NSBA Announces Finalists for 20th Annual Business Builder Awards
Posted on March 8, 2017 in In the Media
The Sky Is the Limit
NSBA Announces Finalists for
20th Annual Business Builder Awards
Saskatoon, SK – The NSBA is pleased to announce the finalists for the 20th Annual Business Builder Awards. Winners will be announced at the Awards banquet on Thursday, March 30, beginning at 5:00 pm at Prairieland Park.
Growing in stature, reputation and attendance year after year, the NSBA Business Builder Awards are arguably the premier awards banquet in Saskatoon. Last year this event saw an attendance of over 550 registrants; based on the interest in nominations, applications and current ticket sales, organizers are confident that number will again be achieved, or exceeded in 2017.
This year’s theme for the prestigious awards banquet is: The Sky Is the Limit. The theme is particularly meaningful this year for our Province, which has seen a downturn in the economy in a number of sectors. Despite economic hardships, our Province and City retain a prairie attitude of hard working and hopeful individuals; The Sky Is the Limit for what business in Saskatchewan can achieve.
“The image we’ve chosen to accompany our theme is not so much about fashion,” says Brenda Wasylow, the NSBA’s current Board Chair. “Rather it symbolizes durability which really describes our businesses in Saskatchewan; lasting, durable. This past year has been full of both challenges and opportunities for our businesses. Our Business Builder Awards banquet will provide a chance for each of us to slow down for a moment, to take stock of our successes and to celebrate those exceptional businesses among us, deserving of recognition and honour.”
“Despite a slowdown in our economy, we still are seeing a number of businesses from within our membership continue to have success,” adds Keith Moen, NSBA Executive Director. “This is important because there are enough negative stories around and it’s nice to have a number of positive stories to counteract that. And we certainly have a number of those to share from within the NSBA.”
The Finalists for the following awards:
Export Award – sponsored by NBC – National Bank of Canada, awarded to the NSBA business that successfully entered or expanded in a market outside Saskatchewan.
Finalists: Dingwall Guitars Inc.
Graycon I.T., Powered by Ricoh
NSC Minerals Ltd.
Rock & Bloom
Pursuit of Excellence Award – sponsored by Colliers International, awarded to the NSBA business that recognizes and pursues activities which defines, promotes and identifies it as an industry leader among its peers and/or within the business community.
Finalists: Allnorth
Associated Engineering
Mitchinson Flight Centre
Vendasta Technologies, Inc.
Safe Employer Award – sponsored by Saskatchewan Worker’s Compensation Board, awarded to the NSBA business that exemplifies and promotes safety in the workplace.
Finalists: Ardel Steel Inc.
GardaWorld Protective Services
Northern Strands Group of Companies
Park Derochie Coatings (SK) Inc.
Team Building Award – sponsored by SaskTel, awarded to the NSBA business whose management and staff promote and foster a team working environment.
Finalists: Keystone Paving Corporation
Parr Auto Body
Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association
Vendasta Technologies, Inc.
Community Builder Award – sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, awarded to the NSBA business that demonstrates a clear commitment to operating in a philanthropic and empathetic manner in the community.
Finalists: Great Western Brewing Company
Hairstyle Inn Salon
The Northern Strands Group of Companies
Treeternity Memorial Forest
Quality Management Award – sponsored by PWC, awarded to the NSBA business that recognizes and pursues activities which define, promote and inspire quality products, services and values.
Finalists: Ardel Steel Inc.
Complete Technologies
Parr Auto Body
Saskatoon Fire and Flood
Employee Retention & Development Award – sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, awarded to the NSBA business that pursues excellence through employee development and training. Home to a stable and/or growing workforce, this business fosters an environment for lifelong learning, career advancement, internal leadership development, and/or the potential for succession opportunities.
Finalists: Graycon I.T., Powered by Ricoh
Mitchinson Flight Centre
Park Town Hotel
zu
New Direction Award – sponsored by BDC, Business Development Bank of Canada, awarded to the NSBA business that identifies and pursues a new business idea.
Finalists: Firebird Business Consulting Ltd.
ProjectLine Solutions Inc.
Treeternity Memorial Forest
YasTech Developments
Small Business Award – sponsored by Parr Auto Body, awarded to the NSBA small business (10 employees or less) that promotes quality in product and customer service.
Finalists: Anchor Managed Solutions Ltd.
Complete Technologies
Express Employment Professionals – Saskatoon
Rock & Bloom
Business Builder Award (by member vote via text-to-vote on the evening of the banquet on March 30th) – sponsored by ICR Commercial Real Estate, is awarded to the NSBA business recognized by NSBA members for contributing to the success of NSBA members. Like our Young Promising Entrepreneur Award, the winner will ultimately be chosen by the attendees at the Awards Banquet!
Finalists: Kavia Auto Body
Koncept Sign Group
Park Derochie Coatings (SK) Inc.
Saskatoon Funeral Home
Young Promising Entrepreneur Award (by member vote via text-to-vote on the evening of the banquet on March 30th) – sponsored by Affinity Credit Union, awarded to the entrepreneur and business pitch that shows the most potential as determined by the guests on the evening of the banquet.
Finalists: Athlete Era
Create Cafe 3D Printing Solutions Inc.
The Foggy Lemon Development
Sask Stuff
Member of the Year Award (by Board of Director vote) – sponsored by JNE Welding Ltd., awarded to the NSBA member or employee of an NSBA member who has portrayed exceptional commitment to the NSBA and exemplifies the image of a successful and involved community leader. The winner of this award will be announced at the awards banquet on March 30th.
The Shirley Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award (by Board of Director vote) – sponsored by Loraas Disposal Services, awarded to an individual for their outstanding long-term contributions to their business or occupation, and whose leadership skills and passion have benefited the Saskatoon business community overall. The winner of this award will be announced at the awards banquet on March 30th.
About the NSBA: The NSBA is a member-driven and focused organization that serves, promotes and protects business throughout Saskatoon and beyond. Though our origins and roots are in Saskatoon’s north end, today we encompass far more than that. We have developed our mandate and reputation by being a relevant, topical and effective organization that interacts with all levels of government and industry on a variety of issues for the betterment of our local economy.
Contact:
Keith Moen, Executive Director
(306) 242-3060
Lara Thompson, Events Coordinator
(306) 242-2543 – work