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Since 1984, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of businesses that have consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in their respective fields. Since 1984, we have been privileged to present the prestigious ABEX Awards, a symbol of distinction that highlights the resilience, vision, and dedication of the entrepreneurial spirit in Saskatchewan.

These awards not only signify business prowess but also embody the spirit of collaboration, growth, and positive impact on our local and global communities. From trailblazing startups to established industry leaders, each recipient has left an indelible mark on Saskatchewan’s economic landscape. Below, you’ll find our winners dating back from 1984 to today.

Table with ABEX Awards

2023

  • Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP  Harbour Landing Village
  • Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame, presented by Conexus Credit Union  The Hill Group of Companies
  • Community Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by SaskEnergy  David Dubé
  • Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by University of Regina  Tim Gitzel
  • Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award – Pat Friesen
  • Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic  Precision AI
  • Marketing Award, sponsored by Discover Saskatoon – Harbour Landing Village
  • Export Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership  Omitted due to insufficient applications 
  • Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross – Wiegers Financial & Benefits
  • Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award, sponsored by Cameco  Ryan Skjerdal of Vortex Plumbing & Heating; MegaDry Restoration Services Inc.
  • Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.  MegaDry Disaster Restoration Inc.
  • New Venture Award, sponsored by Government of Saskatchewan  Phantom Light Distillery
  • Service Award, sponsored by KPMG LLP  The Atlas˚ Hotel
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, sponsored by NutrienTokata HR Solutions

2022

  • Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP  Maven Water & Environment
  • Community Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by SaskEnergy  Eric Dillon
  • Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by University of Regina  Valerie Sluth
  • Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame, presented by Conexus Credit Union  McKercher LLP
  • Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award – Evan Ortynsky
  • Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic  Custom Agricultural Intelligence
  • Marketing Award, sponsored by Discover Saskatoon  Sandy Shores Resort & Marina
  • Export Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership  Canadian Organic Spice & Herb Co.
  • Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross – Synergy Credit Union
  • Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award, sponsored by Cameco  Alicia Soulier, SalonScale Technologies Inc.
  • Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.  Maven Water & Environment
  • New Venture Award, sponsored by Government of Saskatchewan  Farmer Jane Cannabis Co.
  • Service Award, sponsored by KPMG LLP  Pet Planet Prince Albert

2021

  • Business of the Year Award, sponsored by David Aplin Group  Vendasta
  • Community Leader of the Year Award – Pamela Klein
  • Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by University of Regina  Murad Al-Katib
  • Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame, presented by Conexus Credit Union  Novlan Bros. 
  • Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award – Rob Clark
  • Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic  Greenwave Innovations Inc.
  • Marketing Award, sponsored by Xplornet Enterprise Solutions  Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream
  • Export Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership  XPT Grain Inc.
  • Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP  Avana
  • Priority Focus Award (Digital Integration), sponsored by Nutrien  Vendasta
  • Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award, sponsored by Cameco  Cody Demerais, Limitless Clothing Gear
  • Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.  9 Mile Legacy Brewing Co.
  • New Venture Award – Curbie Cars
  • Service Award sponsored by CN  Clarity Coaching & Development

2020

  • Business of the Year Award sponsored by David Aplin Group  Dutch Growers
  • Community Leader of the Year Award – Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation
  • Business Leader of the Year Award sponsored by University of Regina  Greg Yuel, PIC Investment Group
  • Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame – Flaman Group of Companies
  • Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award – Richard Ahenakew, Northern Lights Casino
  • Innovation Award sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic  Deveraux Group of Companies
  • Marketing Award sponsored by Minard’s Leisure World  Pile O’ Bones Brewing Company
  • Export Award sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership  VIDO-InterVac
  • Community Involvement Award sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP  Spiro’s Family Restaurant
  • Priority Focus Award (Resilience) – Tangerine Group of Companies
  • Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award sponsored by Cameco  The Everyday Kitchen
  • Growth and Expansion Award sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.  Dutch Growers
  • New Venture Award – SANOZONE by Ground Effects Environmental Services
  • Service Award sponsored by CN  Indian Head Bakery
  • Awards of Merit
    • Harbour Landing Village
    • Melissa Carson
    • Fast Trucking

2019

  • Business of the Year – JNE Welding Limited.
  • Innovation Award – Sperling Silver Distillery
  • New Venture Award – Greenwave Innovations
  • Community Involvement Award – Spotlight Sport & Corporate Wear
  • Priority Focus Award – JNE Welding Limited
  • Marketing Award – Escape Manor
  • Service Award – CRAVINGS maternity – baby – kids
  • Growth & Expansion Award – Vendasta
  • Export Award – Temple Audio Design Inc.
  • Business Leader of the Year Award – Wayne Clifton
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Chelsey Harder, Passions Beauty Studio
  • Community Leaders of the Year Award – Wally & Colleen Mah

