judging Committee from all 2024 ABEX recipients, spanning across all application-based categories.

    If you are indicated in being considered for this award, please check “yes” when prompted on your application for the application-based categories. A member of our team will be in touch.

    Sponsored By Grant Thornton LLP

    Category Requirements

    REQUIREMENTS

    • Must be a for-profit business.
    • Must be financially viable.
    • Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least three years at the time of applying.
    • Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
    • Must show evidence of business excellence across multiple areas of business.
    • Must show evidence of economic impact on the province.

    2023 Winner: Harbour Landing Village


    Sponsorship Package

    As Saskatchewan’s premier business awards, ABEX sponsorship provides your organization with incredible opportunities to be seen by business leaders and entrepreneurs from various sectors, sizes, and locations across the province. Download our comprehensive Annual Sponsorship Package, or scroll down to browse specific ABEX Awards opportunities.

    Download the 2024 Sponsorship Package

    ABEX Awards Sponsorship Opportunities

    Presenting Sponsor

    Quantity: 1
    Investment: $25,000
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Opportunity to welcome the audience (3 minutes) and presentation of the Saskatchewan Hall of Fame Award.
    • Premium logo and/or name recognition on virtually all promotional graphics, day-of signage, formal invitations, advertisements, etc.
    • Verbal recognition as presenting sponsor during the event program.
    • One (1) complimentary advertisement in SCC’s monthly e-newsletter (creative to be provided by sponsor).
    • ¼ page advertisement in SCC’s Annual Report.
    • Four (4) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • 16 VIP tickets (2 tables) to the event.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Student Sponsor

    Quantity: 1
    Investment: $15,000
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Opportunity to address the audience (2 minutes).
    • Logo featured in invitations to students of post-secondary institutions (approx. 50 students).
    • Recognized as the student sponsor in communication to the attending students.
    • Verbal recognition as the student sponsor in the event program.
    • One (1) complimentary advertisement in SCC’s monthly e-newsletter (creative to be provided by sponsor).
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Eight (8) VIP tickets (1 table) to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Award Sponsor

    Quantity: 12
    Status: 1 AVAILABLE
    Investment: $7,500
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Opportunity to introduce and present the sponsored category (2 minutes).
    • Elevated logo feature in the event program near the beginning of the program.
    • Name recognition in the event program for the sponsored category.
    • Logo featured in SCC & ABEX social media relating to the sponsored category.
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Eight (8) VIP tickets (1 table) to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Wine Sponsor

    Quantity: 1
    Status: AVAILABLE
    Investment: $6,500
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Logo featured on the wine tags on each table.
    • Verbal recognition as the wine sponsor near the beginning of the program.
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Four (4) VIP tickets to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Dinner Sponsor

    Quantity: 1
    Status: AVAILABLE
    Investment: $6,500
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Logo featured on the dinner menus at each place setting.
    • Verbal recognition as the dinner sponsor during the dinner portion of the evening.
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Four (4) VIP tickets to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Reception Sponsor

    Quantity: 1
    Investment: $6,000
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Verbal recognition as reception sponsor near the start of the program.
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Four (4) VIP tickets to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Gift Sponsor

    Quantity: 1
    Status: AVAILABLE
    Investment: $5,000
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Logo featured on gift bag tags for finalists (approx. ~40 gift bags).
    • Opportunity to include congratulatory message in each bag (provided by sponsor).
    • Opportunity to include one (1) item in each gift bag (provided by sponsor).
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Four (4) VIP tickets to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.

    Contributing Sponsor

    Quantity: 6
    Status: AVAILABLE
    Investment: $3,500
    • Full ABEX logo package.*
    • Enhanced listing on the SCC Member Directory for the length of the sponsorship.
    PLUS
    • Two (2) tickets for the Sponsor/Finalist Reception.
    • Two (2) VIP tickets to the ABEX Awards.

    *The ABEX logo package includes recognition on the ABEX Awards webpage, event program, event slideshow, and verbal recognition at the event.


    ABEX Awards Judging Process

    The ABEX Awards are open to all Saskatchewan-based businesses. All completed applications are forwarded by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to an independent auditing firm. The auditing firm scores each application using a scoring matrix.

    Once the application forms have been analyzed, a judging meeting is called in mid-August. Here, a group of independent judges – business leaders, representatives from post-secondary education institutions, and past-Chairs of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, go through applications, debate the merits of each application and vote.

    The judges select finalists per category, and then select one winner per category from the group of finalists. The winner is chosen based on the quality of the application and the business excellence of each finalist as it relates to the unique requirements of each ABEX award category.

    Sponsors

    Presenting Sponsor
    ABEX SAFETY SPONSOR
    Award Sponsors
    Abex Hospitality Sponsor
    ABEX Student SPONSOR
    ABEX Décor SPONSOR
    Abex Contributing Sponsors
    For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact:

    Josie Fries

    Director of Marketing and Events

    306-781-3125

    jfries@saskchamber.com

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