Regina, SK – The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 ABEX Awards, presented by Conexus Credit Union. The ABEX awards, now in their 40th year, are the highest award for Saskatchewan business and celebrate the success of businesses and business leaders across the province.
 
ABEX Award recipients will be announced at the ABEX Awards gala on September 16, 2023, at Prairieland Park (Hall A) in Saskatoon, SK. For those who are unable to attend the gala, there will also be an option to tune in to the event virtually.
 
"The ABEX Awards showcase the immense talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Saskatchewan's business community. These finalists have demonstrated remarkable achievements, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. They are the driving force behind our province's economic growth, and we look forward to celebrating their contributions," said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
 
In addition to the eight application-based categories, the Saskatchewan Chamber is pleased to announce the recipients of four special awards. These awards recipients are independently selected by the ABEX Judging Committee.
 
Special Awards:
 
Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco Corporation, is to be presented the ABEX Business Leader of the Year award, sponsored by the University of Regina. This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of a business visionary, and who has contributed meaningfully to the local business community.
 
David Dubé, President and CEO of Concorde Group Corp., will be presented the ABEX Community Leader of the Year award. This award is presented to an individual who has made a positive impact in Saskatchewan through volunteerism and philanthropy.
 
The Hill Companies will be the 2023 inductee into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame. The Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence over an extended period of time, and which have contributed to the economic well-being of Saskatchewan.
 
Pat Friesen has been awarded the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award for her dedication to Saskatchewan’s chamber network. This 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. The recipient of the Roger Phillips Chamber Builder Award is chosen by the current Chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

ABEX Awards Finalists:
 
The Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, is presented to a business that has demonstrated exceptional performance in its support of arts and culture, amateur sports, education, healthcare or the volunteer sector. The 2023 finalists are:

• Athabasca Basin Development (Saskatoon)

• Harbour Landing Village (Regina)

• Saskatoon Fire and Flood (Saskatoon)

• Terry Ortynsky's Royal Ford (Yorkton)

• Wiegers Financial & Benefits (Saskatoon)

 
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Nutrien, is presented to a business that has prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and has moved the needle in their organization or in the community at large. The 2023 finalists are:

• Fitness 2J2 Ltd. (Saskatoon)

• Harbour Landing Village (Regina)

• Kitsaki Vegetation Services (Saskatoon)

• MAGNUS Construction Services (Saskatoon)

• Tokata HR Solutions (Regina)

 
The Growth and Expansion Award, sponsored by PFM Capital Inc., is presented to a business that has made significant change in their business, such as investment or job creation, that has resulted in growth or expansion.  The 2023 finalists are:

• Ehrenburg Homes (Saskatoon)

• MAGNUS Construction Services (Saskatoon)

• Megadry Disaster Restoration (Weyburn)

• Saskatoon Fire and Flood Ltd. (Saskatoon)

• Sask Aquatic Adventures (Regina Beach)

 
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is presented to a business that has used an innovative product, technology, or system to tangibly contribute to improved sales or productivity. The 2023 finalists are:

• BetterCart Analytics (Saskatoon)

• Hillman Audio Video Incorporated (Regina)

• Precision AI (Regina)

• Three Farmers Foods Inc. (Saskatoon)

• Waggle Mail (Dundurn)

 
The Marketing Award, sponsored by CN, is presented to a business that has demonstrated exceptional performance in the execution of a successful marketing strategy or campaign. The 2023 finalists are:

• Crazy Ape Extreme Equipment (Regina)

• Ehrenburg Homes (Saskatoon)

• Harbour Landing Village (Regina)       

• Precision AI (Regina)

• Synergy Credit Union (Lloydminster)

 
The New Venture Award, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development, is presented to a business that has been in existence for three years or less, and has shown positive performance in terms of current or expected profitability, job creation and/or entry into new markets. The 2023 finalists are:

• Megadry Disaster Restoration (Weyburn)

• Phantom Light Distillery (Prince Albert)

• REV Auto Group Inc. (Regina)

• The Prairie Grazer (Saskatoon)

• Vetted HVAC Services Ltd. (Yorkton)

 
The Service Award, sponsored by KPMG LLP, is presented to a business that has demonstrated exceptional performance in providing quality customer service. The 2023 finalists are:

• Abco Elevator (Regina)

• Alliance Health Saskatchewan Inc. (Saskatoon)

• Connected World Translation (Regina)

• The Atlas˚ Hotel (Regina)

• The Prairie Grazer (Saskatoon)

 
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Cameco Corporation, is presented to an entrepreneur between the ages of 18-35, who has achieved success in the start-up and operation of a new or existing business. The 2023 finalists are:

• Brianna Dellezay of Saskatchewan Behaviour Consulting (Saskatoon)

• Kara Montieth & Amber Deschner of Nova Physiotherapy (Warman)

• Luke Shaheen & Armand Konecsni-Luzny of APEX Active Entertainment Group (Regina)

• Mitchell Willie of Axis Vac and HDD Services Ltd. (Saskatoon)

• Ryan Skjerdal of Vortex Plumbing & Heating and Megadry Restoration Services (Weyburn)

 
The ABEX Business of the Year, sponsored by Grant Thornton LLP, is selected from all 2023 recipients, and will be announced live during the ABEX Awards on September 16, 2023.  
  
The ABEX Awards, presented by Conexus Credit Union, is a celebration of the success of Saskatchewan businesses. Tickets are on sale now through September 8, 2023. For further information about the ABEX Awards, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, please visit saskchamber.com 
 
  
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of business and represents the interests of over 10,000 individual businesses, industry associations, and local chambers across the province through its chamber network. Learn more about the 2022 ABEX Awards by visiting saskchamber.com or @ABEXAwards on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.