2018

  • Business of the Year – Industrial Machine & Mfg. Inc.
  • Innovation Award – InfraReady Products (1998) Ltd.
  • New Venture Award – Ironside Energy Services
  • Community Involvement Award – Affinity Credit Union
  • Priority Focus Award – Orano Canada Inc.
  • Marketing Award – Luxury Granite
  • Service Award – Historic Reesor Ranch
  • Growth & Expansion Award – Canadian Organic Spice & Herb Co. Inc.
  • Export Award – Industrial Machine & Mfg. Inc.
  • Business Leader of the Year Award – Grant J. Kook
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Haylie Lashta, Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness
  • Community Leader of the Year Award – Donald E. Kramer

2017

  • Business of the Year – CAA Sakatchewan
  • Innovation Award – IntraGrain Technologies Inc.
  • New Venture Award – 9 Mile Legacy Brewing
  • Community Involvement Award – S & E Trusted Online Directories
  • Priority Focus Award – North Ridge Development Corporation
  • Marketing Award – Diamonds of Detroit
  • Service Award – CAA Saskatchewan
  • Growth & Expansion Award – The Deveraux Group of Companies
  • Export Award – Vendasta
  • Business Leader of the Year Award – Geoff Gay
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Dustin Nehring & Taylor Lang of N.L. Construction Inc.
  • Community Leader of the Year Award – Chief Tammy Cook-Searson

2016

  • Business of the Year – Hillberg & Berk
  • Innovation Award – Hospitality Network Canada (2011) Inc.
  • New Venture Award – Black Bridge Brewery
  • Community Involvement Award – Cornerstone Credit Union
  • Priority Focus Award – Park Town Hotel
  • Marketing Award – Hillberg & Berk
  • Service Award – Viterra
  • Growth & Expansion Award – The Saskatoon Cooperative Association Limited
  • Export Award – Crestline Coach Ltd
  • Business Leader of the Year Award – Gavin Semple
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Elysia Vandenhurk and Natasha Vandenhurk (Three Farmers Products)
  • Community Cornerstone Award – Standard Motors

2015

  • Business of the Year – Minard’s Leisure World
  • Innovation Award – Bioriginal Food & Science Corp.
  • New Venture Award – W Bridals ~ Curvy Couture
  • Community Involvement Award – P.A.R Contracting
  • Priority Focus Award – Display Systems International Inc.
  • Marketing Award – Minard’s Leisure World
  • Service Award – North Ridge Development
  • Growth & Expansion Award – TA Foods
  • Export Award – CanMar Grain Products Ltd.
  • Business Leader of the Year Award – Joel Teal
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Steve McKenna – McKenna Distribution, Luxury Granite and R&M Flooring
  • Community Cornerstone Award – Midwest Furniture & Appliances

2014

  • Business of the Year – Yorkton Plumbing & Heating
  • Innovation Award – Peachy Printer
  • New Venture Award – Quickthree Solutions
  • Community Involvement Award – Redhead Equipment
  • Environment Award – Three Farmers Products
  • Marketing Award – S&E Trusted Online Directories
  • Service Award – Yorkton Plumbing & Heating
  • Growth & Expansion Award – NL Construction
  • Export Award – Push Interactions Inc.
  • Business Leader of the Year Award – Paul J. Hill, The Hill Companies 
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Jessica Tetu – Just for You Day Spa & Gift Studio
  • Community Cornerstone Award – Ted Matheson Men’s Wear

2013 and earlier

Winners dating back to the first ABEX Awards in 1984 can be found ABEX Awards Winners up to 2023

Past ABEX Recipients 

Special Award Categories

The below award categories are carefully selected each year by the ABEX Judging Committee, comprised of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Past-Presidents. These individuals are industry experts, thought leaders, and seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the evaluation process. Browse our special award winners below.

Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame Inductees

  • 1990: Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, McCallum Hill Limited, Flexi-Coil Ltd.
  • 1991: Federated Co-operatives Limited
  • 1992: Athabasca Airways Ltd. (- Transwest Air)
  • 1993: Intercontinental Packers Limited (Mitchell’s Gourmet Foods Inc.)
  • 1994: Morris Industries Ltd.
  • 1995: The Concorde Group of Companies
  • 1996: IPSCO Inc.
  • 1997: Nelson Lumber Company Ltd.
  • 1998: Kramer Ltd.
  • 1999: Early’s Farm & Garden Centre Inc.
  • 2000: El-Rancho Food Services Ltd.
  • 2001: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
  • 2002: IMC Potash
  • 2003: Cameco Corporation
  • 2004: PIC Investment Group Inc.
  • 2005: Brandt Group of Companies
  • 2006: PCL Construction Management Inc.
  • 2007: Yanke Group of Companies
  • 2008: Doepker Industries
  • 2009: Rawlco Radio
  • 2010: Miners Construction Co. Ltd.
  • 2011: Weyburn Inland Terminal
  • 2012: Potash Corp. Of Saskatchewan
  • 2013: Anderson Pump House
  • 2014: M.D. Ambulance Care
  • 2015: Graham
  • 2016: Prairie Mud Service
  • 2017: AREVA Resources Canada
  • 2018: Meridian Surveys Inc.
  • 2019: O & T Farms Ltd.
  • 2020: Flaman Sales
  • 2021: Novlan Brothers Sales
  • 2022: McKercher LLP
  • 2023: The Hill Companies

Business of the Year Award

  • 1984: Develcon
  • 1985: North Canada Air Ltd. (Norcanair)
  • 1986: Intercontinental Packers
  • 1987: Humboldt Flour Mills
  • 1988: Weyerhauser Canada Ltd., Saskatchewan Division
  • 1989: Doepker Industries Ltd.
  • 1990: N. Yanke Transfer Ltd.
  • 1991: Great Western Brewing Company Ltd.
  • 1992: Spar Group Ltd.
  • 1993: Brandt Industries Ltd.
  • 1994: Thomson Meats Ltd.
  • 1995: Cameco Corporation
  • 1996: Software 2000 Inc.
  • 1997: WaveCom Electronics Inc.
  • 1998: Cover-All Business Systems
  • 1999: Superior Millwork Ltd.
  • 2000: Weyerhauser Saskatchewan Ltd.
  • 2001: Doepker Industries Ltd.
  • 2002: Nexans Canada Inc.
  • 2003: Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation
  • 2004: Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc.
  • 2005: VCom Inc.
  • 2006: Eagle Drilling Service
  • 2007: Partners In Motion
  • 2008: The Mosaic Company
  • 2009: North Ridge Development Corporation
  • 2010: Jay’s Moving and Storage Ltd.
  • 2011: Magna Electric
  • 2012: Alliance Grain Traders
  • 2013: Diamonds of Detroit AND Alliance Energy
  • 2014: Yorkton Plumbing & Heating
  • 2015: Minard’s Leisure World
  • 2016: Hillberg & Berk
  • 2017: CAA Saskatchewan
  • 2018: Industrial Machine and Manufacturing Inc.
  • 2019: JNE Welding Ltd.
  • 2020: Dutch Growers
  • 2021: Vendasta
  • 2022: Maven Water and Environment
  • 2023: Harbour Landing Village

ABEX Business Leader of the Year Recipients

  • 2006 Shaun Semple, Brandt Tractor Ltd.
  • 2007 Walter Mah, North Ridge Development
  • 2008 Dennis Goll, West Wind Aviation
  • 2009 Clay Dowling – Ghost Transportation Services
  • 2010 Harry Watson, Triple 4 Advertising Ltd.
  • 2011 Jerry Grandey, Cameco Corp.
  • 2012 Holly Hetherington, David Aplin Group
  • 2013 Ron Carson, Carson Energy Services Ltd.
  • 2014: Paul J. Hill, The Hill Companies
  • 2015: Joel Teal
  • 2016: Gavin Semple, Brandt
  • 2017: Geoff Gay, Athabasca Basin Development
  • 2018: Grant J. Kook, Westcap Management
  • 2019: Wayne Clifton, Clifton & Associates
  • 2020: Greg Yuel, PIC Investment Group
  • 2021: Murad Al-Katib, AGT Foods
  • 2022: Valerie Sluth, Praxis Consulting
  • 2023: Tim Gitzel, Cameco Corporation

ABEX Community Leader of the Year Recipients

  • 2017: Chief Tammy Cook Searson
  • 2018: Donald E. Kramer
  • 2019: Walter & Colleen Mah
  • 2020: Chief Cadmus Delorme
  • 2021: Pamela Klein
  • 2022: Eric Dillon
  • 2023: David Dubé

Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award

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 across Saskatchewan.

  • 2014: Ted Hillstead
  • 2015: Bob Schutznan
  • 2016: Pat Tenney
  • 2017: Kent Smith-Windsor
  • 2018: Linda Machniak
  • 2019: John Hopkins
  • 2020: Richard Anenakew
  • 2021: Rob Clark
  • 2022: Evan Ortynsky
  • 2023: Pat Friesen
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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