This year’s ABEX Awards, presented by Conexus Credit Union, brought together businesses from across the province at TCU Place in Saskatoon on October 20, 2018.

Industrial Machine and Mfg. Inc. is the recipient of the ‘Business of the Year’ Award, sponsored by the David Aplin Group, as well as the Export Award, for its ingenuity and quality products that it continues to successfully export worldwide.

“Although all finalists were deserving of the Business of the Year Award, Industrial Machine and Mfg. Inc. has been bringing Saskatchewan quality and expertise to customers around the world. In this competitive industry, Industrial Machine has made its mark internationally and we are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize its success with this ABEX award,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Meridian Surveys has been inducted into the ‘Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame’ for its excellence in the surveying industry.

“We are so pleased to induct Meridian Surveys into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame. This company has been an integral part of the growth of our province and with its focus on new technology and new markets we look forward to the next 50 years,” said McLellan.

For her significant contributions to the Saskatchewan Chamber network and her work with the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, Linda Machniak is the recipient of the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award.

“Linda’s knowledge of the chamber network and her dedication to the business community in the Battlefords has ensured the success of that chamber and she is well respected in our chamber network,” said Steve McLellan.

Grant J. Kook is the recipient of the 2018 ABEX ‘Business Leader of the Year’ award, sponsored by the University of Regina. This award celebrates his business success, his contributions to the Saskatchewan business community and his expertise as a business visionary. Mr. Kook is the founder, President and CEO of Westcap Management Ltd. and has been instrumental in the capital eco-system in Saskatchewan.

“Grant J. Kook is an exceptional business leader and his dedication to the Saskatchewan business community has positively influenced the growth of Saskatchewan’s economy, bringing it to where it is today,” said McLellan.

The 2018 ABEX Awards posthumously honoured Donald E. Kramer as ‘Community Leader of the Year’. This award, sponsored by SaskEnergy, recognizes an individual who has made a positive contribution to Saskatchewan communities through volunteerism and philanthropy.

McLellan said, “We are so pleased to be able to honour Don Kramer. The quiet generosity he showed in his lifetime will continue to support programs across our province for decades to come.”

This year, over 80 ABEX nominations were received and 50 finalists were selected. Ultimately, 12 Saskatchewan businesses were recognized as Achieving Business Excellence Award recipients. By striving for excellence, these winners personify business success in Saskatchewan.