For Immediate Release

2014 ABEX Finalist list unmasked

The countdown to ABEX 2014 is on, and the list of finalists for the business excellence awards ceremony, to be held November 1 at the Delta Regina Hotel, has been revealed.

“The judges faced a significant challenge in selecting who the top businesses were,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, who hosts the event. “The overall quality of the nominations was stellar this year. Saskatchewan business is really making a name for itself, and we are so pleased to join with presenting sponsor Conexus Credit Union to be able to celebrate these success stories. We received 85 nominations from businesses of every size, every market and every area of the province.”

In the Community Involvement category sponsored by BHP Billiton, the finalists included Fast Trucking from Carnduff, PAR Contracting of Weyburn, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) from Saskatoon, Redhead Equipment from Regina, RH Electric from Yorkton, and Weigers Financial & Benefits from Saskatoon.

The Growth & Expansion Award Finalists are Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation of Saskatoon, High  Octane Welding of Meadow Lake, NL Construction of Yorkton, North Ridge Development Corp. of Saskatoon, and RH Electric of Yorkton. This award is sponsored by PFM Capital Inc.

Saskatoon swept the Innovation category finalists, with Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation of Saskatoon, Peachy Printer, Push Interactions, Quickthree Solutions and Xylem Inc. vying for the top position. Innovation Saskatchewan sponsors this award.

Dream Development and Farideh Marketing of Regina, Gold Eagle Lodge of North Battleford,  North Prairie Developments of Saskatoon and S&E Trusted Online Directories of Saskatoon are the contenders for the ABEX Marketing Award, sponsored by Handy Special Events.

The New Business Venture Award finalists are McKenna Distribution & Luxury Granite of Regina, Quickthree Solutions of Saskatoon, RCM Safety Services of Yorkton, Streamline Oilfield Services Ltd. of Weyburn, and Triumph Construction of Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy sponsors this category.

In the Service category, sponsored by Canalta Hotels, the finalists were Innovative Rehabilitation Consultants of Saskatoon, North Prairie Developments of Saskatoon, North Ridge Development Corp. of Saskatoon, Yorkton Plumbing & Heating of Yorkton and SIGA.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists include: Jessica Tetu (Just for You Day Spa & Gift Studio) of Regina/Saskatoon, Bridie Lunde (Little Red Market Café) of Mortlach, Steve McKenna (McKenna Distribution) of Regina, Timothy Martin (Mint Holdings) of Regina, Joseph Dosch (Prairie Diesel Inc.) of Humboldt, and Elysia & Natasha Vandenhurk (Three Farmers Products) of Saskatoon. Cameco sponsors this Award.

Blue Earth Environmental of Weyburn, Emterra of Regina and Three Farmers Products of Saskatoon will compete to take home the Environment Award, sponsored by SaskWater.

Push Interactions Inc. of Saskatoon will receive the Export Award, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP).

Voting for the new Community Cornerstone Award sponsored by SaskEnergy (the only award decided by public selection) is underway at www.abexcornerstone.com. Voting for this award will take place up to and including November 1. The finalists for this award are furnaceguys Home Heating & Cooling of Saskatoon, George Home Hardware of Melfort, Madill’s Drugs of Meadow Lake, the Prairie Dog Drive In of Carlyle and Ted Matheson Men’s Wear of Prince Albert.

The theme for this year’s awards gala is the intrigue and allure of the masquerade. The public is invited to purchase tickets online at www.saskchamber.com, and join the finalists and their guests for a night of mystery and glamour.