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Celebrating local business

Finalists announced for Samuel McLeod Business Awards

Mar 23, 2026 | 9:32 AM

The 35th Annual Samuel McLeod Business Awards (SMBAs) Gala is less than a month away and the finalists have been announced.

The event on April 10 at Plaza 88, is organized by the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, and features 12 award categories including innovation, customer service, community involvement, and leadership.

Business Transformation Award- Sponsored by Ministry of Trade and Export Development

This award is presented to a business or organization that has completed renovations or restored a property or building that already exists within the last two years and the improvements of this property have shown a positive impact on its surrounding community.

  • PA Alarms
  • Econo Lumber
  • Triple S Transport

Business Leader of the Year Sponsored by MNP

This award recognizes Business leaders in the Prince Albert and District who ensure that their employees are at the heart of their success. Entrants are expected to show how they invest in their staff, engage and include them in the business and outline what it is they do that makes for a happy and healthy workforce.

  • Tim Keller
  • Shantel Kalika
  • David Tweidt

 Community Involvement- Sponsored by SaskTel

This award is presented to the business or community organization demonstrating exceptional performance in its support of the arts and culture, tourism, amateur sports, education, healthcare or voluntary groups.

  • Feher Financial
  • Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual
  • Affinity Credit Union

Customer Service Award- Sponsored by RBC

This Award is presented to a business with a proven record of delivering outstanding service to its customers/clients. 

  • Wick’s Detailing
  • PA Security Services
  • Gray’s Funeral Chapel

Diversity in the Workplace – Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

This award will be presented to a business or organization that has excelled in developing and implementing workplace diversity strategies and programs that recruit, and engage indigenous people, visible minorities and/or people with disabilities.

  • Gardaworld
  • First Nations Insurance
  • McDonald’s

Indigenous Business Award – Sponsored by Northern Lights Casino

This award honors excellence and focuses on the successes of Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.

  • Paskwaw Strategies
  • Optek Solutions
  • Princess Designs

Marketing- Sponsored by BDC

This award will be presented to the business demonstrating exceptional performance in the execution of a successful marketing strategy.

  • Mann Northway
  • Cornerstone Insurance
  • ET Flooring

New Venture- Sponsored by McKercher LLP

This award is presented to a new business venture established within the last two years that has already shown exceptional performance in terms of current or expected profitability.

  • Supplement King
  • The Canadian Brewhouse
  • The Foil Room

Non-Profit Organization Award- Sponsored by Affinity Credit Union

This award is presented to the organization that exemplifies excellence and innovation in their programs, projects, and partnerships. Their commitment to growth and expanded programs, as well as service, community involvement, sustainable practices and/or job creation/ development demonstrates a dedicated focus on achieving their vision and mandate

  • Rose Garden Hospice
  • River Valley Resilience
  • Mann Art Gallery

Young Entrepreneur – Sponsored by Prince Albert and District Community Futures

This award recognizes an entrepreneur between the ages of 18-35 who has achieved great success in the start-up and operation of a new or existing business, has long-term goals and demonstrates innovation by adapting to marketplace challenges resulting in a competitive advantage. The Young Entrepreneur recipient is proving to be on his/her way to becoming a prominent business leader.

  • Lacey Lorenson
  • Electra Zoller
  • Lexi & Jordan Carriere

Micro Enterprise of the Year – Sponsored by the BMI Group

This award will be presented to a business that has demonstrated success and exceptional performance in the above categories. They must have only 1 to 5 full time employees.

  • Paskwaw Strategies
  • Wicks Detailing
  • Heart Space Clay

 Business of the Year- Sponsored by Prosperity Credit Union

This award will be presented to a business that has demonstrated success and exceptional performance in the above categories.

  • Riverside Dodge
  • North Country Medi Spa
  • Kachurs Golf Club

Established in 1990, the SMBAs were created to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses both large and small.

The 34th annual SMBAs were held in April, where Parkland Ambulance was named Business of the Year.

panews@pattisonemedia.com

On X: @princealbertnow