By Glenn Hicks

P.A. Business Awards finalists announced

Mar 22, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Prince Albert and District tipped their hats to entrepreneurial excellence Thursday, honouring the finalists for the Samuel McLeod Business Awards.

About 130 attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Brunch, with finalists nominated in various categories. It was also an occasion to acknowledge Wayne Hansen, of P.A. Alarm Systems, who won the 2017 Legacy Award.

“The Sam McLeod awards, I think, says to people ‘yeah, we’re all watching, we’ve paid attention, we know you’ve done interesting things and we want to applaud you,’” awards committee member Tracey Feher said.

Feher said businesses in P.A. and the area are one big group of people out supporting each other and doing what they can for the community. She also reflected on Hansen’s legacy and success as an entrepreneur in the city.

“I remember when his business was brand new and he came to our house with a bucket load of stuff … he’s still our security guy now,” she said. “It’s a big life choice to go into business, and lots of hard work, and stories like Wayne’s can motivate others to say ‘maybe I can make a go of it too.’ It’s very inspirational.”

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Chamber of Commerce Chair Meghan Mayer said it was important to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices people make to run a business.

“It’s a lot of work to make it succeed over the years and to keep up with the trends. People need to be honoured for their legacy in Prince Albert,” Mayer said. “When you hear the history of business in this city and stories like Wayne’s, it’s important for younger entrepreneurs and all businesses to dream about going farther and to leave a mark.”

The Samuel McLeod Business Award winners will be announced at a gala event April 26.

Finalists:

Business Transformation

Sponsor: SK Ministry of the Economy

Finalists: Medi-Centre Pharmacy; Tim Hortons/Zap Holdings; Scan-Tech Alarms

Community Involvement

Sponsor: Sasktel

Finalists: S.H.A.R.E/Self help and Recreation Education P.A Inc.; Gateway Mall/Santa Parade; Lake Country Co-op

Marketing

Sponsor: Greenland Waste

Finalists: A2Z Safety & Training Ltd.; Riverside Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram; Reach Out Digital Media

New Venture

Sponsor: Conexus

Aspen Films; Reach Out Digital Media

Non-profit organization

Sponsor: Affinity Credit Union

Finalists: Victoria Hospital Foundation; Spark Theatre; CSC/Pine Industries/SARCAN

Service

Sponsor: RBC

Finalists: Ben’s Auto & House Glass; Riverside Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram; Catholic Family Service

Young Entrepreneur

Sponsor: Community Futures

Finalists: Evan Jenkins – Aspen Films; Erin McAuley – Fringe Lash Lounge

Female Business Leader of the Year

Sponsor: Northern Lights Casino/SIGA

Finalists: Brandi Mogg – Dr. Java’s;  Shelley Gordon – 6th Avenue Car Wash & Uniglas Plus Ziebart; Roses Stewart- Victoria Square Compounding Pharmacy

Male Business Leader of the Year

Sponsor: TD

Finalists: Tim Longworth – Cornerstone Insurance; Dean McKim – Lake Country Co-op; Rodney Beatty Greenland Waste

Business of the Year

Sponsor: Diamond North Credit Union

Finalists: Lake Country COOP; Medi-Centre Pharmacy; Riverside Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow