Winners surprised and humbled at this year’s Samuel McLeod Business Awards

“There was some really great candidates and those that we’ve worked closely with,” she said. “We’ve got a great team that puts a lot of effort in and that’s not really about the accolades so much when we’re doing it, but to have that recognition is hugely humbling and a big honor.”

The company was nominated last year for the Community Involvement Award which went to Mann-Northway. Bos-Atchison explained why it is important for the team to be involved in the community.

“It’s really important that we are able to celebrate all of life milestones and moments and assist people not only at their time of need but through all the good times as well,” she said. “It’s a way to give back and a way to enrich the lives of our community.”

Before the first awards were handed out, the Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to the late Trevor Ives, the winner of this year’s Legacy Award.

Ives spent three decades working with the Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC).

During his tenure, Trevor oversaw the start of three Petro Canada franchises, a Tim Hortons, four Super 8 franchises and an investment in JNE Welding, which is recognized under Canada’s Best Managed Companies program.

He also gave his time to various corporate boards and spent years volunteering on the National Board of Directors for Indigenous Works Canada.

Ives died of myeloma on October 30, 2023.

His widow Shauna Ives was present for the tribute on Friday and was wrapped in a star blanket by members of the PAGC and Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies.

Shauna Ives is wrapped in a star blanket during the Samuel McLeod Business Awards. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Afterward, Shauna thanked the business community for their support and acknowledged the hard work her husband did in developing business opportunities for First Nations.

Another big award winner from the evening was Marianne Turcotte with Beau Lac Funeral Home who won Business Leader of The Year. She received a standing ovation as she accepted her award and afterward was still speechless that she won.

“It’s just such an incredible honor, and it’s an honor to be amongst such accomplished folks,” she said. “We started in PA right from the ground up so it’s amazing to be amongst the leaders of funeral service providers in Prince Albert.”

Marianne Turcotte (right) accepts the Business Leader of the Year Award. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Another award recipient who was surprised that his name was called was Aiden Edwards, the owner of JamFam Media. In the last few years, Edwards has received a ton of work for his visual graphics company including from the Saskatchewan Rattlers and Fan Controlled Football (FCF) in Atlanta.

He told paNOW after the ceremony that he only started getting contracts in town in the last couple of years but he hopes that continues.

“I just love this city and makes me love it even more,” he said, adding that after graduation he hopes to establish an office for JamFam in Prince Albert.

“Definitely want to base it out of P.A. It’s important to me…it’s my hometown.”

Aiden Edwards is all smiles after winning Young Entreprneur of the Year. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

The Rose Garden Hospice, which finally opened its facility last fall took home the Non-Profit Organization Award.

Other award winners included:

Diversity in the Workplace – Mont St. Joseph

Indigenous Business Award – Tipi Fuel and Convenience

Business Transformation – WillowGrove Pharmacy

Customer Service – Diamond North Credit Union

Marketing Award – Capstone Marketing

New Business Venture – Fresh Air Experience (Bike and Board Shop)

Micro Enterprise – Heart and Home

The winners of the 33rd Annual Samuel McLeod Business Awards. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

After all the awards were given out and the final speeches wrapped up, those who organized the event took some time to reflect on the ceremony, the winners, and the finalists.

CEO of the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce Patty Hughes said it’s always great to have a night to honour the accomplishments of its members and that the awards committee had their hands full.

“One thing that came back from the judges this year was how difficult it was for them and to select the finalists and overall (winners),” she said. “When people went through, they were very shocked of who the winners would be just because it could have been any of them.”

While no new categories were added this year, Hughes said the committee continues to get feedback and ideas about how they can recognize more businesses in the future.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Craddock

Winners surprised and humbled at this year’s Samuel McLeod Business Awards

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